Hugs — Fine Art Greeting Cards

Two gentle spirits, one tender embrace — a little reminder that love needs no words.

Hugs captures a beautiful moment of affection between two horses, their heads nestled together in a quiet, loving embrace. With their flowing manes, warm earthy colors, and peaceful expressions, these gentle companions share a moment of connection that feels both comforting and wonderfully familiar.

I've had a special connection with horses since I was young. Growing up in Lake Tahoe, I spent a couple of summers working at a horse stable near our home in Zephyr Cove. I helped care for the horses and guided visitors on horseback rides through the beautiful mountain forests. Those days gave me an appreciation for these magnificent animals — their individual personalities, gentle nature, intelligence, and the wonderful bonds they form with one another.

I was also inspired by the wild mustangs roaming the high desert just east of Lake Tahoe. Seeing horses living freely among the rugged landscapes of the Sierra Nevada region deepened my admiration for their beauty, strength, and independent spirit. In Hugs, I wanted to celebrate a softer side of these powerful animals — the tenderness of two horses leaning into one another, sharing a moment of affection and companionship.The original artwork is part of my Silver Lining Series, where transparent watercolor is paired with expressive metallic silver ink. The flowing silver details trace the horses' manes and contours, adding movement, texture, and a touch of magic to their tender embrace.

My years as a tattoo artist have strongly influenced this series, especially my love of flowing, decorative linework and expressive shapes. In Hugs, I used those tattoo-inspired lines to transform the horses' manes into a graceful dance of movement, blending bold design with the softness and warmth of watercolor.

This little painting holds a particularly special memory for me. The original, measuring approximately 7" × 10", was the very first original painting sold from my art gallery! It was such a meaningful milestone, and I love that a piece celebrating affection and connection was the first to find a new home.

Whether you're sending love to a friend, celebrating someone special, offering comfort, or simply reminding someone that you're thinking of them, these greeting cards are miniature pieces of art meant to be enjoyed, shared, and treasured.

Art to share. A little love and a warm hug to send.

Greeting Card Details

• Artwork: Reproduction of my original Hugs watercolor and metallic silver ink painting

• Collection: Silver Lining Series

• Original Artwork: Approximately 7" × 10" — collected

• Size: 5" × 7" (folded)

• Inside: Blank for your personal message

• Paper: Choice of coated (one side), coated (both sides), matte, or uncoated

• Quantity: Available individually or in matching sets of 10, 30, or 50

• Envelopes: Included

Artistic note: The metallic silver linework is a feature of the original painting; its colors and visual effects are reproduced in print and are not metallic on the greeting cards.

© Christie Marie Elder. All rights reserved.