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

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.