I can’t remember ever being more inspired to paint than when I was working on this. I felt quite empty after finishing this, but also chuffed that it turned out well! 

After we got back on Boxing Day I made several sketches, and studies of hounds and I think that extra information and understanding of the subject helped to add to this painting. I did struggle with the colour of the scarlet jackets, it’s easy to get the colour wrong but you know when you get the colour right. The hounds tie the composition together and add movement and life as do the milling throng of people. The foreground horse was great to paint with the rich liverish colours and a nice highlight on the stirrup.