Its all in the eye

I have just finished my first large (for me)  head portrait 2'x3' of four standardbreds.  I've never done just heads, and in comparison with what I do with landscapes this was far easier perspective wise.  Perhaps less is more, because the result is stunning.  What I loved most was not reproducing from photos, although I do use them for color reference ...but in this painting I had to turn heads to create a good composition, and so it was difficult, as I had no set photo to work with.  

For those who know me, I spend ages just looking at the horses, getting to know their personality and features....so when it comes to painting their eyes, I am putting that into the paint, really feeling the horse, getting inside the horse. This is the difference between a painter who looks rather than copies.  Hope you can follow what I'm on about!

Given that I have had a broken rib since August and no doubt torn tendons too, I don't know how I've finished this one!  Have to rest now.  It's driving me to despair!