The Ideal Series pays homage to the stunning artwork of renowned equine artist Orren Mixer (1920-2008) and his most popular subjects – horses! Each hand-painted piece in this series was inspired by one of Mixer’s famed “ideal” horse breed paintings.
Born in 1920 in Oklahoma, Orren Mixer is best known for his gorgeous artwork featuring Western scenes, livestock, and horses. After years working as a graphic artist and serving in the Navy, he returned home to Oklahoma and built his art studio. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, and his artwork graced the covers of many well-known magazines, including Western Horseman. Over the course of his career, seven horse breed associations commissioned him to paint their breed’s ideal. These images are still used today, and have forever cemented Mixer’s place as one of history’s preeminent equine artists.
Founded in 1962 to “promote, preserve and provide meaningful experiences with Paint Horses,” the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) quickly grew to become the second largest equine breed association in the United States. With over 1 million Paint Horses registered, one doesn’t have to look far to find a beautifully-marked overo, tovero, or tobiano Paint Horse being enjoyed in the show ring, on the trails, or as a working partner!
The owners of Yellow Mount, the APHA’s first champion, commissioned Mixer to paint their beloved red dun overo stallion. Mixer’s depiction of the colorful superstar was later adopted by the APHA and used in promotional materials. Fun fact: Breyer produced a model of the famous Yellow Mount in 1970!
In celebration of the APHA’s 40th birthday in 2002, they commissioned Mixer to paint a new portrait. Titled “The Sire,” it featured an overo stallion looking over his colorful herd. Today, this painting hangs in the APHA headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.