Gretchen Almy Designs
Commissioned Equine & Canine Portraits, Fine Art, & Photography
ABOUT THE ARTIST Gretchen Almy of Middleborough, Massachusetts, is an accomplished equine and canine portrait artist with collectors across the US and Europe.
Her specialty is her gift to capture your pets soulful personality in a variety of styles. Whether you prefer exquisitely detailed photo realistic graphite drawings and oil paintings or a more whimsical painterly oil or sketch, she has the uncommon skill to offer all of the above in a variety of price points. Originally from Connecticut, she spent her summers at the family farm, in Westport, Ma. It was there that she took her first riding lessons from her aunt at the age of five. Many years later, what her parents had hoped was just a childhood hobby turned into a lifetime passion and vocation. She continues her love of riding when she gets the chance.
Ms. Almy has managed hunter jumper farms along the East Coast, wrangled horses in Wyoming, and rode Dressage most recently in Middleborough, MA. Having spent most of her life working with and around horses in all disciplines, Ms. Almy has always had an affinity and uncanny connection to the animals she has had the pleasure of knowing. “Portraiture is not about a ‘pretty’ painting of a horse or dog, it’s about capturing the soul of each animal you paint. It’s about combining my infatuation of animals and my artistic talent to give something very personal to a client. I’m able to offer more than just a correct photographic rendition in oil or graphite. By working closely with my subjects and their owners, I’m able to create a representation of the horse or dogs’ individual personality and expression. Each piece comes to life on the paper or canvas. In essence, art that speaks and allows the person to cherish their beloved long past their short lifespan.” She believes “if you don’t capture the eye, then you don’t capture the window to their soul.” After losing one of her most beloved supporters, her father, she decided to leave her career in product design and explore her lifelong passion of art. “Life is short, I’d rather pursue something I love and receive inspiration on a daily basis.
He always encouraged me to follow my passions and for that I am very grateful.” Ms. Almy has a BA in Fine Arts from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College(now Randolph College) in Lynchburg, VA and spent a semester studying art in Florence, Italy. Through her company, Gretchen Almy Designs, in her studio located in Plymouth, MA she is uniquely versatile in her talent and able to offer more than just portraiture. You may have seen some of her work featured on many Hunter Jumper and Dressage publications over the 20 years she’s been in business. Gretchen was one of the main photographers published in the book “Unbridled Passion,” where she captured many of the up close and personal shots of famous show jump riders and their mounts Mclain Ward and Sapphire, Ian Millar and In Style, and Beezie Madden and Authentic to name a few. She also produced an extensive gift line ranging from greeting cards to custom photo and fine art handbags and licenses her work, is a freelance graphic & logo designer.
Most recently she has been actively pursuing and exploring her own unique style of equestrian art that meshes a bit of abstract expressionism, bright colors and lively brush strokes to capture the equine form in a way like no other. Many artists like Joan Mitchell, Richard Diebenkorn, and Franz Marc have continually inspired her work. She is also exploring her love of nature through her new series of landscapes. Her work has been shown locally as well as in Boston and collected worldwide. A few of her fine art pieces are currently represented by the Equis Art Gallery in NY. She was recently named “Official Artist of Equine Affaire 2020.” Much of her work has been featured on the covers of respected horse show programs and publications:
• Official Artist of Equine Affaire 2020 – Ohio & MA
• Silver Oak Jumper Tournament 2014-2017 – Halifax, MA
• FTI Winter Equestrian Festival 2009 – Wellington, FL
• AHJA Hunter Spectacular 2009, 2010 – Wellington, FL
• HITS on the Hudson 2009 – Saugerties, NY • National Horse Show 2007- Wellington, FL
• March CDI @ WEF Olympic Qualifier 2008 – Wellington, FL
• Fidelity Jumper Classic 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 – Hampton Falls, NH
• New England Dressage Association 2008 – Saugerties, NY
• Bear Spot Foundation’s Freestyle & CADI ‘08, ‘09, ’10, ‘11 – Concord, MA
• Myopia Hunt Horse Show 2003, 2004, 2008 – Hamilton, MA
• Norfolk Hunt Horse Show 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011-2019- Medfield, MA
To learn more about Gretchen & her work please visit her website: www.galmydesigns.com OR follow on Facebook & Instagram https://www.facebook.com/GretchenAlmyDesigns & Instagram @galmydesigns 26 Howland Street Plymouth, MA 02360 508.889.2519 galmydesigns@gmail.com
