Commissioning a Portrait of a Horse and the Rider
An equine portrait is more than a record; it is a profound testament to a chapter of your life. Captured in oil paint, it serves as a timeless family heirloom, preserving a partnership to be passed down through generations.
Equine portraits offer a soulful reflection of identity that a photograph cannot. While a camera captures a fleeting moment, a painting is a thoughtful interpretation. This process doesn’t sacrifice accuracy—it elevates it, revealing a truth beyond simple likeness to capture the spirit of the bond between you and your horse.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Few portraitists truly understand the “soul of the stable.” As an equestrian artist, I provide:
Anatomical Accuracy:
A deep technical understanding of equine movement and conformation.
Sporting Authenticity & Attire:
Precise knowledge of the correct attire, discipline-specific etiquette, from the perfect braid to the correct fit of a stock or tie.
Contextual Depth:
An appreciation for how the landscape, whether rolling hills, race track or a manicured arena defines the horse’s character.
Artistry vs. The Digital Snapshot
Permanence:
In an era of digital clutter, photos are often lost to the “cloud.” Photographs fade, even high-quality Giclee fine art prints eventually fade.
Radiance:
Oil paint possesses a depth and richness of colour that no screen can rival. Centuries later, these works remain as vibrant as the day they were finished.
Emotional Weight:
When we face the inevitable loss of an equine companion, a magnificent oil painting serves as a living memory, a physical manifestation of your shared history.
Investment:
It might be worth noting that 50% of the World’s most expensive paintings are all Portraits and Equestrian portraits rank amongst the higher end of the market, no matter who the sitter is.
The Process
While I can work from photographs, I find the best results come from preparatory drawings and sketches made from life.
We all know the heartbreak of losing an equine friend to age or injury. An oil painting is a magnificent way to immortalise the partnership between you and your horse, capturing your teamwork in a medium that stands the test of time.
Commissions & Investment
While I can work from photographs, the best results come from a combination of photography and preliminary life sketches, allowing me to study your horse’s unique movement.
The following is a guide; every commission is tailored to your specific vision.
| Option | Style & Scale | Description | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | The Grand Portrait (120cm x 80cm) | A majestic, full-length painting of horse and rider | €4,600 |
| Option 2 | The Three-Quarter (90cm x 70cm) | A classic composition focusing on connection and form | €3,400 |
| Option 3 | The Standard (70cm x 50cm) | Our most popular size, perfect for intimate portrayals | €1,600 |
Prices exclude framing. Dimensions may vary slightly based on composition.
Inspired by the Masters
I am deeply influenced by the work of Sir Alfred Munnings. To help you choose a background, we can look to his legendary compositions to inform your portrait, blending traditional elegance with your personal story.
