Upper Marlboro, MD – September 19, 2011 – The 2011 Capital Challenge Horse Show will run from October 1-9 at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Every year, the show’s program and official poster feature new artwork by Michael Tang.

Creating the original watercolor for the annual Capital Challenge is always a challenge for Father Michael Tang.  One might think that creating a photo-realist image of a horse and rider is as simple as copying a photo, but in reality, the photo is only the beginning.

This year’s poster of Scott Stewart and Declaration gave Tang many things to consider. It is natural to assume that a stunning photo of a fabulous hunter could easily be recreated as a painting, but the fact is that in addition to assessing the horse and rider, Tang becomes instantly aware of everything else that goes into creating a spectacular piece of art – lighting; background; and the simple details that render emotion.

When Tang begins his work he studies the photo for what he will need to alter in order to create the painting.  First, changes often need to be made to finesse a horse’s jumping style; knees might need to be made tighter or squared up. Next, the rider’s equitation might need to be tweaked or garb replaced.  Tang explains, “As someone who is a traditionalist (I still wear my Charles Owen when hacking at the barn), I always replace the helmet with a classically styled hunt cap.”

In addition to the rider’s gear, the horse’s tack might need some work as well; for example, an elastic girth with fleece might need to be changed to one of proper leather.

Tang also finds that nine times out of ten, a new fence must be selected.
“In this year’s painting of Scott Stewart and Declaration,” explained Tang, “I deliberately chose a birch fence, as there was so much dark green in the photo. The stark white of the fence also highlights Scott’s breeches and allows for a much needed contrast in value (light and dark). As red and green are complementary hues and able to effect simultaneous contrast, it was only natural that the fence posts be a reddish brown. The patches of red geraniums on the bottom right also reiterate this dynamic color relationship.”

Finally, the rendering of background flora and fauna needs to be carefully considered. Tang said, “Too much, and the detail can easily overwhelm the horse and rider; but when is enough, enough? In other words, when can the artist back off and let the viewer use their imagination?  Decisions such as this require a lot of looking and thinking, and considering of possibilities. The upshot is that a horse and rider can take a bad photo and not blame the photographer. However, when an artist is creating a painting and is able to make changes, everything better be perfect!”

Father Michael Tang is a professor, priest and an artist who paints large watercolors reflecting his interest in religious subjects, his life in California, and of course his love of horses. Tang received his bachelor’s degree in studio arts from Loyola Marymount University in 1981, as well as a Masters of Fine Art in painting from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1983.  He earned two other master degrees in theology and divinity from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

He is a Professor of the Art and Art History at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. The award-winning artist specializes in brilliant watercolors and his sporting art has appeared on the covers of The Chronicle of the Horse, Horse Show, The New York Times Magazine, and Dressage Today, as well as many other publications.

When not teaching or painting, Tang enjoys bringing along young show hunters. 

In its 18th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on October 1-9.



Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.

For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page on Facebook!

Photo Credit: Cover artwork by Michael Tang courtesy of the Capital Challenge Horse Show. This photo may only be used in relation to this press release and with full photo credit.