The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

Why Waiting for a Commission Slot Is Worth It (Even If It Feels Like Forever)

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

Why Waiting for a Commission Slot Is Worth It (Even If It Feels Like Forever)

by Georgina Turner on Apr 18 2025
I get it—when you’ve decided you want a portrait of your horse, it’s tempting to want it now. You’ve got the perfect photo, the excitement is bubbling up, and then you see those dreaded words:“Fully booked until 2026.” As of now, my commission slots are filled for 2025, and I’m currently taking bookings for January 2026 onwards. That might feel like a long time to wait, but I want to share why that’s actually a really good thing—and why it’s absolutely worth the patience. 1. It Means You're Booking a Trusted Artist When you have to wait for an artist, it's usually because a lot of people trust them with something incredibly personal. And that means you’re in good hands. My books fill up fast because I put time, care, and heart into every single piece. Many of my clients return again and again because they know exactly what to expect: lifelike, meaningful artwork that captures their horse in a way a photo just can’t. The waiting list is a reflection of that trust—and it's something I don’t take lightly. 2. You’re Investing in a Slower, Thoughtful Process Good art takes time. And when you commission a portrait, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in a creative process. From choosing the right reference photo to building up each layer in coloured pencil, nothing is rushed. Every whisker, every highlight in the eye, every detail matters. Having a waitlist allows me to give each client (and each horse!) the attention they deserve—without cutting corners or working around the clock. It’s how I keep the quality high and the artwork true to life. 3. It Gives You Time to Plan Something Really Special Knowing your commission is booked in advance means you’ve got time to prepare. Maybe you want to take a few new photos of your horse this summer. Or perhaps it’s a gift for someone special in your life—and booking ahead means you won’t miss that important date down the line. Some clients use the time to save up, spread the cost, or plan for a piece that fits beautifully into their home. (I’m always happy to offer payment plans for this reason.) 4. It’s a Sign of Longevity, Not Scarcity When I say I’m fully booked, I’m not saying “you’ve missed out.” I’m saying you’re welcome to join the queue. Being booked into the following year means I’ve built a sustainable business, doing what I love—drawing horses and connecting with people who love them just as much. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll be here ready to start your piece at the time we’ve agreed. So it’s not about being left behind—it’s about being part of something lasting and thoughtful. 5. It Builds the Excitement (and It’s Always Worth It) There’s something really special about knowing your commission is coming up. I send updates ahead of time, so you know when your artwork is about to begin—and by the time it arrives, it’s often even more meaningful than when you first booked it. Many clients have told me the anticipation made it feel like Christmas morning when the artwork finally landed at their door. Thinking of Booking? If you're considering a piece for 2026, I’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re after something elegant and timeless or a cheeky Nosy Pony drawing that makes you smile every time you walk past it, I’ll work with you to create something that feels truly yours. My commission process is relaxed and personal, and I’ll guide you every step of the way—from choosing the right photo to discussing layout and framing. You can book in a 2026 portrait here or drop me a message if you have any questions.
How to Turn a Photo of Your Horse into a Piece of Fine Art

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

How to Turn a Photo of Your Horse into a Piece of Fine Art

by Georgina Turner on Apr 18 2025
There’s nothing quite like seeing your own horse transformed into a piece of fine art—especially when it’s done with care, accuracy, and love for the animal behind the image. As a UK-based equestrian artist, I’ve had the privilege of drawing horses for clients all over the world, turning their favourite photos into cherished artwork that tells a story far beyond what a camera can capture. Whether you’re looking for a personal keepsake, a meaningful gift, or something to honour a horse you’ve lost, a commission is a lasting investment in the memories you’ve shared. Why Commission a Portrait from a Photo? Horses are more than pets—they're partners, teachers, and companions. For most of us, we’ve got phones full of photos of them, often muddy-nosed or mid-gallop, and each one holds a memory. But sometimes, those snapshots just don’t do them justice. That’s where fine art comes in. When you commission a piece, especially one created in coloured pencil like mine, you're getting a level of detail and realism that breathes life into the image. My medium allows me to capture everything from the softness around the muzzle to the light in your horse’s eyes—and yes, even the cheeky glint for those that know them well! Choosing the Right Photo Don’t worry if your photos aren’t professional quality. I’ve worked with everything from phone snapshots to stable selfies, and I’ll always offer guidance on choosing the best reference image. The most important thing is that the photo captures your horse—their quirks, their expressions, their character. Once we’ve chosen the perfect image, I’ll work with you to plan the artwork in a way that reflects exactly what you want to remember. You can keep it classic and elegant or bring in something playful like my signature Nosy Pony style—which horse owners often love because it shows that irresistible curiosity we all know so well. A Style that Feels Real I specialise in realistic coloured pencil artwork because it allows for that incredible, life-like finish—every whisker, every highlight in the coat, every fleck in the eyes. It’s a style that’s loved by my collectors because it makes the portrait feel like your horse is right there in the room with you. Clients often tell me how emotional it is when they first see the finished piece—especially when it’s a horse they’ve lost. Many of them come back for more commissions, knowing they can trust me to capture their horse’s personality with real attention and care. A Piece You’ll Treasure Forever A horse portrait isn’t just a pretty picture for the wall. It’s something personal. It might be a reminder of the time you spent growing up together, or a nod to all the hours at the yard, the early mornings, the muddy boots, and the quiet bond you never needed words for. That’s why I always say this kind of art is an investment. Not just financially, but emotionally. It becomes part of your home, part of your story. And as time goes on, it only becomes more valuable—because those memories become more precious with age. Commissioning Artwork from Me If you’re ready to turn a photo of your horse into a piece of fine art, I’d love to help. I take on a limited number of commissions each year from my studio in Stratford-upon-Avon, and I ship across the UK and internationally. Whether you're looking for a full portrait or something fun and cheeky in the Nosy Pony style, the process is simple and relaxed. I’ll guide you through each step, from choosing your photo to framing recommendations, so you can feel confident you’re in safe hands. You can view past commissions and find more about how to book here.
How to create a gallery wall

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

How to create a gallery wall

by Georgina Turner on Oct 29 2024
Creating a gallery wall is a fantastic way to showcase your personality and style in your home. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner in the world of interior design, these tips will help you create a stunning horse and country gallery wall that will be the focal point of any room. 1. Plan Your Layout Before you start hammering nails into the wall, take the time to plan out your layout. I have created some gallery wall templates for you to download. The layout will be determined by the size of your prints and whether you want your gallery to be asymmetrical or symmetrical. I personally prefer a gallery wall to consist of a few different sizes (A4, A3 and A2) and go for an asymmetrical style. 2. Mix and Match Frames Don't be afraid to mix and match different frame styles, colors, and sizes. This eclectic look adds visual interest and personality to your gallery wall. Just make sure to maintain a cohesive colour palette or theme to tie everything together. Be aware that if you go for a frame and mount, it will add 5-10cm onto the size of your print. 3. Create Balance Balance is key when creating a gallery wall. Make sure to evenly distribute the visual weight of the artwork across the wall. You can achieve balance by mixing different sizes of art pieces and spacing them out strategically. I would always start in the middle and work your way out.  4. Add Variety You could include a variety of art mediums in your gallery wall, and mix your horse and country prints with personal photos of you and your family. If you are a keen horse rider, you may want to frame some of your rosettes if competing is important to you and add a 3D element to your wall. This variety adds depth and texture to the display if you like eclectic mixes. 5. Consider the Eye Level When hanging your artwork, aim to have the center of each piece at eye level. This ensures that the gallery wall is easily visible and can be enjoyed by everyone in the room. If you have multiple rows of art, start with the center row at eye level and work your way up and down from there. 6. Test first!   It's definitely a good idea to lay out your prints on the floor first, to give you an idea of the layout before putting holes in the walls. Then there are a few hacks to help you get the nail correct the first time. My favourite one is to put a dab of toothpaste on the back of the frame, press the frame against the wall and you will be left with a tiny bit of toothpaste where the nail needs to go. Simply wipe the toothpaste off the wall once you've put your nail in!
2024 Art Competitons

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

2024 Art Competitons

by Georgina Turner on Oct 07 2024
Art competitions have been a great way of expanding my reach into the world and I am lucky enough to have been selected for a local exhibition twice in the last two years.
Print Buying Guide

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

Print Buying Guide

by Georgina Turner on Sep 29 2024
The finishing touches to any interior design work or renovation project is the home decor; dressing your home with artwork, photos, ornaments and plants. But choosing what art to buy and what size can be overwhelming, which is why I’ve created this free guide for you. Subjects You may have come onto this blog page because you are pondering over a particular print on my website. Therefore, your gut is already telling you what subjects you feel connected to. However, if you are still a bit stuck on which one to choose, you could ask yourself these questions: What reminds you of home? What colours make you feel relaxed and at peace? What subject have you always loved and would never get bored of? Art is about an emotional connection; you want your wall art to reflect how you would feel in your own home. If you want a calm a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, choose a subject that will evoke this emotion in you. You also need to enjoy the art. There is no point in buying a print that you will get bored of very quickly!   Styles Now you know what subjects you would connect with, think about the style of artwork. Minimalist My minimalist drawings have a white background, allowing the focus to be solely on the subject. Minimalist prints can provide a clean, modern feel. White backgrounds work well in any space as the white background provides a neutral boundary between the art and your walls. Bright and bold Bright and bold art can create a statement piece, a focal point in your home decor. You can tie in elements of your interior design to the prints you choose that have colour backgrounds. Sometimes a piece of artwork is what you need to bring a room cohesively together. Bright and bold can still be calming - warm earthy hues such as an orange background can have two impacts depending on your mood. If you're in the need for a bit of calm, orange can feel like a sunset, winding down for the day but if you need a pick me up, the orange can remind you of Summer. Contemporary Contemporary art can take on many forms. In my range of art, the most contemporary pieces are my Nosy Ponies which could be classed as quirky or humorous. These pieces are a contemporary take on traditional realism art. Sizes You know what subjects you like and what style would suit your decor tastes, now it’s time to choose a size. Before you buy a print, have a think about where you’d like it to go as this will determine what size you choose. There is no rule about where you can put art in your home, but here are some ideas to try that you might not have thought about before: a child’s bedroom in a bathroom a ‘nook’ in the home, such as a reading corner in the hallway utility room in an office space   A4 Print The smallest and most affordable option is an A4 print (210 x 297mm). This print should be placed either: as part of a gallery wall in a small cluster of home decor in a small room such as a downstairs toilet   DO  Pair an A4 print with other home decor (either on a wall or on a shelf). Use them to create a gallery wall. DON’T Hang it as a standalone print with too much negative space around the frame. TOP TIP: Buy an A3 frame that sits an A4 print inside. The mount and frame will make the art look bigger.   A3 Print A3 prints (297 x 420mm) are a great way of going bigger when you have less space. A3 prints are a better option as standalone artwork, but you still need to style accordingly watching the amount of negative (empty) space that sits around the print. DO Create an alternating symmetrical gallery wall with A3 and A4 prints together. Place them on smaller walls as a standalone print (such as in a bathroom). DON’T Hang it as a standalone print on a large wall without other elements. TOP TIP: An A3 print can also look great on a shelf. Mix it with plants, lamps or ornaments.   A2 Print An A2 print (420 x 594mm) can create a real impact in your home and bring the interior design of a whole room together. This size should primarily be used as a standalone or statement piece of art. Suggestive places to hang would be above a sofa, a fireplace, a bed, dining table or at the end of a corridor. DO Hang above a bed, fireplace, dining table or sofa. Use this as a statement standalone piece. DON’T Underestimate the size of an A2 print. Once you add a frame it can get really big (depending on the thickness of the frame). TOP TIP: Take an A2 print to a framers or order a custom frame from EasyFrame.   Final Word Thank you for reading this guide, I hope you found it useful. Buying artwork is really fun and most of the time, the art will stay with you for life and be passed down to the next generation in years to come. That’s why choosing art should be done selectively.  
My funny horse style called Nosy Pony

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

My funny horse style called Nosy Pony

by Georgina Turner on Sep 27 2024
Ever wandered what a 'Nosy Pony' is? My signature style of horse drawing, where the nose is the most prominent feature, has increased in popularity in the last 2 years because of the cheeky and playful way your horses can be captured through art. Every horse owner understands the velvety softness and the smell of... I can't describe it in words. But if you know, you know!
The Game Fair 2024

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

The Game Fair 2024

by Georgina Turner on Aug 12 2024
2024 was the first year I exhibited at The Game Fair, which was held in the beautiful grounds of Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. Not only was this the first outdoor exhibition I had attended as a business, but it was the first exhibition after quitting my teaching job, so it felt like there was a lot riding on this event. Quitting my teaching job This had been my dream for a long time and I never really knew when I'd go for it and hand my notice in, but it just felt right at the end of May. Whilst it is a huge risk and leap from my steady teaching career, I knew it was something I needed to do. I've always wanted my own business and to be my own boss - but I'm not sure I would have necessarily found myself becoming a full time artist if I hadn't first become an art teacher. I'm a strong believer in everything in life happens for a reason and I truly believe my decision to quit this year was the path laid out for me. Why the Game Fair? I knew that I wanted to focus on targeting a smaller niche of customer and move away from pet portraits. This year I rebranded myself as an equestrian and countryside artist, focusing on British countryside pursuits and field sports. The Game Fair felt like the perfect opportunity for me to reach a new target audience. My 'game' plan Being a rookie exhibitor at this event, I wasn't too sure what would be popular, so I essentially took everything (products, commissions, originals). My other target was to get lots of emails (which I'd failed to do at The National Equine Show earlier in the year). I also wanted the look of my stand to really stand out and brand my business in a way that people would recognise at future events. One slight disadvantage for me was my location. The Game Fair was so huge and vast, the footfall was really low in my area. Other exhibitors found this too but that was completely out of my control so I had to focus on the things that were in my control. The weekend! It was 3 days of sunshine, sore feet, lots of talking and dogs! My favourite moments were when a few attendees found my stand and recognised me from social media, which shows that online presence is very important. Chatting to potential customers about my art and how I could create artwork of their dogs felt really good. I did a live drawing whilst I was there too, which helped pull people in. Sadly I didn't finish it, which was one of my lessons learnt from the weekend. Overall, I had so much fun and made a great friend in my next door neighbour Josh, who runs Northern Log Cabins.  What defines 'success'? My sales were much lower than I expected over the whole of the weekend and it's hard to judge exactly why. However, being a brand new business to a lot of people, not everyone will be willing to part with their money until you've built the trust up. My husband always says to me 'control the controllables'. Therefore every person that came to my stand, I had a chat with and got their email address. Over the course of the weekend, I ended up with 80 email address. After the weekend, I emailed each person individually and got a handful of responses back with people asking to book in a commission. At the point of writing this blog, I am nearly full up for 2024 already! So, what defines success? Ideally, I would have made a lot more money in sales at the event but I still consider the weekend successful. Not only have a made the cost of the stand back in commissions, but at least 80 people now know my brand. They are potential customers waiting in the wings which I now need to nurture and turn into customers.  Lessons learnt I like to reflect and will always think about what I've learnt from every experience. Here are a few things I learnt from The Game Fair, which I will change about my experience next time: 1) Lots of attendees will come for more than one day. I need to put a strategy in place to encourage people I speak to to come back (such as a live drawing). 2) Live drawing. The live drawing that I did, really helped to pull people in, but the downside was that it was really big and I hadn't started it before hand. I think people interested would have liked to have seen something finished so next time I will either start one so it gets finished, or do something a bit smaller (should help to bring people back to my stand too). 3) Print more business cards and leaflets! Towards the end of the weekend, I completely ran out. Considering I had low footfall, when I am in a better location I'm sure I will need more (perhaps 300 next time!). 2025 I will be back to The Game Fair in 2025, with a better stand and more beautiful artwork! Hope to see you there x
Anniversary gifts by year

The Art, The Decor and The Countryside

Anniversary gifts by year

by Georgina Turner on May 22 2024
If you and your husband or wife like to celebrate wedding anniversaries then it is really fun to follow along with the traditional anniversary gifts. Whether to stick to the exact material or offer a tenuous link, here are some ideas for you to try… 1st Anniversary: Paper Look no further! Georgie’s commissions are all created on paper as she is a colour pencil artist. Spoil your partner with a bespoke piece of artwork for your 1st paper wedding anniversary. 2nd Anniversary: Cotton You’ve been married for two years, maybe you’ve moved house, renovated or built a new life somewhere. Georgie’s cushion covers are made of cotton so the perfect anniversary gift that you can both enjoy. Alternatively, these tea towels are made from 100% cotton too, perfect for the kitchen. 3rd Anniversary: Leather Ooh okay, a bit of a tenuous link here but did you know Georgie can draw realistic drawings of leather and other objects as well as animals? Failing that, a saddle or bridle for a horse lover would do… 8th Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze 8 years strong! Maybe you’ve welcomed a new arrival into your home by now with a tendency to break a few things, so it’s probably time to refresh your mug cupboard? 12th Anniversary: Silk or Linen Georgie’s tote bags are made from heavyweight linen and are the perfect unique gift for a linen anniversary 1st Anniversary: Paper 2nd Anniversary: Cotton 3rd Anniversary: Leather 4th Anniversary: Fruit or Flowers 5th Anniversary: Wood 6th Anniversary: Candy or Iron 7th Anniversary: Wool or Copper 8th Anniversary: Pottery or Bronze 9th Anniversary: Willow or Pottery 10th Anniversary: Tin or Aluminum 15th Anniversary: Crystal 20th Anniversary: China 25th Anniversary: Silver 30th Anniversary: Pearls 35th Anniversary: Coral 40th Anniversary: Ruby 45th Anniversary: Sapphire 50th Anniversary: Gold 55th Anniversary: Emerald 60th Anniversary: Diamond