The animals that we bring into our lives are more than just “pets”–they are beloved family members. Commissioned portraits are a wonderful way to preserve their beauty and unique personalities to enjoy for a lifetime.
I work from reference photos and use multiple shots/angles to capture that special “look” you like most about your horse. On this page are examples of good reference photos. If time and distance allow, I can arrange to take the photos for you. Please note that copyright laws prevent me from using photos taken by a professional photographer, unless the photographer has given you full copyright to the photos. Tips for good reference photos are listed below.
To request a portrait, contact me to set up a consultation about the details of the desired pose. It takes approximately 2-3 months to complete, depending on the complexity of the subject and the number of other commissions in the queue. A down-payment is required in advance to secure your place in the waiting list. If you want the portrait ready by a particular date, please let me know in advance.
When the portrait is complete, it will be shipped to you upon receipt of your payment.
Commission Prices:
Commission prices begin at $450 for an 11”x14” composition, up to $800 for a 20”x26” composition. The final price is also dependent on the complexity (number of subjects, background design, etc.) of the composition. There is an additional charge for multiple figures in the same painting. I will provide prices for several sizes so that you can decide which size works for you. Framing and shipping costs are additional, and options will also be discussed.
Pastel portraits are done on velour paper mounted on archival quality foam core. I recommend framing all pastels prior to shipping. Pastels are shipped in a special box with foam padding to prevent shipping damage.
Tips for Reference Photos:
Reference photos should be in sharp focus so that I can see the details of the hair, muscles, eyes, etc. Natural light is best. Try to capture poses that demonstrate your horse’s personality and charm–those things that endear him/her to you. I can use a combination of photos for the portrait. For example, I can combine the body from one photo with the mane from another in order to highlight your horse at its best.