Client Spotlight: Stories Behind Our Favorite Custom Portraits

Aug 29

In a new series, I’m excited to share a bit behind my favorite pieces of artwork I’ve done. I’m starting out with one of the most successful animals I’ve ever created – successful both in and out of the show ring. Babylon, or “Crumbles” as he’s known in the barn, is an incredible show hunter who has taken the horse show world by storm since a very young age. A few of his career highlights so far are being named WCHR Professional Challenge winner, Grand Champion at the National Horse Show, Overall Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the Devon Horse Show, top placings in the WCHR Hunter Spectacular in both Traverse City and Wellington, wins at Junior Hunter National Championships, and many other top accolades.

I was commissioned by Crumbles’ groom to paint two portraits: one for his owner and one for his trainer, John French. I worked with photographer Alden Corrigan and was able to work from stunning reference photos.

The Photos

The painting process was a fun one, partially because I knew what a special horse he was, and also because he is a work of art himself! The incredible facial markings were tremendously fun to paint, and the details were all so perfectly visible on the photos, which made for such a pleasant painting experience. I built the painting layer by layer, then focused on the finer details and the bright, warm colors that make up his beautiful chestnut coat. The final step was brightening all the whites, especially on his white face marking, to really make him pop off the canvas.

I went with neutral backgrounds to let him really be the star of the piece. Ultimately, I was so happy with both of them, and they ended up somewhat going viral on social media! To this day, the first painting is still my most popular social media post, but hopefully one day I’ll surpass that as I keep growing!

The Result

Forever two of my favorite pieces I’ve created, these two paintings make me proud to know they are representing one of the world’s top show hunters. One of them hangs in the home of one of the best hunter riders of all time. It was such an honor to bring this horse to life!