Horse Oil Painting – Portraits in Oil: Murphy

Welcome to the horse oil painting of Murphy, traditionally hand-painted in oils on Italian linen canvas by Nicholas Beall. Nicholas specializes in painting horses for commission and is always thrilled to hear from clients when they’d like to commemorate their horse on canvas. He paints from his garden studio in the heart of the countryside surrounded by trees and fields, while I, Melanie, also draw horses for commission. We hope you enjoy reading about the painting of Murphy below.

Completed oil painting of Murphy, a horse, looking towards the viewer. — Portrait of Murphy

Commission of Murphy

Sam and Simon Browne contacted us in 2012 to commission an oil painting of their beloved pony, Murphy. Sadly, Murphy had passed away from cancer just a few months before, and the loss had left a deep mark on their family.

They felt that having a painting of Murphy would be the perfect way to remember him. Nicholas used their favorite photo for the main pose, carefully removing the background fencing and gate, and added details from other photos to enhance the piece. The painting was created using traditional oils on a 16 x 16 inch Italian linen canvas, a size that worked beautifully for Murphy’s portrait.

Pet Portrait Prices

Murphy the horse by a fence and gate for his oil portrait. — Murphy Horse Portrait

Oil portrait of Murphy the horse in progress, showing early stages of the painting. — Portrait of Horse in Oils – Work in Progress

Horse oil painting on canvas in progress, showing developing details. — Horse Oil Painting on Canvas

Client Testimonials – Sam

“Oh wow! I can't believe I can see Murphy looking back at me – he looks lovely – thank you!”
– Sam

“Just to say that Murphy’s portrait arrived safe and sound (wow, very impressed with the wrapping – so was our dog who enjoyed the bubble wrap – lol).”
– Sam

“This isn’t going to be his hanging place (see photo below) – I’m just enjoying looking at it from the sofa at the moment. I feel I’m going to have to re-design the living room now and nag my poor husband about putting the new fireplace in ;) He will look wonderful just above it.”

“We all can’t get over how lifelike and warm the painting is. It has this amazing 3D quality you just don’t get with a photo. After missing him so much over the last few months, it’s almost as though he’s in the room with us. The size is perfect, near enough life size – it reminds me of him looking back through the stables.”

“Nick, I think I just haven’t seen anyone else capture a ‘soul’ in a painting like you have done. Once again, thank you so much – I will send pictures once we eventually have it put up properly.”
– Sam