The Unique Beauty of Each Horse
Once the horses are prepped for painting, their stunning hand-carved details come to life. Each horse boasts its own character, from its decorative elements to the unique shape of its mane and body. While there are some repeating shapes—like the charming “three-curl” design on the manes—we can see how these similarities create a cohesive theme without sacrificing individuality.
It’s our belief that a small team of three to four artisans led by one or two master artisans carved all 40 horses, and there are subtle clues that support this idea. When you touch the horses, you can feel a similar flow in the lines, creating intricate highlights and shadows. Despite their shared basic shape, the way the individual hairs flow in the wind varies, capturing a sense of personality and energy as if each horse is frozen in a moment of spirited movement over the jumps. Below we see an image from the Herschell-Spillman workshop, the largest U.S. carousel manufacturer between 1904 and 1920, where the Over-the-Jumps carousel was originally made.
Photo from "Painted Ponies - American Carousel Art" by Jeffrey L. Zon, Publisher Z O N International Publishing Company, 1999.
The Power of Color and Imagination
Color plays an essential role in the storytelling of these horses. It engages our psychology, transporting us to altered realities. Riding these beautifully painted steeds evokes a sense of fantasy that resonates with every child—and adult—who has experienced the thrill of a carousel ride. Lead restorationist and founder Michael Crenshaw shares
I remember my own childhood, immersed in a world of imagination as I rode these magical creatures, a connection to my inner child that remains clear to this day.
Mastering Flesh-Tones
Crenshaw walks us through the initial stages of the painting process.
We start with the flesh tones, applying them in three layers of thin glazes. Each layer uses a distinct color that harmonizes with the others. It requires skill to fade these colors naturally, creating a lifelike appearance.
The magic truly lies in the stippling technique used for this process. Each layer is applied by hand, starting with the lightest shades and gradually introducing darker hues, culminating in a finish that feels both vibrant and natural.
Adornments and Decorative Details
Once the flesh tones are perfected, we move on to adding color blocks for the decorative carved elements on each horse. The painting process employs a traditional mix of colors and glazes, enhanced by a secret ingredient that grants flexibility and flow. The carousel features two rings of horses. The inner ring showcases smaller horses with minimal decorations, sporting bright colors but lacking intricate carvings. In contrast, the outer ring displays exquisite craftsmanship, where each horse is a testament to American engineering. These majestic creatures feature unique carvings that reveal swords, eagles, flowers, and other imaginative adornments. Here we see Bailey reciving her details in color.
The Final Flourishes
The last step of the painting process introduces free-hand decorative painting. Black lines are added to enhance definition and bring each color to life. This dramatic detailing creates a striking impact, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. Additional touches of red and white lines, along with fleur-de-lis designs and other flourishes, complete the artistic transformation.
A Mindful Restoration Process
Throughout this meticulous restoration, there’s a sense of mindfulness that permeates the process. As Crenshaw reflects,
“I've set it up to have a Buddhist reflection to it that continually teaches me and brings me back to center. Each step of the way fosters a flow state that deepens the connection to the art.
As we stand back and admire the restored carousel horses, we are reminded not only of the skill involved in their creation but also of the joy and wonder they continue to bring to people of all ages. Each horse, with its unique story and vibrant colors, serves as a reminder of the magic that can be found in the simplest moments.
So, the next time you hear the whimsical music of a carousel, take a moment to appreciate the artistry that lies beneath its surface—a celebration of craftsmanship, imagination, and the enduring spirit of childhood wonder.
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