Elin Sian Blake

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original painting is by the contemporary Welsh artist Elin Sian Blake.<br> The painting is presented and supplied in a sympathetic frame (which is shown in these photographs) and is supplied ready to hang and display.<br> The painting is signed lower left.<br> <br> Elin Siân Blake is a contemporary Brecon-based artist, originally from the South Wales valleys, whose work delves deeply into the rich tapestry of Welsh heritage. Through various mediums, she creates poignant reflections of societal and cultural issues that have shaped the Welsh identity. <br> <br> Born in 1981, Elin Siân Blake began producing commissioned artwork from an early age, focussing on the traditional Welsh ponies and landscapes of her childhood. She was particularly inspired by the agricultural and equestrian events she attended. As a teenager she spent all her spare money on art supplies. Blake graduated from the University of Glamorgan in 2002 with a degree in graphic design and illustration, but quickly realised that she wanted to create conventional paintings, rather than producing digital images. She then spent several years living on the road in vintage vehicles, painting the scenes and characters she encountered on her travels.<br> <br> Blake taught herself oil painting using library books, originally producing very detailed photo-realistic images. Her artistic style developed considerably over the years, becoming more expressive.<br> Blake’s main emphasis is always her love of images from the Welsh countryside and industry. As she explores the heritage of the Welsh valleys, she paints a social commentary on everyday Welsh working life. Her work captures the essence of Welsh tradition whilst simultaneously challenging societal norms. Bold and evocative, Blake's art invites the viewer to take a critical look at the complexities and nuances of Welsh heritage. By melding her artistic vision with a profound cultural understanding, she presents a thought-provoking examination of the past, present, and future of Wales.<br> <br> © Big Sky Fine Art<br> <br> This amazing original oil painting depicts a moment of peace for a young soldier and his horse. It is not necessarily specific to any particular military conflict, but in dress and theme it is very much aligned to the Great War. The horse itself is a handsome black bay; his long mane is loose and his coat is shiny, as if he has been sweating. The horse is wearing full bridle and saddle and also has some rough cloths strapped to his back. The young soldier is white skinned with auburn hair. He is wearing the khaki uniform of the Allied forces, including black riding boots and gloves and a cap. He is down on one knee on a dirt track holding the reign of his horse in his right hand and looking up into the horse’s face. The scene very much suggests that the horse has found him, and the pair are reunited after an absence. In the background on the green grassy verges of the track we catch a glimpse of huge barbed wire barricades, signifying the dangers of their location and perhaps the chaos from which they have emerged.<br> <br> War Horse was a 1982 novel by Michael Morpurgo, which was adapted into a play in 2007. The screenplay, written by Lee Hall and Richard Curtis, was adapted into the 2011 war drama film War Horse, directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg. The story is set before and during World War 1 and tells of the journey of Joey, a thoroughbred bay horse raised by British teenager Albert and then bought by the British Army. In the film Irving is played by Jeremy Irvine. The film, which was produced by DreamWorks and released by Touchstone Pictures, was a huge box-office success and has won many awards.<br> <br> This is a painting of real gravitas, sincerity and beauty and has a real emotional impact on the viewer.