"Horse Heaven," Original Painting in pastel on watercolor by Kim Novak

Horse Heaven

"Horse Heaven," Original pastel painting of a Haflinger horse rolling in a field of forget-me-nots by Kim Novak
Horse Heaven

 

Pastel

 

Over so many years I have lost too many four-legged loved ones that I thought I could never live without, yet I survived. Maybe being married to a large animal veterinarian helped me to accept the inevitability of their loss as part of the cycle of life. I was able to move on, trusting that the time and place would come for all of us to be together again. It has never been easy, yet I was left with all those incredible memories to relive in my mind…and the possibility to paint them!

This pastel is of Hunka Hunka, my happy Haflinger driving horse and good friend; he thinks he is living in the pastures of Heaven right now.   I painted him rolling in a field of wild forget-me-not flowers…where I shall always, always picture him forever more!”

~ Kim NovaK, Artist

 

11 thoughts on “Horse Heaven”

  1. Kim, I, too, had to learn to live with loss. Such a hard thing. Yet, I know without those precious creatures in my life I would never have experienced the joy of such great memories, love, trust and loyalty.
    This painting is exceptional, ‘Horse Heaven’. The way you painted him in the grass/flowers is wonderful. I cried.

  2. Kim,
My wife Linda purchased one of your paintings – Horse Heaven=
Hunka Hunka for me as a Christmas present. I absolutely love it. You are truly a talented artist. We thank you for sharing your talents with others. After I retired from the Federal Government I worked part time at The Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, FL. I saw many paintings and yours are top rate in impressionism and expressing your feelings. Keep up the excellent work. We plan to purchase another painting in the near future as soon as we figure out which one will complement Hunka Hunka and where we will display them.
    Sincerely,
    Richard N. Kurent

  3. Every piece of work is fabulous but the one of the horses’ face laying down and the setter looking out the window just steals my heart.

  4. Dear Kim,
    I have viewed all of your paintings and must say that I am very touched. I am especially moved by the horse rolling in the field of flowers. I too have lost too many of my four legged friends, it is never easy but always worth it. I love them all. I am hoping to purchase one of your prints at some point.

    Sincerely your friend and fan,
    Mark Houston Mahan

  5. I paint mainly animals and wildlife which I show at the Knox gallery and I have to tell you I absolutely love your painting Horse Heaven – so beautiful.

    Submitted on 2014/04/18 at 11:19 am

  6. Ms Novak,
    Your paintings are just beautiful. I hope to order Horse Heaven next month. It will compliment my Conragen Wolves and Native American art beautifully.

    It was a wonderful treat to see you on the Academy Awards. You are still a very beautiful lady.

    Submitted on 2014/04/18 at 7:55 am

  7. What absolutely beautiful work you do Mrs. Novak. I did not know you were an artist. I was curious after I read how you had been bullied at the Oscars, I am so sorry you were hurt and humiliated. I did not watch the Oscars, and am very disappointed that it happened to you. I love your painting Horse Heaven, it is just beautiful. Have a happy day, and know that you have many fans who love you, and will be there to support you.
    Sincerely,
    Brenda Flinders

    Submitted on 2014/04/17 at 10:55 pm

  8. Kim,
    I absolutely love your picture, Horse Heaven. I really want one of the large ones. I am a retired teacher on a small budget and wondered if you take down payments and a payment plan. I would not expect you to ship it until fully paid off. I grew up with horses and just love them. One of the first things I did as a retired person was buy a colt from a ranch liquidation sale and gentle her myself. She has gone from wild and scared to a very loving and amazing horse. You can see all of my pic and posts on Facebook at Greta Corbell Sherrill. I intend to use her for horse therapy when I get her fully gentle broken. I have discovered a part of me that I had shut out for many years. My last horse, one I raised from a colt, died at age 27 in 1993, and I have not owned another one until now. THe horse in your art piece is SO real-looking! His eyes…everything about him just speaks to me. I feel as if I could just sit down by that picture and have a real conversation with that horse! If I cannot purchase it soon, at least I want you to know how amazing I think is that picture. I also read your recent article about the “bullies” from the Oscars and GIRL, I love you for that. I have always admired and respected you as an actress, but let me tell you, that article shot you to the top of the liter boards as a person as well as an actress! You have my utmost respect.
    Greta Sherrill
    Archer City, Texas 76351

    Submitted on 2014/04/18 at 11:21 am

  9. Dear Kim,

    I just want to say I think you are beautiful and I loved you in Vertigo and Bell Book and Candle. I just learned that you live in Rogue River and I just moved to Medford from Texas over a year ago. I like your paintings alot and I read your comments about horse heaven and having just lost my own pet I feel this deeply. Stay beautiful and stay happy in this little heaven of Southern Oregon.
    Love,
    Andrea

    Submitted on 2014/04/18 at 7:53 am

  10. Just wanted to say… good for you that you spoke out. (https://movies.yahoo.com/news/kim-novak-speaks-against-oscar-night-bullies-000542620.html) I am afraid I don’t now too much about your movies before, but I watched the oscars and read about the comments after. I think bullying is bad. I have a daughter who loves horses and has been riding for over 10 years now…. and at one time wanted to be a vet til she found another calling. So, I loved your horse heaven print and the canyons of my mind print. Just had to write and tell you good for you that you spoke out. People don’t know our lives and all we have been through. Take care and love your artwork. T

    Submitted on 2014/04/18 at 4:37 am

  11. Hello Ms. Novak,

    I am not familiar with your movies, but hearing your name has always peeked my curiosity. My father’s surname was Novak. His name, along with his twin brother, and sister, was changed when they were very young to suit a new marriage. I have never known any Novaks. My grandmother was 100% polish. Feeling an affinity for our shared name, and seeing your pain after the Oscars, I just wanted to offer some gentle words for you…

    ~Kind words are born from love. Mean words are born from pain. There are so many in pain, but there are so many more living in love. May you swiftly find your way through pain of others back to your home of love.~

    Your paintings are beautiful. Your “Horse Heaven” was moving…

    In Love, Zanda

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