One of my collectors commissioned this painting as a gift for Christmas this year.  This is Cheeca, an older guy who has been loved by his family for many years.  I used two reference photos for the finished piece, one for the horse and the other for the background.  Commissions of family dogs, cats, horses or ....cows!... make wonderful, one of a kind, thoughtful gifts that last a lifetime and then pass on as family heirlooms.