Sunday, March 8
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Reception: Sunday, March 8, 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Show: March 1 through 31, whenever we’re open
“Color Between the Reins” is a watercolor exhibition by artist Lena Knudson, on view at the Dobbs Ferry Library throughout the month of March. This collection celebrates the versatility and spirit of the horse through scenes of various equine disciplines, often depicted alongside their riders.
Each painting pairs richly detailed, three-dimensional like horses, with bold, two-dimensional patterned backgrounds filled with vibrant color. This intentional contrast creates a dynamic visual tension, inviting viewers to explore the relationship between motion and stillness, realism and abstraction. The striking use of color and pattern enhances the emotional presence of each subject, encouraging both reflection and connection.
As an equestrian and lifelong horse lover, Knudson draws inspiration from the unique balance horses embody—immense power and athleticism, softened by gentleness and grace. Her work seeks to honor not only their beauty, but their adaptability and the deep bond they share with humans across disciplines.
“Color Between the Reins” offers a fresh perspective on equine art, blending technical detail with expressive design to create a thought-provoking and visually engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
For more information, you can find her website here!
Lena Knudson is a watercolor artist known for her striking realism and bold color saturation, challenging expectations of the medium. She grew up in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and graduated from Dobbs Ferry High School in 2012. Introduced to watercolor by her grandmother, she further developed her skills through the International Baccalaureate Art program, where she was encouraged to explore diverse subjects and techniques.
After high school, Knudson became a Special Education teacher, working with middle and high school students in North Carolina and Virginia. She paused her art practice during this time before reconnecting with watercolor during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a largely self-taught artist, she developed a style focused on hyperrealism and saturated color.
In 2021, she founded Bristles and Design and has exhibited at the Cameron Art Museum, The Black Iris Social Club, and Flytrap Brewing. Her latest collection, “Color Between the Reins”, reflects her deep connection to horses and redefines the expressive potential of watercolor.