"Harlan": Horse Portrait (16" x 20" Pastel)

A commissioned portrait of a very handsome (and well-loved) horse named Harlan. My process:

• Take and edit photos 
• Do pen and ink sketches, to work out pose and colors (see below). I liked some of the sketches, so I also turned them into notecards. 
• Decide on a favorite (the owner chose the tan background).

This was done as a Christmas present. On Christmas morning, here's the feedback I received:

"Your painting is a HUGE hit!!!!! Nicole loves it, and also loves the cards!"

That was the goal:) Merry Christmas, Nicole!