Hi Penny,
Sorry for slow reply I had an issue with emails.
I see what you mean about colour difference of Apaches tone, as you say I think it is due to change of seasons and coat thickness, the proof of Apache looks amazing but as you say it’s difficult to see exact tones.
I feel the hair tone was a split between the two between the proof you have sent and the main image you’ve been working with if this is any help but as I say me an my father are absolutely chuffed with the final result…
Thankyou
Lenard
Capturing Apache’s character
From the moment I received the photographs, I was drawn to Apache’s expressive eye, the rich tone of his coat and the seasonal shift in his colouring. I noted how the manoeuvre of light across his mane and the velvety texture of his nose warranted careful treatment. I chose to emphasise the subtle variation in coat tone—recognising how seasonal changes, coat thickness and pasture lighting can alter a horse’s appearance.
Because of this, when we discussed the proof, I flagged that it is difficult to see exact tones. This occurs in a phase of change. The owner’s feedback gave invaluable insight: by acknowledging that “the hair tone was a split between the two” reference‑photos, we could tailor the final to reflect his truth of Apache as they see him, rather than a frozen snapshot.
My process
For equine commissions such as this I draw on decades of experience. Based from my studio in Rutland (near Leicestershire and Lincolnshire borders), I’ve been painting horse portraits since the early 1980s, working in mediums including watercolour, gouache, oils and acrylics.
The choice of medium is always guided by the subject:
- For horses with shorter, smooth coats I often favour gouache on watercolour board, which gives crisp detail and controlled softness.
- For subjects with longer mane, richer tones or a more majestic presence, I lean towards oil on canvas or acrylic, which allows deeper colour layering and grander scale.
In Apache’s case, the seasonal coat‑shift and subtle tone change required a treatment. This treatment had to honor both the precision of likeness and the beauty of his living presence.
Why the location matters
Though the commission is from South Derbyshire, my home‑base in Rutland provides some unique advantages. Working in the East Midlands means I’m able to serve clients across the region—from Derbyshire and Leicestershire through to Lincolnshire and Yorkshire—with local support, framing services and specialist photography when needed.
Horse Portrait commission enquiries
If you would like a painting of your favourite horse, please give me a call. My contact number is: 07884 198748. Alternatively, you can email me your favourite photos. Share any ideas you might have regarding the painting you would like.
I will review your specific requirements. Then, I will either discuss them with you by phone or send you an email with a written quotation. I will tailor the quotation to your requests.
I can post paintings anywhere in the UK either framed or unframed and I do so via Parcelforce 24. This horse portrait I painted of Apache was posted unframed.
