C U LT U R E C O R N E R
It seems that many of Lyn’s commissioned pieces are created as gifts for a loved one, something that she finds particularly touching. “It’s a very personal gift,” she says thoughtfully. “When I accept a commission, whether it’s for a gift or otherwise, I have to liaise quite closely with the person commissioning the work so that I can perfect the image and be absolutely sure that I’m capturing the horse’s character and personality. And that takes a commitment from them to give me the time and details I need.”
One of Lyn’s most recent commissions, Jungle Juice the Stockhorse.
Despite her considerable talents and enviable success as an artist, Lyn’s approach is remarkably modest. “For me, to be able to paint someone’s horse is both a privilege and a compliment because a portrait is something that’s really precious, it becomes a treasured possession. It’s lovely if I can actually see the horse but often I can’t, either because of distance, or because it’s a posthumous portrait – which inevitably brings tears to my eyes - or because someone has commissioned a painting as a surprise for their spouse. But these circumstances are never an issue because even if I have had the opportunity to see the horse, I always paint from photographs.” Lyn finds that by working this way she achieves a far more accurate representation of her subject, particularly given that horses, unlike human portrait subjects, don’t stay still for very long! I can’t help but ask Lyn about the way she feels as she paints, and her response is instant: “I feel inspired because I just love horses. They’re all so different and they each have their own story – I see them as individuals, as personalities. And to be able to give something back to people who love their horses is an absolute pleasure.” Personally, I think that the pleasure is all ours. View more of Lyn’s work at www.lynbeaumont.com – or for portrait enquiries, email lyn@lynbeaumont.com 28 | H O R S E V I B E S J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 0
Capturing all the action of a fast fought polo game (photograph reference by and courtesy of Tony Ramiriz).
