Artistic challenges often require going the extra mile or as I frequently call it going with Plan B...

The first part of creating this Master Oil Interpretive Painting began with meeting with my client. During this consultation, we discussed what she envisioned as a finished portrait. This client had several beautiful, high-spirited show horses. She wanted a painting of them together playfully galloping in one direction.

The next step involved meeting on location to photograph the horses. Like people, horses have their own unique personalities. As much as we tried to convey our requests to them; they each bolted out in different directions. At this point the challenge was on! I proceeded to photograph each horse individually, making sure the lighting was consistent with each one. Once I felt confident that I had captured enough images, I returned to the studio to begin the creative process of pairing all the images together into one portrait.

As beautiful as the pastoral setting was, I still felt there was something lacking. With the client’s permission, I found a gently rolling hills setting that would complete the serene environment for the painting. There were obvious distractions: a dead tree, a broken fence, bare skies and office buildings in the distance that would need to be eliminated during the painting process could begin.

Once all these distractions were addressed, the placement of each horse was meticulously done for optimum effect. Only one of the horses had to be reversed and the lighting adjusted so as to match the others.

All the images I worked with, as well as, the completed 40”x60” Master Oil Interpretive Painting are here for you to see the process. This portrait has proudly hung in the client’s home since 2005. With each passing day the portrait grows even more valuable, as some of the horses have passed on. All that remains are her fond memories and the beautiful painting that enriches her daily life and can be passed down for generations to come.

At Sam Gray Portraits, located in Raleigh, North Carolina capturing memories is our specialty. We work with clients from all over the United States as well as internationally. If you desire to create a one of a kind art piece like this client or wish to work from some of your own personal images, I would love to assist. Please feel free to upload them to my website and I will get back with you to discuss the possibilities. I'd like you to share with me your dream for an Art Piece whether it is of your family or a landscape. Let's make it a one of a kind!

As always, looking forward to working with you in the near future.

God bless,
Sam Gray