Hampton Classic Horse Show Selects 2018 Official Poster Artist

“A Splash of Red” — a 24-inch-by-24-inch oil on canvas by Pennsylvania-based artist Jennifer Brandon — will be the iconic poster image for this year’s Hampton Classic Horse Show, which returns to Bridgehampton from August 26 to September 2.

“I'm honored to have my work chosen as the image for the Hampton Classic Poster for 2018,” Brandon, who will be attending her seventh Hampton Classic this year, said in a press release. “It's exciting each year to see what inspiration is featured on the poster, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.”

Every year, a committee at the Hampton Classic reviews the artwork submissions and decides the winner.

“Jen Brandon’s piece is beautiful, as it exudes the action of show jumping competition,” Shanette Barth Cohen, the horse show’s executive director, said in a press release. “We are delighted with the committee’s selection. And, we’re thrilled Jen will have the original artwork on display and available for purchase at her booth at the Longines Masters New York this weekend.”

Born in New York and raised amid the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Brandon grew up surrounded by farm animals and pastoral settings. Those early years ingrained in her a deep, natural knowing for the nuances of animal portraiture, and instilled a deep reverence for the majesty and beauty inherent in all living creatures.

“I grew up riding and raising horses,” Brandon said. “The best days were the times I’d be lost for entire afternoons riding my mare. Horses have always played an important role in my life.”

Passionate about her artwork, Brandon attended Marywood University where she earned a BFA in illustration. Long noted for her artistic vision and special connection to animals, her stylized approach captures the graceful power of a horse in motion to the tender loyalty in a dog's eyes, even the quirky expressions of a cow. Powerful movements, rich colors, bold brush strokes and deep emotions resonate throughout her works.

“I was drawn to the camaraderie between this horse and rider — a beautiful pair,” Brandon said of “A Splash of Red.” “The striking contrast of the black horse in all its power and motion against the vast blue sky created a harmonious energy that I found irresistible.”

“I count it a privilege to be able to connect with my clients, both patrons and new collectors, at the Hampton Classic,” she added. “It’s a place where inspiration is born, and custom paintings begin.”

The souvenir poster is currently available for pre-order on the Hampton Classic website, for shipping after the show, and it will be available onsite during the event in the Hampton Classic shop. For more information, please call (631) 537-3177 or visit hamptonclassic.com.