How to Select the Perfect Medium for Your Horse Portrait – A Helpful Guide
Selecting the perfect medium for your horse portrait is usually down to personal preference, While all mediums can beautifully capture your horse, I find that oils and pastels are particularly well-suited for equestrian portraits, bringing depth, richness and texture to the artwork.
This guide will help you consider the various factors that influence medium choice, If you’re unsure which medium would best suit your vision, I’m happy to advise. You can also browse the gallery section to see examples of previous commissions.
Selecting the Perfect Medium
Each artistic medium has unique qualities that influence the overall style and feel of your horse portrait. Selecting the perfect medium choice comes down to personal preference and the mood you wish to create.
Oils – Classic & Timeless
Rich, deep colours and fine detail create a museum-quality finish.
Ideal for high-impact, statement pieces with a luxurious feel.
Best suited for both detailed close-ups and full-body portraits.
Pastels – Soft & Expressive
Offers a beautiful balance between fine detail and painterly softness.
Pastel is perfect for stunning lifelike blends and rich, vibrant colours.
Graphite & Coloured Pencil – Elegant & Detailed
Graphite is timeless, emphasising form and light.
Coloured pencil allows for intricate detail and precision, particularly in close-up portraits.
Both are ideal for smaller, intimate pieces that highlight fine details.
Artwork Sizes by Medium
Framing & Display Considerations
The way your horse portrait is framed and displayed enhances its presentation and ensures its longevity. Different mediums require different framing approaches, from mounted and glazed frames for paper-based artworks to traditional or frameless options for canvas pieces.
Paper based portraits – graphite pencil, coloured pencil and pastel
These portraits require mounting and framing behind glass to protect the artwork.
The mount increases the size of the finished piece and enhances the presentation, giving a refined, finished look.
Canvas & Canvas Board Portraits – Oil Paintings
These are traditionally framed without glass for an elegant, classic appearance.
If you prefer a more contemporary look, canvas portraits can be hung unframed, as I paint the edges in a complementary dark tone.
Summary
From Photo to Painting
Choose The Photo
The Perfect Portrait Starts Here
Choosing the right photo is the first step in creating a beautiful, lifelike portrait. Click below for expert tips on selecting the best reference image.
Choose the Size
Find the Perfect Fit
Selecting the right size ensures your portrait makes an impact. Click below to explore size options and find the best fit for your space.
Prices & Lead Times
Plan Your Commission
Find all the details on pricing and lead times to help you schedule your perfect portrait. Click below for more information.
Contact Form
The easiest way to get in touch about your horse portrait or to send me your reference photos is to use the contact form below.
You can use the contact form for:
- General enquiries
- Starting an order
- Sending reference photos
- Booking demonstrations and workshops
- Checking availability of classes
- Leaving feedback
What Happens Next?
Personal Response
Once you’ve submitted your contact form, I’ll personally review your enquiry and respond as soon as possible. Whether you have a question or are ready to commission your portrait, I’m here to help.
From Photo to Painting
I’ll assist you in choosing the perfect photo, composition, and portrait details. We’ll finalise the size, medium, and any specific requests. Once everything is agreed, your portrait will be scheduled.
Payment & Delivery
When your artwork is complete you’ll be offered secure ways to pay online and your portrait will be securely packaged and delivered to you with free tracked, insured shipping.
Dog Portraits
Discover My Dog Portraits Today
A bespoke portrait is a beautiful way to honour the dogs who bring so much joy to your life. My dedicated dog portrait website hosts a wealth of information about my artwork, how to commission a portrait and an extensive portrait gallery.
