Commission a Pet or Equine Portrait Sculpture
A relationship worth preserving in sculpture
Some animals become part of the story of our lives. Their expressions, habits and quiet ways of communicating remain with us long after a particular moment has passed.
Sculptor Mike Leckie creates commissioned pet and equine portraits from photographs, transforming the character of a beloved animal into a personal work of art. A commission may celebrate the animal sharing your life today, preserve the memory of a trusted companion, or become a deeply meaningful gift for someone who loves them.
Mike is especially interested in the gentler relationship between horses and their humans—the recognition, trust and intuition that can pass between them without words. Having grown up with horses, he understands that every horse has an individual presence. His goal is not simply to reproduce an animal’s appearance, but to express the personality and connection that made that animal unforgettable.
Bas-Relief
Rocky
Stone Carved
Cleo Memorial
Your photographs become the beginning
A commissioned sculpture can be developed from a selection of clear photographs. Images showing the animal from different angles help Mike study the shape of the head, distinguishing features and characteristic expression.
Equally important are the stories behind the photographs. Tell Mike how your animal holds its head, what makes its expression recognizable, and which memories best describe its personality. These details help the finished sculpture become a portrait rather than a generic representation.
Older photographs may also be considered, making it possible to create a memorial portrait of an animal whose presence you still want to honor.
Equine sculpture with a softer story
Mike’s 2026 horse series, I’ve Been Waiting for You, explores caring, recognition and companionship between horses and humans.
Rather than emphasizing conflict or control, these sculptures portray horses as Mike has known them: perceptive, gentle and deeply connected to the people they trust.
Rocky — 2026
Rocky represents the kind and faithful friend everyone deserves to know. His portrait reflects the quiet reassurance of a horse whose presence makes a person feel understood and welcomed.
Hoogie — 2026
Hoogie Doogie was named after a mountain on the ranch. After his mother died giving birth, he was raised in the kitchen and front yard and became part of the family. Mike remembers him here as a yearling—curious, spirited and ready for his next adventure.
Mike’s equine works are sculpted and produced in his Oregon studio.
Bas-Relief in process
Grandson with his new frined Sonny
How to begin your commission
Send several photographs of your animal along with a short description of their personality, your relationship and the qualities you most want the sculpture to preserve.
Mike will review the available references and discuss the artistic direction, scale, material, timing and intended setting with you before the project begins.
Preserve more than a likeness
A photograph captures one moment. A sculptural portrait gives that memory form, dimension and permanence.
Commission a one-of-a-kind pet or horse sculpture for your home, collection or as a lasting remembrance of an extraordinary companion.