Horse Oil Portraits Gallery by Nicholas Beall

Commissioning an equestrian portrait starts with your horse’s story. We would love to see your favourite photos and hear all about them their character, quirks and what makes them special to you. From there we can chat through ideas for the composition. Whether you are picturing a classic head study that shows off their breed, a dynamic scene in motion or a peaceful moment in the field. Nicholas treats every horse portrait with care and quiet respect, aiming to capture not just how they look, but how they feel to you. The result is a timeless portrait that celebrates your bond and becomes a lasting tribute to a remarkable companion.

Our equestrian portraits are a meaningful artistic investment, with pricing varying depending on the canvas size and complexity of the composition. Whether you are looking to feature a single horse, a mare with her foal or a full background scene, we will work closely with you to create something truly personal. These portraits often become treasured family heirlooms, proudly displayed and passed down through generations. You can explore our full pricing details and learn more about our flexible payment options for larger commissions.

Painting horses well takes more than artistic flair, it requires a deep understanding of equine anatomy, conformation and movement. Nicholas takes time to study each horse’s breed traits, structure, and individual way of moving. Whether he is capturing the elegance of an Arabian’s head, the strength of a Clydesdale’s stance or the energy of a Thoroughbred in full stride. Accuracy in proportion is key. The muscle tone, the line of the neck, the position of the ears, even the glint in their eye. All these details matter. It is this careful observation, paired with artistic interpretation, that brings each portrait to life and reflects the true character of your horse.

Photographing horses is no easy task. Their size, sensitivity and natural wariness make them quite the challenge. Unlike smaller pets, you cannot simply pop them in front of a window or adjust the lighting. Weather, mood and those strong flight instincts all come into play. Fortunately, Nicholas is highly experienced at working with whatever images you have available whether it is a polished show photo, a relaxed snapshot in the field, or even older pictures of a much loved horse who is no longer with us. We can often combine elements from multiple photos to create the perfect composition and lighting for your portrait.

Memorial equestrian portraits hold deep meaning for those who truly understand the connection between horse and rider. These are far more than just paintings. They are lasting tributes to years of shared experience, unspoken communication and trust built over time. Nicholas approaches each memorial commission with great care and sensitivity. Often weaving in personal touches that reflect the horse’s character. Whether that is a favourite rug, a well-worn bridle or a background that holds special memories. These portraits become treasured focal points in the home, offering comfort and celebrating a bond that is never forgotten.

Equestrian portraits often mark some of the most meaningful milestones in a horse lover’s life. They are commissioned for all sorts of special occasions - retirement tributes for trusted schoolmasters, celebration pieces after a big competition win, coming of age gifts for young riders and their first horse, wedding presents for couples brought together through horses and anniversary portraits honouring a lifelong partnership. These paintings are more than decoration, they recognise that horses are not just animals, but family, teachers and loyal companions who deserve a place of honour in our homes and hearts.

With many years of experience, Nicholas has built a reputation for painting horses of all breeds and disciplines with exceptional accuracy and feeling. His portfolio includes everything from the fine features of Arabians to the solid strength of draft breeds, from graceful dressage moments to powerful jumping scenes. He has an eye for the details that matter. The dished profile of an Arabian, the feathering on a Clydesdale’s legs, the elegant lines of a Thoroughbred. This depth of equestrian knowledge means his work speaks to fellow horse people. They see the authenticity straight away and they know he understands.

Our equestrian portraits begin with careful planning. We will create a mockup for you so that you can see what the portrait might be like before putting brush to canvas. Once the deposit has been placed, he starts your oil painting when you have reached the top of his commissions list. He starts by building the painting in layers with the structure, gradually developing muscle tone, coat texture and subtle colour shifts, before bringing it all to life with final details like the flow of the mane and the expression in the eyes. Larger pieces featuring multiple horses or detailed backgrounds naturally take longer. We stay in touch throughout the process, sharing progress updates so you can enjoy seeing your portrait come to life.

Group equestrian portraits are a beautiful way to celebrate meaningful relationships, whether it is the bond between mare and foal, lifelong pasture companions, or a rider’s horses across the years. These compositions take careful planning to ensure each horse is given the attention they deserve, while still creating a balanced, flowing design. From peaceful grazing scenes to the playful interaction of stable mates. Nicholas carefully considers each pose and placement to reflect both individuality and connection. These multi-horse portraits often become striking centrepieces in equestrian homes, capturing the spirit of a shared journey.

Nicholas paints horses from all disciplines and backgrounds, from elite competitors to quiet companions. Whether your horse shines in dressage, eventing, show jumping, western pleasure, driving, or simply enjoys long rides on the trail, each role brings its own beauty and character. Competition horses might be captured in motion or formal presentation, while cherished trail partners are often best shown in relaxed, natural settings. Retired horses look wonderful in peaceful pastoral scenes that reflect their well-earned rest. Whatever your horse’s story, the aim is always the same - to honour what makes them special in their discipline and in your life.

Horses naturally command presence, so the scale of your portrait plays a key role in its overall impact. Smaller, more intimate sizes such as 16x12" are perfect for head studies that focus on expression and personality. Medium canvases (18x14" to 20x16") allow for classic head and neck compositions, beautifully showing conformation and bearing. For those looking to create something truly striking, larger formats (24x18" and up) capture the full strength and majesty of the horse, making a dramatic statement that honours their nobility. When choosing your size, consider both your display space and the kind of tribute you wish to create.

We warmly welcome studio visits by appointment. Many of our equestrian clients enjoy making the trip to our rural corner of Wales to collect their portrait in person. It is a lovely way to round off the commission experience seeing where your painting was created meeting Nicholas and enjoying a relaxed viewing of your finished piece. We often share tea and conversation about horses while you take it all in. These visits often become special memories in their own right, adding a personal and meaningful chapter to your portrait journey.