The saga of Lesson Learned began when artist Leslie Hudson-Tolles found time between commissions for the first time in many years and began a colored pencil painting from a photo she had taken at a John Lyons Symposium.

The artist portrayed the horse Seattle at the moment of giving to his rider, the instant of softening that the artist, also a horseperson, works for with her own horses.

The portrait of Seattle – Lesson Learned – was purchased along with a study of the artist’s horse, Ever On, before they were finished.  This created a double-edged sword for the artist.  Hudson-Tolles was facing a one-woman show and two Nationally Juried Exhibitions having already sold her major pieces.

The original of Ever On was exhibited at Impressions of Horse and Hound in Mt Kisco, NY while Lesson Learned traveled to the Western States Horse Expo Art Show in Sacramento, Calif.  The limited edition prints made their debut at Let that Pony Run, Ms Hudson-Tolles’ one-woman show in Bethel, Conn. (Problem one solved.)

Hudson-Tolles sent a card to John Lyons thanking him for providing the inspiration for her portrait of Seattle and suggesting he might enjoy viewing it in California.  The excitement of John Lyon’s call carried yet another dilemma; he wanted to purchase the piece.

(Problem #2: the piece was sold.)

Jody Boles reluctantly relinquished her rights of first refusal for the art to John Lyons but then another twist surfaced.

(Problem #3) Lesson Learned was lost in transit from California to Connecticut due to a train derailment.

“The lesson I’ve learned is how many selfless people are out there,” said Hudson-Tolles. “Jody gave up the original for the sake of my career and out of respect for John Lyons; the Church Hill Classic folks who framed, shipped and advised, the Western States Expo Staff and their UPS person who traced and found the original Lesson Learned.” Michelle at Color Que and Jesse at Equine Images had unending patience and my friends and fellow teachers supported me through every step. The extended Boles Family of Whispering Birch Farm babysat and packed and worked the Equine Affaire with me.”

She continued, “John Lyons has been very kind. His celebrity signed prints to benefit Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and our local 4-H.  At Equine Affaire he introduced me to Seattle and the crowds.  He is a nice man, his time and endorsement mean a great deal to me.”

Going national and self-publishing prints are quantum leaps for an artist. Putting her artwork in the public eye has proved to be an experience of great artistic and emotional rewards for Leslie Hudson-Tolles.

The original Lesson Learned now resides in Colorado with John and Seattle.

 “The Equine Affaire was a huge success for me,” said Hudson-Tolles. “The local horse community was wonderfully supportive.  Horse people are very special.”