Original works of art

The son of a Pershore solicitor, Woodward's gifts were recognized by Benjamin West and he was sent as a pupil to Abraham Cooper. His close study of animals resulted in his portraits of dogs and horses being well modeled and true to life with their landscape settings finely done. He became an intimate friend of Landseer who once wished he "could paint a horse like Woodward" and who obtained Royal patronage for him. His lively pictures of children with ponies are painted with great sympathy and gusto.

He became best known for his historical battle-scenes in which horses were prominent, such as The Battle of Worchester, and The Struggle for the Standard. He first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1821. Had he not died in early middle age, he most probably would have joined the front rank of his profession. He showed 85 works at the Royal Academy.