Twelve years ago, Fairhope artist Jim Laughner captured Easy, his beloved dog and sole companion on duck hunting excursions, on the canvas of "Always First to the Blind." "Easy always knew where we were going," says the artist. "And he would always beat me there." "Black Mare," is a painting Laughner finished based off a photograph. The once-professional polo player and horse trainer says the photograph reminded him of a specific equine he truly loved. "Atlanta would let you dribble and stay right with the ball. She would let you 'check' or 'hesitate.' The way she traveled was the same as the horse in the photograph," he says fondly. The artist, pictured above, says retirement has allowed him the time to delve into his artistry. "I have more time than patience," he says. "When you're working, you have more money than time. When you're retired, you have more time than money." Laughner laughs. "It's a trade off."