Lorna Lancaster Fine Art Professional Equestrian Artist Essex UK
Capturing the Beauty, Spirit and Character of the Horse
Equestrian Artist - Original Horse Paintings in Pastels
Welcome to the website of Lorna Lancaster, a UK equestrian artist specialising in original horse paintings created in Pan Pastels and traditional pastels.
"The Lookout" - Three horses resting in the sun - Pan Pastels
Capturing the Beauty, Spirit and Character of the Horse
With a lifelong passion for horses and a deep understanding of their character, movement and anatomy, I create expressive equestrian artwork that combines realism with a loose, painterly approach.
My paintings are not intended to be purely photographic reproductions. Instead, I aim to capture something of the spirit and individuality of the horse – the movement of a galloping horse, the quiet character revealed in a thoughtful expression, the elegance of a dressage horse or the atmosphere of a summer day in the field.
"Over the Brow" - Bay horse and rider on a cross country course
A Passion for Horses
Horses have been an important part of my life for many years. Having owned horses myself and competed in dressage, I have developed a particular appreciation for their anatomy, movement and way of going.
This knowledge plays an important role in my artwork.
Whether I am painting a powerful horse in motion, a graceful dressage horse or a quiet moment between horses in the field, I want the finished painting to feel authentic as well as expressive.
I particularly enjoy capturing those fleeting, candid moments that reveal something of a horse's personality.
Original Equestrian Paintings
My collection includes original paintings of horses across a variety of breeds, colours and disciplines.
I enjoy painting everything from Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Warmbloods to Friesians, Welsh Cobs and Sport Horses, as well as horses whose individual character simply catches my eye.
Dressage is a particular passion, but my work also encompasses show jumping, eventing, showing and horses simply enjoying life in the field.
Some paintings begin with a photograph I have taken myself, perhaps during a photoshoot, while others are inspired by a fleeting moment or scene that has captured my imagination.
Equestrian Art in Pan Pastels
Pan Pastels are my preferred medium for much of my equestrian artwork.
Applied with soft sponges and specialist tools, they allow me to build layers of colour and create beautiful transitions between light and shade. I love the velvety, painterly quality they give to my work and the way they allow me to capture the subtle colours, highlights and textures within a horse's coat.
I combine Pan Pastels with pastel pencils and other artist-quality pastels where appropriate, allowing me to balance soft, expressive passages with finer details.
The result is artwork that is painterly, atmospheric and full of movement, rather than strictly photorealistic.
The Horse in Art
For me, equestrian art is about far more than accurately reproducing the appearance of a horse.It is about capturing presence.
The way a horse carries its head and neck.The movement of a flowing mane; Light catching across a powerful shoulder; The alert expression of a horse that has noticed something in the distance; Two horses moving together as though they are dancing.
These are the moments that inspire me to paint. I love the challenge of taking a fleeting moment and transforming it into an original piece of artwork that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Exhibiting My Work
I am proud to be an Associate Member of the Society of Equestrian Artists, having joined in 2021.
My equestrian paintings have also been selected for exhibition, including the Horse in Art Exhibition at Tennants in Yorkshire and the Society of Equestrian Artists' "We Give You The Horse" exhibition at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket.Being able to exhibit my work alongside other artists who share a passion for the horse is something I greatly value.
Articles and Pages
Meet the Artist Interview with Art2Arts
Art 2 Arts article what is Equestrian Art
Society of All Artists (SAA) Paint Magazine Tutorial Article
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