California Riding Magazine • September, 2008

Deanna Cummins

Since she first began creating bronze equine sculptures, young Deanna Cummins had a prescient sense that a thorough understanding of her subject would enhance her art. Just 20 now, Deanna has followed that philosophy in every way possible. Her studies began with the relatively easy act of closely observing her own and other’s horses at leisure, work and play. Today, her homework includes pursuing a degree in equine science and training in classical dressage as taught by the Spanish Riding School.

The result of her wide-ranging study of equines is a body of very realistic horse sculptures. The subjects run the gamut from a rodeo horse and cowboy at the peak of a buck to a life-size portrait of a Miniature horse’s head. Whatever the subject, Deanna’s art is found in the accuracy of the details and in her ability to capture an emotion or expression that conveys the spirit of each subject.

Equine muscles are the current focus for Deanna, who lives, sculpts and rides in Alta Loma. “These sculptures strive to show the proper form and structure of a working horse’s muscles,” Deanna explains. “I have learned a lot this past year through my riding that has helped me improve my art. I strongly believe that, to be a good equine artist I must have daily contact through riding and training my horses.”

Deanna’s devotion to deepening her understanding of horses has led her down unlikely paths: in particular that of clinic organizer for a visiting master from the Spanish Riding School. Most of the participants and auditors at this July clinic were there to advance their riding skills. Deanna, of course, had additional uses for the lessons with Marius Schreiner and for studying the Spanish Riding School techniques.



“The classical riding helps me improve my art in many ways,” the artist relays. “I not only understand how a horse looks when he is moving correctly but also understand how he feels. Through this I feel I can portray a stronger message of empathy through my art.”

Deanna discovered her passion for sculpting at the same time she discovered her passion for riding. “When I learned about the relationship between man and animal through the convergence of the mind and body, I realized that I could express this phenomenon through art,” she explains. Professional prospects were added to her art when Deanna’s first trainer bought sculptures she had made of his stallions. She hasn’t looked back since, and instead looks at every aspect of a horse’s existence as an aid to realistically portraying their beauty in bronze.

For more information on Deanna Cummins’ art, visit her website, www.worldofequinesculpture.com or call her at 909-731-7983.