COMMISSIONED EQUINE ART
A handmade portrait of the horse who means the world to you
Horses become our companions and an important part of our lives, but photographs don't always capture what they mean to us. A horse can be so much more than a horse. They're the partner you spend countless hours with, the one who carries you through good and difficult days and the one who gives you memories you'll carry for the rest of your life.
These handmade equine portraits from your photographs capture your horse's character, personality and the details that make them yours. You don't have to find the perfect photo. Instead, we find the photos you love and combine them into a portrait that feels truly like your horse.
Your photographs become a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork that preserves your story.
A handmade portrait of the horse you love, created to preserve the memories, achievements and moments that are special to you.
A memory worth keeping
Maybe it was your first big competition. A special win. Your last season together. The horse who carried you through years of training. Or simply a moment you'll never forget.
A portrait of you and your horse, captured in the arena. Or the horse who gave it all for you.
Portrait Prices
Custom artworks are priced per case, based on the complexity of the composition, background, and the number of horses. Please use the prices below as a guide. These are for a single horse with a simple background.
Prices are in EUR.
Are multiple horses possible?
Definitely! Multiple horses can be drawn together. It is even possible to combine horses and different pets.
As a pet owner with multiple dogs and cats myself, I know how difficult it can be to get everyone looking their best in every photograph! Your pets therefore don't have to appear together in the same photograph. I can combine your favourite photos of each animal into a cohesive portrait that brings them together in a single artwork.
Get in touch to discuss the possibilities.
Backgrounds
Nothing is too crazy for your background! Whether you prefer an elegant white background, or something more complex, such as grass, buildings or landscapes, it is all possible. Please share your idea for a custom quote.
Custom sizes
Custom sizes up to 70 x 100 cm (27.6 x 39.4 in) are available. The prices above are guide prices, and other sizes can be discussed.
Shipping
I ship my artwork internationally, and every portrait is carefully prepared and securely packaged to ensure it arrives safely at its destination.
Before shipping, the drawing is protected with a sheet of glassine paper, which helps prevent the pastel from being disturbed during transit. It is then carefully packaged to minimise the risk of damage while travelling.
Shipping within Belgium and the Netherlands is free. For other EU countries, the UK, and the USA, a €50 shipping fee applies. Pick-up in my studio in Ternat, Belgium is also possible.
For destinations outside these regions, I am happy to calculate an individual shipping quote based on your location.
Any customs duties, import taxes, or other fees charged by the destination country are the responsibility of the recipient.
Once your portrait has been dispatched, you'll receive tracking information so you can follow its journey to you. Depending on the destination, delivery usually takes between 2 days and 2 weeks. Please note that international delivery times may vary depending on the destination and customs processing.
Framing information
Portraits are generally shipped unframed. This keeps international shipping safer and more affordable, while also giving you the freedom to choose a frame that complements your home and personal style.
Each portrait comes with a care guide to help you look after your artwork and choose a suitable frame. I recommend framing the drawing behind glass with a passe-partout (mat), which protects the artwork while creating a beautiful, gallery-style finish.
Need help choosing a frame? I'm happy to advise you on frame styles, colours, and finishes that would complement your portrait and interior. I can also help you find a suitable professional framer near you through my network of framers and artists around the world.
For local clients, I also offer the option to have your portrait professionally framed and collect it from my studio in Ternat, Belgium.
50 + happy clients
Testimonial from Chelsea
"Butters and Kelso"
"I commissioned Paulien to do a portrait in memory of my two bunnies who have passed. She was so kind and kept in contact with me the entire time to ensure the painting was exactly as I wanted it. I appreciated her attention to detail and couldn't believe how well done the portrait came out - it looks like a photograph! I am so thankful I was able to have Paulien create something so special to me and can't imagine a better way to commemorate how much I love my bunnies."
Testimonial from Sanne
"Mr Nibbles"
"I received this drawing of Nibby as a birthday present from my boyfriend. I have no words for how BEAUTIFUL it is. I was (and am) deeply touched by how beautifully you portrayed him, it is correct down to the smallest details. It's the most precious and tangible memory I have of him, and I'm immensely grateful to you for it!"
HOW DOES IT WORK?
From your photographs to a one-of-a-kind portrait
01. Book your portrait
Get in touch with me via the contact form or email. Send me your favorite photos and tell me a little about your horse.
A €50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place (payment via bank transfer and PayPal possible).
02. Plan your portrait
We'll discuss your photos, composition and background to make sure the portrait feels right for you and your home.
Once everything is agreed, I make a digital mock-up to help visualise the portrait.
03. I create your portrait
Once the composition is approved, and a 40% deposit is paid, I'll start your portrait. A portrait usually takes 4-6 weeks to complete.
I'll keep you updated throughout the process and send you progress photos along the way. You'll also have the opportunity to request small revisions.
04. Final touches & shipping
Once your portrait is complete, I'll send you a photo of the finished artwork.
After your approval, I'll carefully package and ship it to you. You receive a tracking code.
05. Arrival at your home
Your portrait will arrive safely packaged, along with some simple tips for unpacking and framing it.
A frame with passe-partout (mount) is recommended. I can provide a passe-partout for smaller portraits upon request.
06. Enjoy your portrait
That's it! Find the perfect spot, get it framed and enjoy your new artwork.
Once your portrait has found its place at home, feel free to send me a photo. I'd love to see it 🤎
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, please ask your question in the form below.
I'd be happy to help!
How to book a portrait?
To book your portrait, either fill in the form below or email me at pauliens.pet.art@gmail.com. A non-refundable booking fee is required to ensure your place in my schedule and reserve time just for you.
Once this is booked, I will contact you again to discuss the specifics of your portrait.
Can I use more than one photo?
Absolutely. If there isn't one perfect photo of your horse, I can work from several images to create the portrait. We can discuss which details or features you'd like to combine.
And if you simply can't choose between your favourite photos, that's an option too! I can create an artwork that brings multiple views together on one sheet. For example, a full-body portrait alongside a closer head-and-neck portrait.
What if I don't have a good-quality photo?
That's okay! While detailed photos are preferred, I know from experience that this is not always easy, especially with horses that are no longer with us.
Send me the photos you have, and I'll let you know which ones could work best. Sometimes several photos can be combined to create the final reference. If you are unsure, feel free to send me an email, and we can look at the options together.
Can you create a portrait of multiple horses?
Yes! Multiple horses can be combined into one artwork, even if they weren't photographed together. Just send me the photos and we'll discuss the possibilities.
How long does a portrait take?
The time depends on the size and complexity of the portrait. Once we've discussed your idea, I'll give you an estimated timeframe.
Generally, smaller portraits take ca. 3-4 weeks until completed, larger works can take 6-8 weeks.
Can I see the portrait before it's finished?
Yes. I'll keep you involved throughout the process and send you progress updates so we can make sure the portrait is heading in the right direction.
I usually love to include a little behind-the-scenes video, sharing some of the proces. If you'd like one of your portrait, just mention it in your enquiry and I'll make sure to capture some of the process!
Can I request a specific size or format?
Yes. Custom sizes up to 70 x 100 cm (27.6 x 39.4 in) are available.
Can I commission a portrait as a gift?
Absolutely. A custom horse portrait can make a very personal gift for a birthday, anniversary, Christmas or another special occasion. If you're working towards a particular date, let me know in the enquiry and I'll take the deadline into account.
Gift certificates are available as well. They're a lovely option when you'd like to give someone the opportunity to choose the artwork themselves.