Unbridled Spirit (16" x 48")

"Unbridled Spirit" captures the essence of freedom and adventure — emotions Colleen deeply felt while creating this piece. The inspiration came from a vivid memory of watching horses run freely along a local beach, their carefree and spirited movements resonating with her own desire to break free from constraints.

The title, Unbridled Spirit, reflects her personal journey to push beyond limits, embrace challenges, and move forward with courage. This theme is expressed through the imagery of an unbridled horse, symbolizing the raw energy and freedom she wished to evoke.

Through the use of encaustic techniques, particularly beeswax, Colleen overcame the challenge of achieving looseness and translucency in the medium, which added a dynamic quality to the painting's mood and story. Her creative process evolved as she experimented with tools — instead of her usual heat gun, she ventured to use a blow torch, allowing her to explore new textures and effects within the wax. This experimentation became a metaphor for facing challenges head on.

Beyond the painting itself, Unbridled Spirit stands as a reminder to not be held back — to seek out whatever lies ahead with energy and determination. When viewers encounter this work, Colleen hopes they feel a sense of energy, beauty, and freedom that encourages them to embrace their own unbridled spirit.

Encaustics & Oil on panel. Image size 16" x 48", framed 17" x 49".