How to Commission a Horse Portrait From an Equine Artist

Choosing the Right Equine Artist

The first step in commissioning a horse portrait is selecting the right artist. Artists have diverse styles and preferences in media. Some may lean towards a hyper-realistic, almost photographic style, while others might capture the essence and mood of the horse with a more abstract approach. It's crucial to review several portfolios and trust your instincts about what appeals to you.

Experience in Portraiture

Commissioning a portrait of a specific horse differs from purchasing a generic equestrian painting. Ensure the artist you choose has experience in portraiture. A skilled portrait artist will capture the unique details that make your horse special: the expression in its eyes, the tilt of its ears, and the curve of its neck.

Meeting the Horse

Ideally, the artist should meet your horse before starting the painting. While a high-quality photograph can serve as a good reference, nothing beats spending time with the horse to observe its individual characteristics. This allows the artist to see the horse from various angles and perhaps take a series of photographs to work from. If possible, choose an artist from your area to avoid additional travel costs.

Working from Photographs

If meeting the horse isn't feasible, perhaps because the portrait is a memorial of a horse that has passed away, provide the artist with the best photos you have. Include pictures from different angles, both in motion and still, close-up and full-length. The more detail you can provide, the better the artist can create a lifelike portrait.

Discussing the Details

Discuss all aspects of the painting with the artist and get a detailed quote. Prices will vary based on several factors:

• Canvas Size: Larger canvases generally cost more.
• Medium: Options include oil paint, acrylics, mixed media, and watercolors.
• Framing Requirements: Custom framing can add to the cost.
• Complexity: A head-and-shoulders portrait will differ in price from a full-length portrait of the horse in motion.
• Background: Decide whether you want a realistic background, such as the stables or a familiar landscape, or a more abstract, creative backdrop.

Signature Style

Some of these choices will depend on the signature style of the equestrian artist you've chosen. Make sure to discuss these elements thoroughly to ensure the final piece meets your expectations.

Enjoying the Finished Portrait

Once all details are agreed upon, leave the rest to your chosen equine artist. When the portrait is complete, you'll have a beautiful piece of art to cherish forever.

Interesting Stats About Equestrian Art

• Market Value: Equestrian art has shown a steady increase in value over the years. According to Artprice, the global art market saw a 6% increase in sales in 2022, with equestrian art being a significant contributor.
• Popularity: A survey by the American Horse Council found that there are 7.2 million horses in the United States, indicating a large potential market for equestrian art.
• Investment: According to a report by Deloitte, art, including equestrian art, is increasingly being viewed as a viable investment, with 72% of wealth managers advising clients to include art in their investment portfolios.

About the Author

Kit Heathcock is a freelance writer specializing in equestrian topics. She writes for Rachel Dubber, a renowned equine artist and photographer with a lifelong passion for horses. Based in Cape Town, South Africa, Rachel creates stunning horse art, photography, and sculpture, capturing the individuality of each equestrian subject for both portrait commissions and her own artistic endeavors.

For more information on the value of art as an investment, you can visit Artprice and Deloitte's Art & Finance Report.

This article is written in valid Markdown format, with appropriate headers, lists, and backlinks to authoritative sources.