The Options.

The Historic Horse offers four ways to acquire art.

You may elect to buy a picture from the growing gallery of existing works. I accept payments by Paypal or personal check, but shipping and preparation details must be arranged by phone.

You may commission an original to be painted to your taste. This will be created to your specifications, without being a portrait of a living animal or person. You may, for instance, specify “a liver chestnut hunter gelding with four whites and a blaze, standing next to a stream at sunset, bridled, 24 x 30 inches” or supply other ideas for pose, color, lighting, weather conditions, and size of picture. In this case I don’t work from photographs of a specific animal. Naturally the cost of a project like this will be higher than that of an existing painting, and the delivery time longer.

You may also commission a portrait of a favorite horse you own now. During an initial consultation we can decide upon settings, colors, poses, tack, and composition. Popular choices for the setting of such portraits includes your farm, famous public landscapes, or beloved hunt country. Owners and family members in modern or period dress may be included. Of course, favorite hounds may appear as well.

(Download client preparation instructions here.)

During the process, photos of the work will be sent to you for your approval, and final payment is contingent upon your acceptance of the finished painting.

If you live within the area of Northern Virginia or central Maryland, I can travel to your farm to take photos and do preliminary studies of your animal. This is my preferred method of working, since I can see the way your animal moves, talk to you about its personality and behavior, and see its eyes, which so clearly show the heart within. It’s also helpful for me to do on-site color studies of your horse’s coat in varying light conditions.

If you live further away and traveling to your barn is not practical, I can work from good quality color photos you or a professional take. For major commissions, travel arrangements may be made even when the distances are substantial.

Please call to arrange a discussion of your requirements in commissioned work.

Certain images will also be offered as high-quality giclée prints. These beautiful and precise prints are the new standard in art reproduction, and can add an element of antique beauty to your home without the expense of a large oil painting. Please email for pricing and availability.