Lee Joo For was a multitalented, versatile artist and playwright. Horse Picture Language 1 is an equine themed work characterised by strong expression and delightful colours. Joo For's horses are powerful and full of vigour, strengthened with dark outlines. A recurring motif within his artwork, horses are associated with valour and freedom. Lee Joo For was awarded a Malayan Government scholarship to study at the Brighton College of Art, England in 1959. He furthered his studies at the Camberwell School of Art, London in 1962, and at the Royal College of Art, London in 1963 where his fellow students included David Hockney. On his return, he taught at the St Xavier's Institution in 1948. He is famous for original plays such as The Flood, Son Of Zen, and his best-known play in Australia is The Call Of Guadalupe. He was given a Retrospective by The Art Gallery, Penang in 1995. In 2008, the Penang State Art Gallery honoured him with a major Retrospective. He also won the Best Playwright of the Year (Malaysian Drama Festival) titles from 1969 to 1971, and Best Radio Playwright (Singapore) in 1969.