Some photographs just beg to be turned into portrait paintings, and this was one of them... a good example of homing in on the essential elements, in this case the energy, effort, and teamwork of the reining horse's sliding stop.

Dust patterns were placed and modulated to frame and emphasize the dynamics of the subject The rider was lightened in coloring overall, and the energy of the stop was intensified.

Painting with permission based on reference photograph by Jim Koziol (seen below.)