My wife was so very pleased with the portrait, she thought it was an amazing piece of work...she is telling everyone she shows it to how perfect it is.
Darren Still
(Sussex)
Three Horses Painting – Custom Horse Portrait in Pastels
Painting three horses together is always a special project for me. Each horse has its own personality, markings and story, and bringing them together into one artwork creates a portrait full of character and connection.
This three horses painting was created in soft pastels from my client’s photographs, carefully combining each horse into a balanced, natural composition. Whether your horses are companions, siblings, or part of a working team, a portrait of three horses together makes a meaningful and timeless piece of art for your home.
If you’re looking to commission a horse portrait, I work from your photos to create a hand-drawn artwork that reflects both likeness and spirit.
Pastel portrait of three horses together painted from photos
"Trousers, Sugar and Jim" (2012)
About This Three Horses Portrait
When I create a three horses painting, I don’t just copy the photos — I study each horse’s expression, posture and colouring to make sure they work harmoniously together in the final portrait.
Some horses are calm and gentle, others alert and curious, and part of my job is to show those differences while still keeping the group connected. In this portrait, I arranged the three horses so that their heads and eyes guide the viewer naturally around the artwork, creating a soft and pleasing flow.
All of my horse portraits are drawn by hand in professional pastel materials on archival paper, ensuring your horse painting will last for many years. You can find out more about pastel media and why it's ideal for creating portraits here in my FAQ's.
Why Commission a Three Horse Portrait?
Many of my clients choose a group horse painting because:
• They own several much-loved horses
• They want to remember horses that shared a special bond
• They are buying a unique gift for a horse lover
• They want meaningful wall art instead of a generic print
A custom group horse portrait captures more than a photograph ever could. It allows me to soften backgrounds, enhance lighting, and bring out the best in each horse while keeping them naturally together in one scene.
If you have a number of horses that mean a lot to you, a hand-drawn portrait is a beautiful way to celebrate them.
What Is a Group of Horses Called?
People often ask what a group of horses is called. The most common term is a herd, but there are a few others depending on context:
• Herd – the most widely used term
• Team – often used for working horses when pulling loads
• String – sometimes used for saddle horses or racehorses out together
• Stud – for breeding groups
Horses are social animals and naturally form strong bonds within their groups. That connection is one of the things I aim to capture when painting groups of horses together — not just their appearance, but their relationship to one another.
...both Aaron and I are thrilled to bits with the portrait for Maggies 60th. We gave it to her today to allow her to frame it and she was chuffed to bits - says it's the best birthday present. If I hear of anyone wanting a portrait done I'll send them your way.
Suzanne
Angus, Scotland
The Symbolism of Three Horses in Art
In art, horses often represent freedom, strength, loyalty and movement. When three horses appear together, the composition can also suggest balance, unity and companionship.
The number three also creates a visually pleasing arrangement, allowing for depth and interaction between the horses rather than a flat lineup. There is a long history in art of three being an aesthetically pleasing number. The rule of thirds considers that work is more beautiful when it is divided into three sections both horizontally and vertically, creating nine equal component parts.
A three horses painting isn’t just decorative — it tells a story about connection and shared life.
Three Horse Portrait Gallery
Below are examples of my horse portraits and group paintings. Each one is drawn individually in pastels. I always seek to capture the character and expression of every horse.
If you’re unsure whether your photos will work, you’re welcome to send them to me for advice before ordering.
Commission Your Own Horse Painting
If you’d like your own a horse portrait, I’d be delighted to help. The process is simple:
• Email me with the photos of your three horses (please see this guide for taking suitable photos)
• We discuss size, background and style
• I create your custom pastel painting by hand
• Your finished artwork is carefully packed and sent by insured delivery
Every commission is personal, and I work closely with you to make sure your horse portrait feels right for you. I always email a photo of the work when it is near completion for your approval.
...both Aaron and I are thrilled to bits with the portrait for Maggies 60th. We gave it to her today to allow her to frame it and she was chuffed to bits - says it's the best birthday present. If I hear of anyone wanting a portrait done I'll send them your way.
Suzanne
(Angus, Scotland)
Contact Julie
• ask me a question by filling in this form
• Email your photos to find out which ones can become a portrait
• Feel free to ring me on (01243) 773123
• or commission a portrait here