The Green Horse: A Soulful Etching

kystellar
Mar 5, 2025
2 min read

My 'Green Horse' etching is a deeply personal work, born from my love for drawing and my fascination with the purity I see in animals' eyes. When I look into an animal’s eyes—especially a horse’s—I feel an overwhelming sense of innocence and serenity, a connection to their untamed, pure spirit. This inspired me to create an artwork that captures the rugged, earthy essence of a horse while conveying its soulful purity.

Before I began the etching process, I sketched the horse on paper with a pencil, carefully studying its form and the subtle expressions in its eyes. This initial sketch allowed me to refine the composition and envision the final piece. I then transferred this vision onto a copper plate, using sharp tools to scratch and etch the intricate details of the horse’s mane, muscular body, and soulful gaze. The process of scraping the copper plate was both meditative and intense, as I aimed to evoke the horse’s wild, natural energy and the texture of its coat.

Once the etching was complete, I applied ink to the plate, spreading it evenly and wiping it with rice paper to create depth and contrast. I placed damp printmaking paper into a press, applying pressure to transfer the ink onto the paper, resulting in a striking image of the horse. But I didn’t stop there—I layered thin Japanese traditional paper (washi) over the print and delicately painted it with watercolor, using the chin-cle technique to add vibrant greens and earthy tones. This final step brought the horse to life, blending the raw power of the etching with the softness of the watercolor, symbolizing the harmony between nature and the animal’s pure spirit.

Through 'Green Horse,' I sought to express the animal’s innocent soul, its rugged yet gentle nature, and the profound connection I feel with the natural world. The green hues represent life, growth, and the earthy vitality of the horse, while the meticulous process reflects my dedication to honoring its beauty. This artwork is not just a depiction of a horse—it’s a celebration of the purity and serenity I find in its eyes, inviting viewers to feel that same connection.

Thank you