Today is the annual run for the roses, a celebration of racehorses the come from far and wide to race at the world famous Church Hill Downs for their chance to make history. To commemorate and bring attention to this race of fame, an artist is chosen each year create the poster to represent the Kentucky Derby. This year, Lynn Dunbar has joined the internationally known artists that have had the privilege to create one of  kind poster to represent the most famous American horse race. Below is a little bit about Lynn, followed by a exclusive Q&A!

About Lynn

 

An avid plein air oil painter, Lynn spends a lot of time outside, surrounded by nature as she creates her landscape and nature paintings. “Plein air oil painting allows me to be amidst all this natural beauty, breathing the fresh air, hearing the birds sing, and feeling the sun, breeze (and sometimes rain) against my skin while attempting to paint a “masterpiece.” Painting is my divine connection with nature. “-Lynn Dunbar

After getting the base of a painting started, Lynn takes the plein air studies back to her studio to add the final touches and other aspects to her painting before calling it completed. “Color and composition fill my paintings, as exemplified by the artists I admire; William Wendt, Edgar Payne and Sergei Bongart.” Lynn says. “I started my art career as an advertising art director, and found my way to oil painting through workshops with Wolf Kahn, John Michael Carter, Jill Carver, Bill Fletcher and Skip Whitcomb.”

Q&A: 

TFS: Would you tell us about your paintings and style?

LD: I’m a landscape painter who paints around Louisville and southern Indiana. I love the river and all the beauty in Louisville. My work highlights the power of the horses and the excitement at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Oaks poster highlights the paddock and the aspects of pink.

TFS: How were you chosen to create the poster?

LD: The Kentucky Arts Council recommended me to a sports marketing agency and Church Hill Downs.

TFS: Will you be at the Kentucky Derby?

LD: I will there at Kentucky derby signing posters from 1 to 4 each day.

TFS: Any words of wisdom for aspiring artists?

LD: Keep painting your style. Learn new techniques, take workshops and sketch a bit every day if you can.

 

Thanks for letting me interview you, Lynn! The Kentucky Derby starts at 6:46 p.m EST and you can watch the Live Stream on FuboTV (free trial available) and on the TV Channel NBC. May the best horse win!