An Interview with Painter Chetna D’Souza on Horses, Art, and the Beauty of Quiet Power

An Interview with Painter Chetna D’Souza on Horses, Art, and the Beauty of Quiet Power

Must Love Horses Interviews Chetna D'Souza

 

Whether sketching in pastures or reimagining figures on canvas, Chetna paints more than just horses—she captures the stillness, sensitivity, and trust that define their spirit.

Chetna D’Souza is a contemporary painter known for her work that hovers between abstract and representational. Her bold colors and gestural brushstrokes create deeply textured narratives centered on recurring subjects like cowboys, horses, and human figures.

In 2022, she received the Best in Acrylics award at the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts plein air exhibition. Her work has attracted attention from licensing companies and interior decorators, thanks to its striking versatility and emotional depth.

 

"Respect their power by approaching with patience and quiet confidence."

1. What about horses captured your heart and made you fall in love with them?

Oh, where to begin? It wasn't just one thing, it was everything, seen through an artist's eye. It's the sheer breathtaking paradox of them – this incredible, raw power housed in such elegant form. Their musculature is a living sculpture, catching the light in ways that just demand to be painted. But beyond the physical beauty, it's their presence. They have this ancient strength, this quiet loyalty in their gaze. Seeing that immense power, choosing obedience, choosing partnership with humans... It's like witnessing a myth come to life, like having a gentle dragon by your side. They feel both incredibly real and completely ethereal, like they galloped straight out of some beautiful, heavenly garden. That blend of power, grace, loyalty, and otherworldly beauty seized my artist's soul completely.

2. In your experience, what’s the most fulfilling moment or accomplishment you’ve had while working with horses?

For me, the most fulfilling moments often happen at the easel, but they stem directly from experiences with them. There was this one time I was sketching out in a pasture. A usually standoffish mare, incredibly powerful and statuesque, cautiously approached. She stood near me for the longest time, completely relaxed, just breathing softly, letting me observe the intricate details of her form, the subtle shifts in her muscles, the deep wisdom in her eyes. It wasn't about riding or training; it was a quiet moment of mutual acceptance and trust. Later, capturing that feeling on canvas—that blend of her immense strength held in perfect, trusting stillness—felt like a true accomplishment. It was translating that profound, non-verbal connection, that loyalty freely offered, into paint.

3. For someone just starting their journey with horses, what’s the first piece of advice you would give them to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience?

My advice would be: Learn to truly see them and listen with more than just your ears. Before you focus on riding or commands, just spend time observing. Watch how they interact with each other, how they carry themselves, the subtle flick of an ear, the shift in weight, the look in their eye. Understand their body language – it's their art form, their way of communicating. Respect their power, that 'dragon' within, by approaching with patience and quiet confidence, not dominance. Build trust slowly. If you learn to appreciate their beauty, strength, and sensitivity first, and understand their perspective, the rest of the journey will be much richer and more rewarding. True partnership is built on that foundation of observation and respect.

4. If you could sit down for a conversation with any horseman or horsewoman—past or present—who would it be and why? 

That's a tough one! So many have understood pieces of the puzzle. But I think I'd choose George Stubbs, the 18th-century painter. While technically a horseman in the broader sense, his dedication was to understanding and portraying their physical form with unparalleled accuracy and, I believe, soul. I wouldn't just ask about his painting techniques, but about what he saw during those countless hours of dissection and observation. What did he learn about their spirit by understanding their structure so intimately? Did he feel that same connection between their incredible anatomy and their noble character, that inherent beauty and strength I try to capture? I'd want to discuss how form informs spirit and how best to translate that onto canvas.

Thank you, Chetna! 

 

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