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The Hampton Classic Horse Show has unveiled its 2023 poster, “Seasoned Pro,” featuring artwork by Vanessa Whittell of Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
The 48th annual Hampton Classic returns to Bridgehampton, NY, August 27-September 3, featuring world-class FEI CSI5* and CSI2* show jumping and USEF Premier hunter competitions with more than $1 million in prize money.
The official Hampton Classic poster is a highly sought-after souvenir, and Whittell’s design joins the line-up of iconic collectors’ items, many of which are available for sale on the Hampton Classic website at the Hampton Classic Poster Store. The 2023 poster, featuring Whittell’s design, is available for pre-sale on the website now and will also be available onsite during the horse show in the Hampton Classic Souvenir Booth.
As an artist, graphic designer and equestrian, Whittell creates large contemporary equestrian art focused on both the horse and rider in modern abstract realism (VanessaWhittell.com). She always strives to capture the “in the moment” feeling of a ride, and the mixed-media “Seasoned Pro” is no exception, inspired by the explosive feeling of a good jump-off.
“By exploring the texture and finish of birch panel, a variety of interesting paint effects were achieved with chalk paint, acrylic and ink,” Whittell said. “The composition, texture and limited color palette create an impactful piece that communicates the energy and grittiness of this sport. From riding comes my inspiration for painting; from painting comes the recognition of what we feel when riding. I always want my viewers to feel a moment they have ridden before or that they would want to ride.”
Born in the U.K. and having grown up in very horsey areas of Canada, Whittell has been immersed in the horse industry since she was three, from Pony Club and hunter/jumper shows to upper-level eventing and now dressage.
After finishing Kwantlen University’s Fine Art and Visual Design programs, Whittell worked as an illustrator, graphic designer and art director for 25 years. Her background in art, design and riding has led her to create equestrian art in a modern abstract style, capturing both horse and rider on the canvas from a fellow rider’s perspective.
Whittell’s art studio is in Fort Langley, British Columbia, Canada, not far from the Thunderbird Show Park. There, she lives on a horse farm with her husband, two dogs and four horses. vanessawhittell.com
Each year approximately 50,000 people come to watch the nation’s best equestrian athletes compete at the Hampton Classic. Rated USEF ‘Premier6’ for hunters and jumpers with designated FEI 2* and 5* classes, the Hampton Classic features more than 200 competitions in six spectacular show rings, the Agneta Currey Boutique Garden with more than 70 vendors, and a wide selection of dining options, all on its world class 60 acre showgrounds. For more information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show, please call 631.537.3177. Hampton Classic Horse Show, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. hamptonclassic.com
You can keep up with updates by following us on twitter @hamptonsmedia and bookmarking our People & Parties pages for full write-ups and videos and interviews…or even use the rss feed on this blog! You can find handy links to both The Hampton Classic plus lodging and/or dining from Westhampton to Montauk on “The Hamptons”.com
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