
How to Commission a Horse Portrait – A Step-by-Step Guide
Commissioning a horse portrait is a special and personal experience, creating a lasting tribute to a beloved horse. Whether you’re looking for a timeless keepsake, a statement piece for your home, or a meaningful gift, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process with care and expertise.
Each portrait is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a lifelike and elegant representation that captures the spirit and beauty of your horse.
Below, you’ll find all the details on how to commission a portrait, from selecting your reference photos to receiving your finished artwork.
Step 1: Getting Started
The journey to a beautiful portrait begins with selecting reference photos and finalising the details and instructions. This ensures the artwork captures your vision.
Sending Your Reference Photos
The first step in commissioning your portrait is to send me your reference photos. You can upload them directly through the contact form on my website. Feel free to send as many images as you like—seeing your horse from different angles and in various lighting conditions helps me capture their personality and unique features.
Choosing Your Composition
Once I’ve received your photos, I’ll create digital compositions to show you different layout options for your portrait. This allows you to choose the version that best represents your vision before I begin painting. I can also help you choose the perfect size and medium.
Confirming the Details
After finalising the composition, I will send you a formal quote via email. This will include:
- The size and medium
- The chosen composition
- Special Requests – Any specific details you’d like included or omitted
- Price & Timeline – The cost and estimated completion time
Once you approve the quote, your portrait will be added to my waiting list.
Getting in Touch

Step 2: From Photo to Painting
Once your commission reaches the top of my list, I’ll begin bringing your portrait to life. Each piece takes time and careful attention to detail, ensuring a lifelike and elegant result.
The Painting Process
When your commission reaches the top of my waiting list, I will begin working on your portrait. Depending on the size and medium, artwork typically takes 10 to 40 hours to complete. Oil paintings may take a little longer and require extra drying time before shipping.
Final Approval & Adjustments
Once the portrait is finished, I will email you a high-quality scan or a photograph. If any minor adjustments are needed, I’ll be happy to make them at this stage.
Lead Times

Step 3: Payment & Delivery
Once you’re happy with your portrait, secure payment options are available. Your artwork will be carefully packaged and shipped with full tracking and insurance for safe delivery.
Secure Payment Options
When you are completely happy with the finished portrait, I will send you an invoice. Payment can be made via:
Debit/Credit Card
Bank Transfer (BACS) – Details will be included on the invoice.
Paypal
Cash – If you are collecting your portrait in person.
Packaging & Shipping
Once payment is received, I will securely package your portrait and send it via Royal Mail Special Delivery for UK addresses. This service ensures:
Delivery within 1 – 2 working days
Full tracking and insurance
Safe & Secure Packaging

Step 4: Share your Experience
I love hearing how your portrait has brought you joy! Share your feedback, leave a review, or post about your artwork on social media to celebrate your painting.
Leave a Review
I love hearing how my portraits bring joy to their owners! If you’d like to share your experience, you can leave a review on my Facebook business page: Pippa Elton Art, or submit a testimonial for my website. Your feedback is always greatly appreciated.
Sharing on Social Media
If you love your portrait, sharing it on social media is a wonderful way to celebrate your horse and your unique artwork. Please do tag me so I can see and share it too: Pippa Elton Art.

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.

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.

Back to Home
Return to Home Page
Find all the information and links to help you plan your perfect portrait.
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.