Olga Pankova has been selected as the Official Artist of the 2016 Queen’s Plate. Her painting, ‘Mudder – All Out,’ which was chosen from a compelling field of submissions, came to be after a request fro a horse painting from her daughter.
A simple wish from Pankova’s six-year-old daughter eventually led to a series of artistic creations and an eventual submission to one of Woodbine’s most popular annual Queen’s Plate contest.
“Over the past year or so, I have been creating paintings featuring wildlife,” said the Markham-based Pankova. “Last year, my daughter asked if I could paint her a horse. So I did, and then continued to paint at least 10 other horse paintings. I became infatuated with their grace, beauty and spirit. I was in awe. Having heard about this opportunity to paint for the 2016 Queen’s Plate contest, my husband said, “You need to capture their power.”
Pankova’s painting was selected as one of five finalists on May 27. Following fan voting, she was informed that her piece was the winning submission. For more on Pankova’s equine works, http://www.portrait-artist.ca/and http://www.canadian-art.gallery/AP/Art-Paintings-Horses.
Fans attending The Queen’s Plate on July 3 will be able to see ‘Mudder – All Out’ and meet Pankova as part of the numerous fan experiences surrounding this year’s running of Canada’s iconic sporting event.
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