Black Stallion c. 1979

Robert Peak made this Black Stallion, date unknown, with what looks like charcoal and maybe a little pastel. It's all about seeing the process, the way the marks build up to create this powerful image. I love how the charcoal is smudged and blended, creating this sense of movement and energy. It's like the horse is emerging from a cloud of smoke. Then, those little pops of blue, purple and yellow, they just grab your eye and give it something unexpected. The lines feel quick and intuitive, you can almost feel the artist's hand moving across the surface. Look at how the texture of the paper is visible through the charcoal, adding another layer of depth. This reminds me a bit of Franz Kline, with that bold use of black and white and dynamic composition, but Peak brings his own sensitivity to the subject. It's a great example of how artists can take a traditional subject like a horse and make it feel completely fresh and modern.