California Chrome and ‘The Look of Eagles’

“About the head of a truly great horse there is an air of freedom—unconquerable. The eyes seem to look on heights beyond our gaze. It is the look of a spirit that can soar. It is the birthright of eagles.” John Taintor Foote, ‘The Look of Eagles’ 1916

I thought long and hard about just how I should portray the flashy champion from California. I wanted to bring all of my artistic skills and an eye for Thoroughbred horseflesh to bear on the painting of this very special colt.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, I want it to be this—an amazing story unfolding without words, only brushstrokes, placed just so, in the subtle dapples and golden highlights of a chestnut coat in full bloom. I want the flashing white legs that move with such unbelievable fluidity, to stand strong and upright—muscled and tensed for the runaway victories—ready to post huge speed figures, to annihilate the competition. But more than all of that, I want to paint joy. California Chrome runs for the pure joy of racing. His talent and perseverance are palpable. He knows what he is and what he is capable of. They say he is a blue collar horse, but he isn’t aware of that. There is no denying the pure blood of centuries courses through his veins. To dream the impossible dream—to win the Kentucky Derby—to vie for the Triple Crown, to join the ranks of a select membership that many strive for and so very few attain. He has vaulted himself and his connections to the ‘elusive exclusive’ roster of the racing elite.

California Chrome will stand in the classic conformation pose in my painting. His eye will look far away, with the ‘look of eagles’. I want to stop the action, for just a moment. I want to hold the viewer’s attention for several.

I thought it fitting to call the painting ‘California Chrome—The Look of Eagles’. John Taintor Foote came from Colorado to California and was a well-known Hollywood screenplay writer and author. He loved racehorses, dogs and hunting. His book ‘The Look of Eagles’ was published in 1916 and subsequently became a Hollywood movie called ‘Kentucky’ starring Loretta Young, Richard Greene and Walter Brennan.

I love that California Chrome’s initials are reminiscent of the imprint of two horseshoes. Like the handprints and footprints of famous movie stars embedded in the Walk of Fame in Hollywood—the C C’s of California Chrome will become part of the concrete record of this beloved Thoroughbred, for all of history.

Look for further updates on available prints. 

Elaine Macpherson