Biography

Yvonne Hazelton is an Arizona native with a love for horses, nature and art. As an artist, she is highly regarded for the detail and realism of her equine and wildlife oil paintings. She blends her lifelong experience training horses and riding throughout the Southwest with a passion for capturing rich, emotional scenes. Whether it is a stallion’s mane dancing in the sunset as he shows off for his mares, or a bear leaving water streams while running through shallow water, Yvonne’s love for animals and nature is apparent in her work. She brings the animals to life on her canvas, allowing the viewer to feel as if they are personally witnessing the special moment.

As a kid, Yvonne was usually on a horse or drawing one. By 10 years old, she was selling her artwork from the back of her horse. She won many awards throughout her school years, including a scholarship to the University of Arizona. While earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she painted a racehorse portrait that started an extensive list of commissions. Yvonne’s commissioned paintings have included international show jumpers, racehorses, wildlife, Westminster show dogs, backyard ponies, and even a family parakeet. Yvonne has also had the privilege of painting award collections for specialty dog shows and fundraisers throughout the country. Yvonne’s equine art has been featured in magazines such as Art of the West and The Chronicle of the Horse.

Although Yvonne enjoys commission work, she is now focusing on her passion for wildlife. Inspired by years of riding in the deserts and alpine forests of the Southwest, there are so many beautiful experiences she is excited to share. An elk’s newborn calf, bighorn sheep that defy gravity and playful bear cubs are on her list of favorite memories waiting to be painted. Through her paintings, Yvonne strives to convey the beauty and majesty of wildlife to those who may not have the opportunity to witness such scenes firsthand.

Proceeds from Yvonne’s artwork go directly toward providing feed and medical care for the animals of HorsesNSmiles Therapeutic Ranch, a non-profit that provides therapeutic riding and outreach programs for children, seniors and people with special needs.

Current representation includes Absolutely Art Gallery in Tucson, AZ, Aspen Lodge in Alpine, AZ and Pinal courthouse in Oracle, AZ.