Horse Paintings by Carrie L. Lewis

Portraits can be designed from your photographs or from a combination of personal observation and photographs.

As an artist, I prefer to take photographs because this personal meeting allows me to gather the kind of information that will provide a better understanding of your horse. That may include taking notes on unique markings, special tack to be included in the portrait and settings.

It also allows me to observe your horse’s personality, behavior and movement, all of which contribute to creating authenticity and individuality in the final portrait.

A personal meeting also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions on your horse’s portrait.

Visits can made to farms, the racetrack, show ring or other special locations.

Once you have made the decision to purchase a portrait, I will help you decide what size and what type of painting you would like, discuss all options with you, gather your thoughts and ideas, and answer your questions.

Because no two paintings are alike, each one is quoted individually. If you are ready to order a portrait, have additional questions or would like to discuss ideas, email me.

Thank you…

… for exploring the many exciting options of a custom portrait or painting.

You are welcome to add your name to my email mailing list if you would like to see each new painting. Simply send me an email requesting to have your name added to the mailing list and I will do the rest. There is no charge for this and you may unsubscribe at any time.

How long will it take to paint my portrait?

While the answer to this question varies with each portrait, there are a few guidelines that determine the amount of time required to complete a portrait.

Miniature portraits (4 inches by 6 inches and smaller), can often be completed in less than four weeks.

Small canvas sizes such as 6 inches x 8 inches to 14 inches by 18 inches generally require about four weeks painting time.

Sizes from 16 inches by 20 inches to 30 inches by 40 inches may take anywhere from six to twelve weeks. Larger sizes will require more time.

The more complex the design, the longer the painting will take. A portrait with a simple, tonal background will require less painting time than a portrait that features a farm setting or other specific location.

The final consideration is knowing how many portraits are already on my work calendar when you order yours. If your timing is good and I have no portraits ahead of you, I will be able to get started on your portrait immediately.

These are estimated times only. Each portrait and painting is different, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. Some will require research into equipment and techniques and that will affect total work time.

Whether or not I do the framing will also require additional time to the portrait.

The time necessary for you to review photographs, designs and other factors will also contribute to the overall length of time for a project’s completion. Generally, however, I have observed that total project time (from initial contact to delivery of the finished portrait) is roughly double the actual painting time. The actual time necessary to complete your portrait may vary.

Currently, however, there is an on-call list and new portraits are being scheduled from two to four months ahead.

What is your “on-call” list?

The on-call list is my list of clients who are serious enough portrait work to have paid either the initial one-third payment or have paid a Scheduling Deposit of $100.

The amount of the initial one-third deposit depends on the price of your portrait. In order to know how much this deposit will be, we need to have made some very basic decisions. What size. What type of composition. What type of background. Many people approach me with a very precise idea of what they want, so working out these details is very easy.

But many more people enter a portrait project with only a vague idea or no real idea at all. All they know for sure is that they would like to have their horse painted in oils and that they would like to have me do the painting.

They also know they want to get onto my work schedule as soon as possible, rather than wait until all the other details are worked out and possibly end up on a long waiting list.

That is where the Scheduling Deposit comes in. The Scheduling Deposit is a set fee of $100. It tells me you are really serious about the portrait even though you haven’t worked out all the details yet. Basically, it is a place holder while we work out all those other details. When you are ready to proceed, you make the initial one-third payment (which we will have calculated by then!) and your portrait begins.

The Scheduling Deposit will be applied to that inital one-third deposit.

How do I know I’ll like the portrait?

Every portrait comes with a satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely happy with the finished portrait, return it to me for a refund of the two-thirds balance. The initial one third payment is your earnest deposit and covers the cost of materials and is not refundable.

However, in the interest of creating a truly pleasing portrait, you will be given the opportunity to approve every stage before I proceed to the next.

You will have the opportunity to review composition designs and select the one you prefer.

You will have the opportunity to review and approve the preliminary drawing, the under painting and the final painting before delivery.

You are encouraged to participate in the process as much or as little as you wish.

In addition, I have been painting portraits of horses for over 30 years and have yet to have a portrait rejected. That is, perhaps, the best guarantee of all.

Will you frame my painting?

Most paintings are not really complete until they are properly framed. Your portrait is an investment so you will not want to have it framed in any pre-made frame from the local art supply store.

If there is a reputable, custom framer that you trust in your area, the painting can be delivered to you unframed.

In most cases, however, clients prefer to have me take care of the framing for them. That way, they have a painting ready to hang out of the box.

When I frame a portrait for you, I will consult with you on where the painting will be displayed, the decor and any preferences as to wood type or color. Three to five frame samples will be provided for your selection, along with a digital image of each option and a quote for each option. The price of the frame you select will be added with shipping and will be payable before delivery.

My framing is done by one of two local framers; one in Newton and one in Wichita. Each offers a different selection of options. Both use museum quality equipment, moldings and finishings for a framing package that will enhance the beauty and longevity of your portrait.

What about the photos I send you?

All photographs are returned with the painting.

Make certain to obtain written permission from the photographer who holds the copyright on any professional photos used.

As the artist, I retain the copyright on every painting I do. Other than use in publications such as breed journals for advertising purposes, the painting may not be reproduced in any way without prior written agreement.

Do You Have Other Questions?

You are welcome to email me with any additional questions. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, including expanding on the information already presented here.

There are no stupid or silly questions. Only those that aren’t asked.

Thank you again for considering my work. I look forward to hearing from you.

Carrie L. Lewis, Horse Painter