White Horse in the Desert

In his small paintings of horses, Shawn Polmo turns his attentive, reverent gaze toward another kind of subject—one steeped in motion, grace, and quiet strength. These intimate works distill the power and poise of the horse into compact compositions, where every gesture feels intentional and alive. With a restrained palette and a painterly hand, Polmo captures not just anatomy, but spirit—rendering horses that seem both grounded and mythic.

Though modest in scale, each painting feels monumental in mood. The horses often appear alone, set against simplified backdrops that highlight their form and bearing. Whether still or mid-stride, they evoke a timeless connection between artist and animal, vulnerability and resilience. Through these small yet potent works, Polmo continues his exploration of presence—this time through creatures that mirror both freedom and quiet nobility.