Lexington Artist Paints Horses at Breeders' Cup
Local artist Noa Artemisia Clare is showcasing her new watercolor horse portraits as a guest at the Breeders' Cup.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Painting
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Lexington-based artist Noa Artemisia Clare is serving as a guest artist at the Breeders' Cup, where she creates live watercolor portraits of horses. Clare signs her work as Artemisia Clare and carries her supplies in a backpack while capturing equine subjects.
Why it matters
The artist transitioned to watercolor painting to process personal grief following the illness of her grandfather. This shift represents a significant change in her creative practice after a decade spent working exclusively in oils.
Clare produces her watercolor portraits in room 1936. She previously spent 10 years working as an oil painter before transitioning to her current medium during the Keeneland sales.
The players
Noa Artemisia Clare
A Lexington-based artist who specializes in portraiture of horses and signs her professional work as Artemisia Clare.
The details
Clare captures specific details by recording every hip number while painting horses during the Keeneland sales. Her process now emphasizes portability, allowing her to work on-site at racing events using gear she carries in a backpack.
Timeline
Clare switched from oil painting to watercolors in August 2026.
Clare serves as a guest artist at the Breeders' Cup in October 2026.
Culture Shift
Clare's transition marks a departure from the traditional use of oil paints in the genre of equine art. This shift reflects a broader trend of artists adopting more mobile, fluid mediums that allow for live, reactive creation in fast-paced sporting environments.
Residents attending the Breeders' Cup can observe the artist's live painting process throughout the event. This allows visitors to see the practical application of watercolor techniques in a high-stakes, real-time setting.
The takeaway
Embracing a new creative medium can serve as a powerful tool for navigating personal change and emotional challenges. Transitioning between artistic styles often requires simplifying one's toolkit to better match a new, more mobile lifestyle.
Further reading
Learn more about the local arts scene by exploring our Painting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wkyt.
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