There’s More to the Story
Look closer and you will discover richly layered surfaces and narrative-driven compositions as Carrie weaves together vintage book pages, historical imagery, fragments of sheet music and found text along with expressive brushstrokes creating a nostalgic tribute of our shared past that continues to shape who we are today.
Beneath the Brushstrokes
Look beyond the saddled horse and you'll discover a celebration of the American cowgirl—women whose strength, independence, and adventurous spirit helped shape the American West. I spend time searching vintage shops and antique markets for old photographs, books, magazines, and sheet music that bring a sense of history and nostalgia to my work. These authentic fragments of the past are woven into my paintings, creating layers of storytelling that give each piece a timeless quality.
Throughout this painting, vintage photographs of cowgirls on horseback capture their remarkable skill and independence. Phrases like "Still in the Saddle," "Hold Your Horses," and "Unpack the Pleasure of Pursuit" add a touch of humor while celebrating women who embraced adventure and found joy in pursuits traditionally dominated by men.
These women weren't simply challenging expectations. They were forging their own paths and demonstrating the freedom and confidence that defines the cowgirl spirit.
CARRIE PENLEY
Horse Girl
mixed media on canvas
40 x 40
Shop Prints
22 x 30 original acrylic on white paper with torn edge