Horse Portrait Artist | Pastel Horse Portraits from Photos

Thank you for our portrait of Patrick, it is absolutely fantastic it really looks so lifelike, my sister is going to love it. You really do have an amazing talent, thank you for sharing it with us and making our sisters 50th birthday present so very special.

Lisa Marlor

Why Choose a Custom Horse Portrait?

A custom portrait is more than just a picture — it’s a timeless tribute that captures the strength, grace, and spirit of your beloved horse. I hand-draw each portrait with traditional pastel techniques (I don't use AI or digital manipulation), and I can tailor it to your vision:

• I work from your own photos so the likeness is true.
• The pastel medium brings out your horse’s coat tones, expression, and texture.
• Portraits can range from elegant head studies to larger scenic compositions.
• I can also create group portraits if you’d like to include more than one horse.

Bespoke Horse Portrait Paintings in Pastel

These are some of my previous head-and-neck commissions, created at either 18" by 14" or 20" by 15". I choose these sizes to give me plenty of space to capture the elegance, fine details, and unique personality of each subject.

hand-drawn white horse portrait in pastels

Horse Portrait Backgrounds
Here I offer the choice of plain background (usually a light, warm colour to complement the darker tones of the horse), atmospheric (a mottled effect creating an evocative mood) or scenic (for example, this could be a favourite walking area or a field that holds special memories).

Horse Portraits in Pastel

I depict horses as head and neck studies in pastel. The pastel medium can create the very complex tones needed to portray their coats and showcase the light and shade of their handsome bone structure. (I’ve written more about pastels here in my FAQ’s). So, whether you have an English Thoroughbred horse, Fell pony or even a donkey a pastel portrait will really capture the inner and outer beauty of these animals. There is also the option of adding scenic backgrounds and creating group portraits.

Group Horse Portraits

Multiple horses together, ideal for celebrating family, stable mates, or special partnerships. If you would like a group portrait, I can work from multiple references to combine them into a suitable composition.

Pastel portrait of three horses together from photos

Custom Portrait of Three Horses Painted Together in Pastels from Photos (2012)

Choosing the Size for Your Horse Portrait

• The smallest size I recommend for head and shoulders study of horses is 16” by 12”. This would suit a foal or miniature Shetland pony.
• For most horses like the Cleveland Bay Horse, Dartmoor Pony, or New Forest Pony ponies I would recommend an 18” by 14” or 20” by 15” size. This allows space to both capture the detail of the animal and create an atmospheric background or scenic setting.
• The larger 24” by 18” size is suitable for large breeds such as the Clysdale Horse or Shire Horse and is also advisable for multiple subjects together.

...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

Group Horse Portrait Gallery

Horses together celebrating companionship and character. Click on the images to enlarge and explore these examples.

Horse Portraits from Photos

When creating a horse portrait from photos, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure the finished artwork truly captures your horse’s character and personality:

• Photos - Generally, photographing a horse roughly three quarters side on is effective. This angle will capture the eye detail, the bone structure, and the mane well.
• Bridle – decide whether you want the bridle included. Sometimes I can cross reference between multiple photos to either add or remove a bridle.
• Colour of Coat - The horses coat colour and texture can change from summer to winter, so you may like to consider which of these you prefer and highlight the photo that captures this best.
• Mane - It is also good to be aware of which side the horse’s mane falls. This may affect the angle that you take your photos from so it can be seen clearly in the composition.

You can discover more about how to take good photos for portraits here in my FAQ's.

Note from Julie

Hi, and welcome. Horses inspire me with their strength, elegance, and individuality, and capturing that in a portrait is something I genuinely enjoy. I’ve worked in pastel for over twenty years and have been fortunate to create horse portraits for clients across the UK and around the world. My aim is always to create artwork that feels personal, timeless, and true to your connection with your horse. To learn more about me as an artist, please feel free to watch my short introductory video here.

Commission Your Custom Horse Portrait

Ready to have your own horse captured in beautiful art? Just follow these simple steps:

• Send me your favourite photos via email.
• Choose your preferred size (see my current price list) and decide if you'd like an optional scenic background.
• You can then order online through this site by following this link & selecting the "Head and Shoulders" option.
• Your custom horse portrait painting will arrive ready to frame, usually within one month of ordering.

Great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, memorials or equestrian awards.

I’m always honored by the thoughtful words my clients offer after seeing their finished portraits.

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

Horse Portraits — Beautiful Custom Portrait Paintings