Springfield artist’s Barbaro painting sells for $14K

The painting, commissioned by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, was purchased by John E. Koenig of Franklin Square, N.Y.

“I tried to capture on my canvas the beauty, strength and elegance of this magnificent Kentucky Derby champion,” Sommer-Luarca said in a news release. “I feel very fortunate that my artwork can support the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund.”

Sommer-Luarca painted the 5-by-4-foot piece during this year’s Kentucky Derby week and put on the finishing touches at Churchill Downs the day of the race. She also created an image of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense weeks later during The Preakness race and painted Triple Crown winners Affirmed, Seattle Slew and Secretariat together on one canvas during this weekend’s Belmont Stakes. The Street Sense painting will be auctioned off later this year in support of the Barbaro Memorial Fund, which was created to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety research. More information is available at www.ridingwithbarbaro.org.

“We are deeply appreciative of Susan Sommer-Luarca’s outstanding contribution in support of the NTRA Charities – Barbaro Memorial Fund,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “And we are grateful for the generous bid made by Mr. Koenig on Susan’s beautiful work.”