Introduction
Drawing a horse can be an intimidating task for kids, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, they can have success in creating an accurate representation of the noble creature. Drawing a horse can be an exciting process, especially when kids are equipped with the correct materials, have seen the animal they’re trying to draw, and have some basic guidelines to help them along their artistic journey. Here are some steps, tips, and tricks to help make drawing a horse a much easier task for kids.
Provide Reference Pictures
Kids should have some reference photos before starting to draw a horse. Not only does it give them an idea of what the animal looks like, but it also provides them with a template to use, which can make the drawing process much smoother. They may find images that look like their own horse if they’re attempting to draw their own riding partner. Seeing the object in real life or in photos allows kids to get a better understanding of its form.
Outline the Shape
Once equipped with a reference picture, a good starting point is to draw the outline of the horse. Trace the basic shape of the animal using light pencil strokes. This will give kids an idea of where the legs should go, how to position the head and body, and where to draw other features like the mane and tail. Once the shape is complete, they can start adding details like the eyes and nostrils.
Divide Into Pieces
More complex parts of the horse, such as the legs and feet, might need to be broken down into smaller shapes. Kids can look at the reference picture and see if the leg is composed of circles and curves or straight lines. If kids encounter difficulty with a complex section, it might prove better to separate it into multiple simpler shapes, which allows for a slower and less intimidating approach.
Add Details
Once the form of the horse is complete, kids can begin to draw the fur, mane, and tail. Kids can use different shading techniques to give the horse a realistic effect. They can experiment with various tools to find the ones they are most comfortable using. Adding texture to the fur can give the horse a striking and lifelike appearance. Doing this step last ensures that any potential corrections can be done without disrupting the entire process.
Practice Accuracy
Accuracy is key for creating a beautiful and believable horse drawing. To practice this, kids should look at the original reference photo and compare the accuracy of their work. This step is also a great way for them to learn how to measure angles and shapes accurately. It’s okay to give up if the drawing isn’t becoming what they envisioned. By revisiting the basics, kids can better evaluate how to fix their drawing to achieve the desired outcome.
Time and Focus
Learning how to draw a horse takes time and focus. Kids should give themself ample time to complete the drawing and not become overwhelmed if they make a mistake. If needed, they can always go back and erase any errors without restarting the entire drawing. Working on it in chunks gives kids the freedom to evaluate the accuracy after each section they finish. Allowing themself breaks can also help them keep their focus and enthusiasm during the drawing process.
Patience Is Key
Drawing a horse won’t be easy. Kids might want to give up or become discouraged if the process has been long and detailed. But with a bit of patience, the accomplishment that comes from finishing a beautiful drawing is worth the effort. Kids will likely find joy in the process and, once complete, can show off their incredible artwork with pride.
Using Colored Pencils
Using colored pencils can give kids added control and flexibility when drawing a horse. With colored pencils, kids can add colors, texture, and shading to the drawing just like any artist would. Drawing with colors can help make even the most basic black-and-white sketch come to life and shows off the artistry that went into the work. With it, kids can truly express themselves and add a unique touch to their drawing.
Create a Realistic Look
Kids can make their drawing look more realistic, but they should keep in mind that all details don’t have to be perfectly exact, as that takes time and practice. Instead, focus on the overall shape of the horse and add subtle details where possible. Kids should focus more on creating movement and texture, rather than real-life accuracy, for a more realistic-looking drawing.
Comparison
If kids get stuck with how to draw a horse, an old trick their teacher might have taught them is that it can help to compare the horse’s body to other basic shapes. For example, the body shape of the horse might resemble an egg and the head an oval. Or, if kids can see the reference picture, they can measure the angles of the body and draw a line that long on their paper. Doing this helps give a realistic proportion to the horse and can help them recreate the body more accurately.
Line and Shading Technique
Once kids are ready to finish, they can use a line and shading technique to create a professional-looking drawing. This is done by using line art to outline and highlight the major parts of the horse like the body and tail. After that, they can use shading to create dimension and help the features stand out more. For example, they can use shadowing on the back of the horse to create an illusion of space. This technique helps make the drawing look more realistic and three-dimensional.
Creating Textures
Kids can use textures and patterns to help make their drawing look more realistic. They can use a dotting or stippling technique to create textures for the fur, or draw unique lines to create wave-like patterns on the mane and tail. Textures add depth to the drawing and help make it look lifelike. It might be intimidating to put these techniques into practice, but with a few practice tries, kids will be making amazing texture-filled art in no time.
Have Fun!
It’s important to have fun when drawing a horse. Artistry has no boundaries, so kids should be encouraged to make their own design. Drawing horses often takes encouragement and support, and with the right methods, kids can make an artwork they’re proud of without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to practice and experiment often. Not only will this help kids improve, but it also helps creates unique drawings that come from their own creative spirit.
