  
Richard Stone Reeves is considered to be the 20th century’s premier racing portraitist and perhaps the most important American painter of sporting art ever. Known for his accuracy and realism, Reeves’ ability to capture the personality and character of each subject was legendary. Over the decades Richard Stone Reeves was commissioned to paint more international Thoroughbred champions than any artist in history. His original paintings are housed in some of the world’s finest galleries and private collections. Seven books and over 50 prints have been published of his art and storied career. Mr. Reeves died at the age of 85 in October of 2005, leaving a legacy of timeless artistic excellence.
Near the end of 1973, while reflecting on the tremendous success of Meadow Stable through the careers of Riva Ridge and Secretariat, Penny Chenery commissioned the acclaimed artist Richard Stone Reeves to paint conformation portraits of her two great champions. This warm and enduring association between celebrated painter and progressive owner/breeder was one of mutual respect and admiration, and in 2004, Chenery asked her longtime friend if he would authorize the reproduction of these personal artworks as limited edition prints in an effort to generate charitable revenue for some of her favorite equine-related causes. Reeves willingly agreed, a rare and generous gesture considering the fact that the noted artist had always controlled the publishing rights to his entire body of work. This singular collaboration, entitled “Meadow Champions,” was sadly interrupted by Reeve’s death and so represents the first and only posthumous release of Reeves’ work.
|
