Backstretch Studio is located on Backstretch Farm in Southwest Georgia. The farm was once a small thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. Today its residents include a few pensioned race horses & several rescued dogs. It also holds many memories acquired over the years: equestrian endeavors, foals born and frolicking, training achievements, race horses that started here and later returned. So many beautiful horses and loving dogs that each played their part at Backstretch Farm and are forever in my memory.
Its serene setting offers a great place to work and live. The environment is perfect and just feels natural for the subjects so prevalent in my artwork.
What you can find on this site
This site is intended to be more than just a place to view my artwork; it includes information that I feel would be meaningful to anyone considering buying or commissioning a piece. It includes a general description of the studio business approach and philosophies as well as more detailed information about me as an artist. Those details include biographical information, an explanation of how I approach my work and "credibility factors" that lists exhibitions to which works have been juried and awards. The intention is to make you comfortable about doing business with Backstretch Studio. Of course no one can predict every concern that may haunt another person, so I welcome your questions and encourage them. I want every client to be at ease doing business with Backstretch Studio and pleased that they did.
Biography
In spite of his thirty year abandonment, Len Jagoda'a return to the world of art was dramatic with works that reflect his in-depth knowledge of his subjects stemming from his life's experiences.
Len's talent earned him a scholarship to the Cleveland Institute of Art; however, Uncle Sam had a different "scholarship" program that preempted his art studies. Following his military career, he returned to school on the GI Bill, but majored in Business instead of Art. Although he spent the next thirty years in the business world, he continued to be deeply involved with animals. He bred and trained horses, rode hunter jumpers and although he even had a couple on the track, he proclaims that delivering foals is the most thrilling equine event. His passion and compassion for dogs continued as well. Over time, he and his wife have adopted or rescued over 37 dogs, four cats, a goat and a llama. Len believes that St. Francis of Assisi has a duty station around their farm where he guides lost, sick or homeless animals to them.
His familiarity with animals comes through in his art. His portraits are more than a fantastic likeness; he has the ability to capture expressions that reflect the subjects' character and personality. His comprehension of anatomy shows in his sculptures suggesting how he transitioned his return to art. When Len rededicated himself to art, he chose to concentrate on fundamentals by limiting his art to sculpture and drawing for his first year back. This self-imposed limitation forced a dedication to the basics of form and values. He refused to work in color until he was satisfied with his works completed during this period. His discipline was well rewarded. His first completed sculpture cast in bronze (Tribute – Labrador Retriever Portrait in Bronze) was recognized in six art competitions with two Best in Show awards, a First Place award, a Merit Award at the state level and two Honorable Mentions, one in a national competition. His pastels quickly followed suit and among his many awards for pastels is the Best Head Study Award from the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art. Since his first entry in competitions in 2008, his awards for sculptures and pastels total thirty-four, including five Best of Shows; seven First Place Awards, two Second Places; four Third Place; five Merit Awards and eight Honorable Mentions, a Judges Selection, a Patrons Award and the Molly & Claude Scarbrough Award.
Len is an Associate of the American Academy of Equine Art and has been accepted to many juried exhibitions, galleries and shows. He has had works accepted into four international exhibits, twice to the Animals in Art Exhibition at LSU (2010 & 2011) and the American Academy of Equine Art Exhibit at the International Museum of the Horse (2009 & 2011) and several other museum exhibitions. His art hangs in collections and homes all over the nation and as far away as Saudi Arabia, as well as some of the most prestigious horse farms in Kentucky. He has completed portraits of leading sires and Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown and Horse of the Year (2009) Rachel Alexandra. He has been selected to create the official art for the 2011 Aiken Steeplechase, has had his art featured on the covers of the Chronicle of the Horse twice and the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (April 15th, 2011 issue). He was also featured in the 2010 Bullmastiff Annual.
Commissions are accepted.
Upcoming Events and Exhibits
40th Montgomery Art Guild Museum Exhibition Montgomery Museum of Fine Art 4/5/2013-6/2/2013 Reception: 4/5/2013 (5:30 - 7:30 PM)
This is a juried art exhibition organized by the Montgomery Art Guild and the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art, sponsored by BB&T. Awards for the event total over $27,000 making this a very competitive event. One hundred and one works were accepted by the juror from 414 entries submitted by 125 artists. Two works by Len Jagoda will be in this exhibition, The Griffin Boys (A Springer Spaniel Legacy) and Zenyatta.
The Museum announced that "this art, in a wide range of media and with diverse subject matter, will provide a sample of the best contemporary art in the River Region."
The museum is located about 90 from Columbus, GA just off exit 6 on I-85.
The reception is open to the public and admission is free.
The museum is open free to the public on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM until 5 PM except on Thursdays when it is open until 9 PM. It is also open on Sundays from noon until 5 PM.
The Horse in Fine Art - 2013 / American Academy of Equine Art Invitational Exhibition Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art 4/13/2013-7/2/2013 Reception: 4/13/2013 (6 PM until 8 PM)
Three pastel paintings were selected to be displayed at the "Horse in Fine Art - 2013 American Academy of Equine Art Invitational Exhibition" being held at the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art. This prestigious exhibition opens on April 4th and runs through July 2nd. All three of these were also award winners in previous events in international, regional and/or state level shows or exhibitions. Those selected were "Tiznow", "Distorted Humor" and "Big Brown".
The reception will be held on April 13th from 6 PM until 8 PM. It is open to the public for a non-member charge of $8 per adult.
The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM until 5 PM, on Saturdays from 11 AM until 4 PM and on Sundays from 1 PM until 4 PM.
The Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art is located about 15 miles northwest of the center of Atlanta at 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta. For more information visit www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org/ or call 770-528-1444.
Please try to visit this exhibition of wonderful equine art.
The 2013 Columbus Artist's Guild Member's Exhibition Illges Gallery - Columbus State University 6/8/2013-6/22/2013 Reception: 6/8/2013 (6 PM until 8 PM)
Each year this exhibition produces over 100 works of art. This year Len Jagoda has submitted a sculpture in bronze titled "Adulation". Artists will be demonstrating during the exhibition starting on June 10th through the final day of the Exhibition. Len will be demonstrating on June 16th.
The Exhibition is open from Monday until Saturday.
Upcoming Workshops
Other Web Pages that Len Jagoda Recommends you visit
(These pages are not necessarily about Len Jagoda)
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