Karmel Timmons : Magic World of Horses in Pencil - Fall 2008 Issue of Horses in Art Magazine

Karmel Timmons : Magic World of Horses in Pencil

by Corinne Brown

Legacy – Pencil by Karmel Timmons.
Karmel Timmons draws horses with startling images that evoke our deepest feelings. Using pencil, she creates an almost photographic likeness with consummate draftsmanship, intimately connecting the viewer to her subject. Many of her award-winning originals have been recognized by some of the finest museums and collectors in the country. In the world of equine art, Karmel Timmons has arrived.

Back in 1998, Karmel’s husband-to-be, Matt Timmons, recognized Karmel’s untapped talent, but saw that she couldn’t pursue an art career, due to her job. When Karmel decided to turn to art full time, Matt became her business manager. Together they moved into a rustic home in the Black Forest in Colorado where they soon acquired four horses. Karmel had found her latest subject.

“To me, horses are the most beautiful animals in the world. Their attitude or pose has to tell a story. Then, I try to catch a mood.” To great effect, Timmons exaggerates the lighting, enough to create heightened clarity. “I really just draw what interests me,” she continues. “But I don’t do commissions. I can’t draw for someone else.”

Timmons usually works from color photographs taken by friend and photographer Emily Kitching. Once she finds the desired image, she sketches it out on to two-ply Bristol board, a slick surface with minimal texture. Her preferred drawing tool is the Nero carbon pencil, available in five selections of hardness, perfect for laying hard pencil over soft.

Timmons studied art at Utah State University where she explored many mediums, including pencil, a challenge she’s learned that’s both time-consuming and unforgiving. Her painstaking technique requires as many as 150 hours of effort to achieve her spectacular results. Carbon smudging means that much of the drawing has to be covered by tissue paper in order to avoid ruining it while working. But undaunted, she draws Monday thru Friday, from midday until midnight. Her husband handles everything else and even cooks too – a great help for her kind of dedication.

Watering Hole – Pencil by Karmel Timmons.

Since 2001 Karmel has placed in numerous regional shows. Most recently, she was a featured artist at the 2008 Coors Western Art Show in Denver, Colorado.

“I try to limit my show entries to 4 or 5 per year,” says the artist, “And save a few originals for my gallery, Altermann’s in Santa Fe.” Her work has also been translated into full-size giclées in numbered, limited editions. On average, she produces 30 originals per year ranging in price from $10 to $15,000 each for larger works with smaller works starting at $2,500.

“Life is good,” says Timmons. “From my workspace adjacent to our bedroom, I really have everything I need. I have just the right lighting, my mother’s old drawing table, and a beautiful view. I can work in private and allow myself the time that’s needed. Someday I hope to be admitted into the great invitational shows like the Prix de West at the National Western Heritage Museum, or the Autry National Center. Until then, I’ll just keep doing what I love most.”

To view more of Karmel’s wonderful pencils go to www.karmeltimmons.com.

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