'Walton' 1812

James Ward created 'Walton' with oil on canvas during a time when painting was transitioning from aristocratic patronage to a broader public. The way Ward layers paint gives a real sense of the horse’s muscular energy. Look closely, and you can see how he’s built up textures to capture light, giving 'Walton' a living, breathing quality. The choice of oil paint allowed Ward to blend colors smoothly, vital for depicting the animal's coat. Yet, the strokes also have a directness, a confident application that suggests the artist's deep understanding of his materials. Ward’s painting captures a moment in the transition of rural England, where the power and beauty of animals were intertwined with labor and the changing landscape. By focusing on the materiality of the painting itself, we can appreciate how Ward elevates both his subject and his craft.