Nearside Strike is a bold, abstract equestrian painting that captures the raw intensity of one of polo’s most iconic and technically demanding maneuvers: the nearside shot. Known for its difficulty and elegance, this move requires a rider to strike the ball from the left side of the horse while galloping at full speed. It’s a rare display of balance, timing, and instinct, performed in a matter of seconds under extreme pressure.
Rather than focusing on facial features or literal realism, I bring the scene to life through motion. The torque of the wrist, the tension in the grip, and the arc of the swing are all conveyed through expressive brushwork and textured layering. Splatter elements along the lower edge echo the spray of turf and dirt kicked up in real time, pulling the viewer into the rhythm of the match. This piece embraces bold abstraction to mirror the essence of the nearside strike: fast, instinctual, and precise, fusing the elegance of fine art with the raw intensity of equestrian sport.










