A Guide to Collecting Equine Art in 2024

Horses have been inspiring artists since prehistoric times, which gives you a seemingly limitless selection of equine art to fall in love with! From equestrian paintings to illustrations to fine art equine photography, there's something for everyone and every style. You could spend a lifetime learning about equine art and still not scratch the surface - which is why it's a great idea to begin your collection by learning more about your own personal taste.

Begin by exploring different equine art styles and take note of what you are drawn to. Do you like bold bright colors and energy, or do you prefer minimalist art? Are you drawn to the intricate detail of hyper-realistic equestrian paintings, or do you prefer the bold strokes of impressionism? Perhaps the interpretive freedom of abstract equine art intrigues you, or you might love the emotional impact black and white or monochromatic equine art and photography.

Take time to explore various themes within equine art as well. Some equine artists focus on the raw power and movement of horses in motion, while others emphasize the powerful connection between horse and rider. You might find that you connect with breed specific equine art, or equine art that focuses on a specific riding discipline. Try not to assume that you know what you like - the more art you expose yourself to, the more opportunities you have to expand your collection and learn more about your own personal taste.

As you delve deeper into the world of equine art, you'll find that certain artists resonate with you more than others, either in their personal style or in the story behind their creative process and equine art career. Building a connection with an artist's body of work can enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of their pieces. Follow artists on social media, visit their websites, read their blogs, and learn about their creative processes and inspirations. Engaging with artists can also provide insight into their techniques and the stories behind their work, making your collection even more meaningful. Often times the story behind a piece of equine art can add a whole new dimension to the work, and give you more ways to connect personally with the piece. And, sharing the stories behind your equine art collection with fellow equine and/or art enthusiasts is the perfect way to spark some great conversations!

If you're not sure where to begin, check the TCH Artist Roster to learn more about some of our favorite contemporary equine artists!

Equine art is created in various mediums, each offering a unique aesthetic. Equestrian paintings, whether in oil, acrylic, or watercolor, offer a wide range of textures and finishes. Equine drawings in pencil, charcoal, or ink can showcase the fine details and contours of a horse's form. Sculpture brings a three-dimensional aspect to equine art, capturing the essence of horses in dynamic poses. Mixed media, digital art, and equine fine art photography are also popular, blending traditional techniques with modern technology.

Once you've discovered the equine art styles and themes that resonate with you, consider defining a focus for your collection. A cohesive theme or style can create a sense of unity, make your collection more impactful and help to narrow your scope within the vast world of equine art. You might choose to collect works that depict a specific breed, coloring, discipline, or feature. Or, you could build a collection around characteristics of the artists themselves - a collection of equine art by female artists, or a collection that focuses on new or emerging artists.

There are so many different ways you can look for themes within equine art. Some equine art collections are based on visual characteristics or art mediums, whereas other focus on the subject or inspiration behind the equine art piece. Here are some of our favorite examples of equine art themes to build a collection around!

Focus on equine art that captures scenes of wild horses in their natural habitats, emphasizing their freedom, strength, and beauty in untamed landscapes.

Collect art that depicts minimalist interpretations of horses, where equine artists use bold colors, shapes, and lines to capture the essence of their equine subjects. 

Search for detailed and expressive portraits that capture the unique personality and character of individual horses.

Or, if the idea of focusing on a specific theme feels to limiting, don't be afraid to simply collect art that you love. As your equine art collection grows, you might find that your own taste creates a one-of-a-kind theme that reflects your personal connection to horses.

It's easy to assume you will remember everything about each equine art purchase, but keeping detailed documentation of your collection is essential. Jot down notes about each new piece, including its title, artist, medium, dimensions, and the story of how you discovered and acquired the piece. Note where and when you found the piece, as well as any personal reflections or connections you have with it. 

This documentation not only helps you keep track of your collection as it grows over time, and also adds to its value and history.

When purchasing equine art to add to your collection, there are a few things to look out for. 

• Authenticity
  • Buy art directly from artists or reputable dealers to ensure the artwork is an original and not a reproduction. If buying from a private collector, ask about a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) to verify its authenticity. Lastly, always look for the artist's signature somewhere on the piece.
• Quality of Materials
  • Ask about the materials used, such as the type of substrate the work was created on, like paper or canvas, as well as the medium used to create it such as oil paint, soft pastels, or mixed media. It's also a good idea to verify how the piece was finished, and ask the artist for guidance on how to best preserve and maintain the work over time. Depending on the materials, some work must be framed behind glass, whereas others may already be finished with a protective UV coating.
• Condition of Artwork
  • When purchasing pre-owned art, look for signs of damage like cracks, fading, or warping. Don't be deterred by artistic imperfections that are part of the piece's original character, and instead keep an eye out for any damage that occurred to the work after it left the artist's studio.
• Provenance
  • For investment pieces of equine art, investigate the history of the work, including any previous owners and its exhibition history. Documenting and verifying the provenance of your equine artwork can add value and credibility to your collection.
• Emotional Connection
  • Regardless of the value and provenance of the piece, don't forget to take some time to reflect on the personal or emotional connection you feel to the work.

While original equine art pieces are the most sought after, reproductions of equine art can be an affordable way to add unique pieces to your equine art collection. Look for prints that use high-quality, archival materials to ensure longevity and prevent fading or degradation of the piece over time. Quality giclée prints, for example, are created using detailed digital scans of the original work to reproduce the image with archival inks on acid-free paper. 

Be aware that "giclée print" simply means a print made using an inkjet printer, and both the ink and the printing substrate are important variables to consider when evaluating the quality of a print. 

If you're investing in a limited edition piece of equine art, ensure you receive a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). A COA preserves the value of your investment by proving the print is part of a limited edition run, adding to the exclusivity of your equine art collection.

Purchasing original art and art prints directly from artists or reputable platforms not only ensures you get a unique piece, but also supports the artists' livelihoods. Plus, mass-produced equine art prints from big-box retailers often lack the quality and personal touch of works sold by artists themselves.

• Directly from the artist
  • Many contemporary artists offer their art for sale on their personal websites, Etsy, or through gallery partners, and emerging artists might sell directly to collectors via social media. Many artists are also available to commission pieces for private collectors. The closer you can get to buying the art directly from the artist, the better. Buying from artists directly or through gallery partners like the collected horse ensures the artist is fairly compensated for their work, which allows them to continue creating art!
• Art Galleries & Fairs
  • Visiting local galleries and art fairs is a fantastic way to discover new artists and see their work up close. These venues often feature a variety of styles and mediums, allowing you to explore different facets of art in person. Additionally, talking to gallery owners and artists can provide valuable insights and connections to the world of equine art.
• Online Platforms
  • Online marketplaces like Etsy offer a wide range of art from independent artists. Online galleries like TCH specialize in curating unique art while ensuring artists are paid fair royalties. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok also allow you to connect with artists directly, view their portfolios, and purchase art through direct messages.

Regardless of where you acquire the pieces in your art collection, don't forget to tell your friends about them! Leaving positive reviews or reaching out to the artist to let them know how much you appreciate their work is a meaningful way to support your favorite equine artists.

Your positive feedback can boost their visibility and morale, encouraging them to continue creating beautiful equine art. Regardless of an artist's level of success, expressing how much you appreciate their work is a guaranteed way to make their day.

Don't forget to take the time to enjoy and appreciate your collection. Display your pieces in a way that allows you to see and admire them regularly. Whether it's a dedicated gallery wall in your home or a rotating display, let your collection bring joy and inspiration to your everyday life.

Collecting equine art in 2024 offers endless possibilities for discovering beauty, supporting artists, and creating a meaningful collection that brings you joy for years to come. By exploring different genres, connecting with artists, and thoughtfully curating your pieces, you can build an equine art collection that reflects your passion for horses and art. Remember, each piece you add to your collection tells a story and contributes to the vibrant world of equine art. Happy collecting!