There are things animals give us that are hard to put into words.
At HeartWorks, they put some of it into paint.
Original art created by the HeartWorks horses
See What They Made
What does a horse do with all that love? Sometimes, she paints it.
I'm Phoenix. Most of the time I'm watching everything. My herd, the people, what changed, who moved.
Painting is one of the special times I go very still inside. I reach for something. I move with the colour. What I make is for anyone who needs a reminder of how much animals love you.
That exchange is at the heart of how we paint together. There is an intention, a calm space, and choice. Then we follow the animal.
This horse asks you to come a little closer.
I'm Ellen. I like the sun on me, solid ground under my hooves, and being close enough to feel what's really there.
I find that people carry a lot in their hearts. Come here. I'll nuzzle in with you and stay awhile.
We never ask the animals to leave who they are at the edge of the painting. We create the space, hold the intention, and let what is already part of them come through.
This horse thinks you might be missing something interesting.
I'm Jack. If something new turns up, I'm going to look. Obviously.
There's always a lot going on. New smells, something by the gate, a good patch of sun. Ouu, maybe a snack.
I notice that sometimes humans can get a little too serious about knowing exactly where they're going. Me? I like looking around first and enjoying what's in front of me.
Curiosity has a place in the process too. We offer the intention, the materials, and the space, then let the animal explore in their own way.
This horse likes to make up his own mind first.
I'm Scout. When I first heard about painting, I said no way. Then I watched the others do it.
And boy did it look interesting. So I decided in my own time, and for myself. Then I painted. Now? I love it.
Choice matters at every step. We offer the invitation, and the animal decides whether to join, how to engage, and when they're finished.
This dog sees the part of life the horses don't.
I'm Hanna. I get to go into the house, and follow Allesha everywhere she goes on the farm.
I help out in the mornings and through the day. I know my humans appreciate me.
Painting? It's a blast, and I'm always up for anything that involves fun and helping others.
Every animal brings a different way of being into the process. We hold the intention and the space, then let their personality, instincts, and way of moving through the world shape what happens.
This horse shows up differently at the barn.
I'm Giselle and I'm in spirit now. I spent 23 years with my herd. Long enough to know that being close to someone really changes you in a beautiful way.
Being apart and being gone are not the same thing.
I'm still here in spirit, never left. When I paint now, Summer helps.
The HeartWorks process makes room for connection in whatever form it takes. There is intention, choice, and a physical painting partner. Then we follow the relationship that makes the painting possible.
And there are more of them waiting to meet you.
We've only introduced part of the HeartWorks herd. The rest are here too, each with their own personality, history, way of seeing the world, and art of their own.
