A beautiful tovero mare and her cowgirl partner—painted by artist Clara Smith—rose to the top of the Paint Horse Journal’s 60th Anniversary Cover Art Contest. As the winning artist Clara Smith’s “Confidant” will grace the Winter issue of the Paint Horse Journal as the storied APHA flagship publication embarks on its sixth decade dedicated to showcasing the stories and spirit of the American Paint Horse and the people who love them.
Clara is a Western artist and graphic designer from Bend, Oregon, and a self-professed horse girl that never grew out of the “phase.” She strives to document real Western life, depicting the culture and traditions of the American West, while also maintaining authenticity within her work by including real people and real horses, set in real places.
“This piece features my aunt, late Western Artist Joelle Smith, on her first Paint Horse Millie. My aunt raised many Paint Horses and taught me how to ride,” Clara wrote in her submission. “Horses were the most important part of her life, and her love of horses and art inspired me to become the artist I am today. This piece reflects her fondness and gratitude for her Paint partner.”
A Diamond Anniversary
The Winter 2026 Paint Horse Journal marks the publication’s 60th anniversary; its first issue rolled off presses in November-December 1966. The Journal’s early issues often featured art covers that depicted Paint Horses and the Western lifestyle.
“Our team decided an open-call art contest was the perfect way to celebrate the Paint Horse Journal’s 60th anniversary,” Editor Jessica Hein said. “We were blown away by the submissions we received from across the globe, both in technique and the way the artists captured the spirit of the American Paint Horse and its role in Western culture.”
The contest received 57 submissions, including entries from the U.S., Canada, France, the Netherlands and Peru. Choosing a winner amongst the salty field was challenging. Clara’s piece, however, rose to the top.
“From a creative perspective, I found this piece of artwork visually balanced. I loved the color palette used in the background, as it allowed the horse and rider to easily be the focus of the piece,” APHA Creative Director Jody Johnson said. “Details throughout, along with the accuracy of horse and rider composition, make this a stand-out piece that captures Western spirit in a calm, confident way.”
In addition to having her artwork featured on the cover of the Winter 2026 Paint Horse Journal, Clara receives a $500 cash prize, an artist profile and social media showcase. Her artwork will be featured in a limited-edition PHJ x PH Barn Door t-shirt collection, as well.
“I’m so incredibly honored to have my piece selected for the cover,” Clara said. “Having grown up with Paint Horses, they hold a special place in my heart. I may be biased having two Paint Horses myself, but they are my favorite breed to paint. This painting holds a lot of meaning for me, and having my Aunt Joelle featured on the cover through my work feels like a collaboration despite her not being here.”
The quarterly Paint Horse Journal distributed exclusively to members of the American Paint Horse Association; join or renew your membership today so you don’t miss this special anniversary issue. Visit phcentral.com or call 817-834-2742.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association. Since it was founded in 1962, APHA has registered more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses. Learn more at apha.com