
Pete the Mule is a painting by Janine Riley which was uploaded on December 2nd, 2012.
Pete the Mule
Pete the Mule - Portrait of a Mule. Watercolor painting of a close up view of a Mule's soulful eyes and face .... more

by Janine Riley
Title
Pete the Mule
Artist
Janine Riley
Medium
Painting - Watercolor Pure
Description
Pete the Mule - Portrait of a Mule. Watercolor painting of a close up view of a Mule's soulful eyes and face .
Heart and soul.
I never realized how beautiful a mule can be.
And then I met - Pete the Mule.
One look in to his eyes and I could see a kind and generous soul that had seen some tough days gone by. I've had few friends that were as loving and devoted as him .
Retired now to a loving home and living in the rural countryside on a farm outside of Cooperstown NY up in Otsego County New York .
A Mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
Because they are a crossbreed Mules are sterile and can not be bred.
That is a shame because they generally have such a gentle demeanor.
Mules are often kept on the farm as they can be more preferable to horses for draught work due to the fact that they are stronger and have more endurance.
Mules are what is called " easy keepers " for their owners because they eat less food than a horse - therefore cheaper for the farmer to maintain. A very important consideration to the farmer.
" Stubborn as a mule " is a commonly used phrase , but not one to be familiar to the farmer.
Mules tend to be more patient and even tempered, than you would be lead to believe.
Perhaps they are just smarter to not want to put themselves, nor the farmer in harm's way.
Mules most common coloring is a Bay (brown with black mane and tail or Sorrel (red/rust coloring).
Mules can be mixed with Draught (draft ) horses and are the modern day " Beast of burden ".
This poor lad looks like he carried his share.
** Fine Art Logo will not appear on the print **
FarmHouse Style Décor - Barnyard and Farm animals -Waiting room Art - Country Life
Artist maintains reproduction Copyrights to this image. International law applies.
Uploaded
December 2nd, 2012
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Viewed 2,602 Times - Last Visitor from Shenzhen, 30 - China on 01/22/2021 at 7:09 AM
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Comments (43)

John M Bailey
Congratulations on your feature in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"

MM Anderson
I saw this portrait in your interview with Our Arts Magazine. He does have soulful eyes. What wonderful work you have done here!
Janine Riley replied:
Thank you so much Linda. A brief meeting - and I truly loved this boy. The Best friend you were always looking for … he was so kind. Owner's moved and I can't find him anymore.

John Malone
Congratulations! Your skillful and interesting painting has been FEATURED on our homepage. Well done!

Pamela Williams
Congratulations your wonderful artwork has been featured on the Art District Homepage!

Lacey Hermiston
Thank you for entering the Farm and Ranch Animals contest. I love Pete the Mule and noticed it the first time I viewed the entries. I voted for it. The look in Pete's eyes is very memorable. He has such a sweet, sad look. Keep up the great work!

Janine Riley
Featured in;" Nature and Landscape " , "M O U S E" and " Nature Wildlife Sunsets and Sunrises " . Thank you for the Features !

Barbara St Jean
Congratulations your fantastic piece has been FEATURED in MOUSE. Thank you for you wonderful submissions as it is always a pleasure to view your beautiful works. Cheers, Barbara

Janine Riley
Thank you so very much everyone ! What a wonderful companion they can make. Off to go see " Mouse !! " Barbara......... : )