Scarface

"Scarface" is a painting inspired by Sandy Sharkey’s black-and-white photograph titled Black Beauty on Sable Island. This stunning wild stallion, photographed by Sandy in 2017, stood atop a grassy dune on Nova Scotia’s remote Sable Island — 180 miles off the coast of Halifax. He led a large family band with several mares and a couple of foals, living a life of total freedom.

I was so moved by Sandy’s image that I felt compelled to paint him. Because her photograph was in black and white, I chose to render the painting in grayscale — capturing the contrast, detail, and drama that drew me in. His flowing mane is alive with motion, his gaze is intense, and his flared nostrils speak of alertness and strength.

What struck me most were the battle scars across his face — visible signs of the fierce struggles he’s endured to protect his band. Those scars tell a deeper story of survival, leadership, and the rugged resilience of the wild. It’s this story that gave the painting its name: Scarface.

Set against a dark, minimalist background, the piece invites quiet reflection on both his majesty and the hardships that have shaped him.