A Brush With Horses

By Alister Simpson (Exisle Publishing, RRP $99.99)

You don't have to be a lover of horses or horse racing to be enthralled by this cleverly titled book that showcases more than 100 works by one of the leading, if not the best, equine artists in Australasia.

A Brush With Horses isn't a book that you flick through then put on the bookcase to gather dust. It's a collection to be savoured time and again, each viewing delighting with the discovery of something new.

New Zealand Alister Simpson has chosen his favourite pieces for the book, among them some of the classic racehorses of our time, such as Sunline, Octagonal and Makybe Diva, as well as the most memorable races, including Bonecrusher and Our Waverley Star's duel in the 1986 Cox Plate. A commissioned work, Simpson has captured the moment the two great horses broke clear of the field so well it evokes memories of the spine tingling duel from the 800 to the winning post.

Simpson's work hangs in the hallowed halls of racing clubs throughout Australasia and private collections worldwide. He has received royal commissions from Queen Elizabeth, as well as private commissions from racing royalty, such as Gai Waterhouse and Sir Patrick Hogan.

The foreword by Waterhouse expertly sums up Simpson's ability: " ... rather than merely recording a likeness as a camera might, he also perfectly captures the personality and character of his horse subjects. They are brought to live in his paintings with real expressions and awareness on their faces".

It's not just the big names or major races that make this book special though. The working drawings and pencil sketches show the artist's empathy with his subjects and eye for detail. The paintings of children and their ponies or broodmares and foals are delightful and engaging.

The book will be official launched at the Auckland Racing Club today . For anyone involved in the thoroughbred industry, a $250 bonded leather edition limited to just 199 copies, each signed by the author with a small remarche (mini illustration) uniquely by the artist in each copy, should be on the Christmas list.

- © Fairfax NZ News