From the Trail of Painted Ponies Collection, Five Card Stud. Designed by artist, Gerri Mattson. Made of Ceramic. Measures 6" tall

Artistic inspiration comes in many forms. Before she began to paint her pony, Carlsbad artist Gerri Mattson, a secondary art teacher for 25 years, drew upon her experience and gave herself an assignment. She drew up a list of words relating to horse. "Stud" caught her eye. She started sketching related ideas. This led to the game of poker. Gambling, horseracing, casinos, and lottery images followed...