This weeks challenge set by 52Frames is Animals. I was rather pleased because I have some photos of heavy horses that I have been trying to get into one of the briefs. This week it’s an easy fit!

I saw these horses being readied for the show at Poynton a few years ago. I really like horses, but especially these heavy draft animals. They are so well built and this one had a lovely mottled coat. The man was getting this horse and it’s foal ready with plaited and decorated manes and tails.

I did the piece in acrylic paint and then overworked it in Derwent soft crayon. The horse and man have come out well. The background was trickier, and although I have definitely improved it this morning there are still a couple of areas that are not quite right. However it has the feel of the day with the sun coming from the left.

Heavy horse at Poynton Show in acrylic paint and Derwent Softcolour crayons