Last week when I was looking through my sister's June issue of The Paint Horse Journal I read that painter Orren Mixer passed away on April 29th at the age of 87. I had not heard this and was saddened by the news. I remember Orren's work as a young pony-tailed horse crazy kid. I would write every breed association and ask them to send me brochures and information. They sent me a nice manila envelope padded with brochures, registration and membership forms, and breeder names. And almost every one of them featured a small print of the breed standard by Orren Mixer. Which quickly went on my wall. Mixer was commissioned by many associations to paint a horse that represented the ideal standard for many breeds, including Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Paints, Palominos, Buckskins, Pintos, and P.O.A's.I love the Appaloosa in Orren's above painting because it depicts one of my favorite Appaloosa coat colors and patterns, and, reminds me a little of photos of My Boy when he was a yearling. He was a shiny copper sorrel with a blanket and spots. Now, he roans out, especially in the summer. One of the joys of owning an Appaloosa is watching their color change as they age.
Here is a more detailed obituary from the A.Q.H.A, as well as another link from Western Horseman magazine. I always thought he looked like such a friendly cowboy, too.
We went to the trail challenge today. I will have some photos and insight to share when I get back into town and at my own computer next week!
Oh, that is so sad. I also grew up with Orren Mixer "breed standards" on my walls and loved his other work too. He was always an artist I would liked to have met and got to visit with. One article in particular that I always remembered was where he talked about his passion for his longhorns. The horns on the ones pictured were impressive. Thanks for passing on the news.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad day to hear about Orren Mixer. We have had some great legends in the cowboy world! He left a legacy to be proud of!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see pics!
Oh my gosh!!! I used to do the same silly things! I had his posters all over my walls. Ahhhh...the memories. I will have to follow your links about him.
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