Sharon Crute

Sharon Crute has been around horses her entire life and wants to take that subject out of the genre category by showing viewers the complexity of these animals. She was hired by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to illustrate a children's coloring book with equine themes, and she travels frequently around the American horse-racing circuit with her husband, who trains thoroughbreds.

“Lots of artists are uncomfortable selling their artwork. I believe they feel vulnerable because it is such an intrinsically personal creation. They would rather just make the work and have someone else control the business side of being an artist. I don't feel that way now, but I can empathize with those that do ... I have made meaningful connections with collectors of my artwork by portraying my subject honestly and without resorting to sentimentality.”