I first met Gail Guirreri-Maslyk at art class. It didn't take long before we all realized she was not in need of instruction…only we were. So, what was she doing attending a class when, as we soon realized, she was a professional artist? Inspiration, socialization and staying in tune with fellow artists were some of her reasons. Well, to say the least, we were in awe and the teacher left her alone to do her "thing."

Her "thing" was painting with confidence, the most wonderful oil paintings. Her subjects include equestrian, landscape and portrait themes. Her work has graced the covers of The Chronicle of the Horse, Horses in Art magazine, Friesian Grand Nationals, IALHA National Championships and a HITS Finals poster. Gail has been featured in numerous magazines and is invited to show her work at many major events including the MFHA Centennial Tour, Kentucky Derby, HITS, ASHA World Championships, the Virginia State Senate and Art at the Mill in Millwood.

It did not take me long before I asked her to donate a painting to The Middleburg Humane Foundation's annual silent auction. She obliged immediately with a splendid 48" by 60" Hunt Landscape. It was then that I discovered her incredible kindness and willingness to help a great many local charities. Gail is aware that she has a God-given gift and is prepared to share.

She has donated her paintings to Claude Thompson Elementary School in Marshall, The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the Equine Medical Center, ASHA Youth (American Saddlebred Horse Association), Roanoke Valley Horse Show, the Blue Ridge Hospice and recently, Gail's three paintings donated to the Pan Handle Hospice, raised an astounding $11,400 at a live auction. Her 'BLONDE d'AQUATAINE' (20' BY 20" oil on canvas) set a record, selling for $6,500.00. Just days ago she expressed her caring for the local farming community by donating her "Buddy the Bull" a 30" by 30" oil on canvas to the Fauquier Livestock Exchange fundraiser.

"I am fond of painting people and animal portraits and become very involved, hoping to capture the sitter's thoughts as well as appearance" she said.

One would think that this would keep her busy BUT Gail breeds Holsteiner sport horses (Cloverlone Farm) and assists her partner, Dr. William B. Ley DVM with his practice. To top this, she is an entrepreneur in the equine industry as founder of "Better Horse Business, LLC," solving business issues affecting the welfare of horses.

It never ceases to amaze me how much talent there is in our community.

Gail lives in Rectortown, the historic little village in the heart of the hunt country of northern Fauquier. She can be reached through her web sites: www.equine-impressions.com for original Oils, Giclees/Prints and other Gifts; www.cloverlone.com for Spotted Holsteiner Sport Horses and www.equine-graphics.com for Magazine and Web design.

Stop by her barn and you might just catch this talented, beautiful and hard working woman mucking out a stall.