John Green ~ Ponyhour Equine Artist of The Month

We're delighted that John Green,  a freelance portrait artist working from his home studio in Lincolnshire, has agreed to be interviewed for Ponyhour's Equine Artist of The Month. 

Thank you John, first question please tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?

I'm a portrait artist based at my home studio in Lincolnshire, England. Much of my commission based work is regarding equine paintings, for customers the length and breadth of the UK. I'm currently working on a dressage horse for a client based in Nottinghamshire. The horse is now 21, so my client was looking to have him painted sooner rather than later. The work is actually a gift for her daughter, so it will come as an unexpected surprise!

How did you decide to become an artist?

I've been interested in painting and drawing as long as I can remember. In 1995, I undertook a degree in Scientific and Natural History Illustration at the Blackpool and Fylde college in Blackpool, Lancashire, and following graduation I worked my way up to become a freelance portrait artist.

What's the best advise you've been given as an artist?

My dream was always to become a professional artist, so you could say I've reached that goal by making a living from it. However, becoming established as a working artist takes a ton of hard work, and endless persistence. The best advice I've received is also the most straightforward: Never, ever give up, keep moving forward, and be prepared for it to take several years of work to figure out your business model. And eventually, you'll succeed in what you choose to follow.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Spending quality time with my family and friends. 


What are your work and life goals for the future?

One of my biggest future goals would be to have my works sold internationally. This would be a fantastic opportunity, and one which I am working towards. It goes without saying the more exposure your work has, the greater potential you have for future clients. And the prestige of selling work on an international stage is in itself the best incentive you can have.

Where can we find your work? 

My commissioned artworks are now gracing the walls of my pleased clients homes and premises, but electronic copies of these can be found on my online portfolio at www.johngreenfinearts.com. Watch this space for a selection of my upcoming gallery work!

I'll also be sharing my current works in progress, including commissioned paintings, and a selection of my up and coming gallery work via my Twitter account @JohnGre01328290 over the coming weeks and months so give me a follow to see what I'm doing.