Ifeel Like A Snake By Melinda “Topper” Williams

Cover artist Melinda “Topper” Williams said her two earliest memories are of riding in front of her father on his horse, Bob, and attempting to draw horses with construction paper and big crayons.

“I continue to enjoy riding and drawing six decades later,” she said. “I particularly enjoy capturing the fluid beauty of fit Thoroughbreds in the hunt field, steeplechasing and flat racing. I draw and paint for my own enjoyment when I have time…juggling art time with work, commuting, riding, farm chores and babysitting.”

Williams has some formal art training, including college-level courses as well as current watercolor and oil classes. She’s also attended one workshop at the American Academy of Equine Art (Ky.).

“As with most equine artists, I ride myself and over the years have shown hunters, evented and foxhunted,” said Williams, who has her colors with the Hillsboro Hounds and Mells Foxhounds. When not pursuing her art, Williams’ favorite activity remains trail riding in beautiful Middle Tennessee.