Have you ever wanted to know how to draw a horse running? Drawing animals can be one of the most satisfying artistic experiences, but capturing a creature in movement – with all its grace, power and beauty – can be intimidating for many beginning artists. Not to worry! With practice, anyone can learn how to draw a horse running, by breaking down the process into simple steps.
Start by sketching out the basic shape of the horse. It’s best to represent the entire animal, roughly outlining the form in its entirety – rather than just focusing on the details of the legs or head. You may find that it helps to visualize the entire horse as a series of simple geometric shapes, such as squares, circles, and triangles.
Once you have your basic shape, go wild with the details! Think about which parts of the horse’s body would be tensed in the act of running, like the ears and tail pulled back, and the musculature of the legs focused and curved. Take your time and pay attention to how these parts move, especially how the legs and hooves interact with the ground. Get creative with your lines – some areas may need more or less definition than others. It’s your artwork! You decide what looks best.
The next step is to draw in the mane. When drawing a running horse, try to imagine the motion of the wind, and how the horse’s mane might be streaming out behind it. Invoke these subtle details by using contours and curves to represent the hair’s direction, and use different levels of shading to emphasize the mane’s movement.
Now you’re ready to fill in the colors and defining characteristics. Think of how to bring out the beauty and power of the horse, with colors that enhance its form and curves. Use different colors and tones to make the mane pop and the legs ripple with strength. And don’t forget about small details, like a splash of white along the nose and tail.
Finally, try to imagine where the horse is running. You’ve brought a beautiful creature to life – now find a fitting setting to go with it. Add in some swish of grass or distant trees to give it some space to run. Not only will this add some environmental context, it will bring out the motion of the horse itself and make the scene come alive.
To become an expert at drawing horses, practice is key. Spend time looking at pictures of horses and sketch them in different states: walking, at rest, galloping and rearing up. Try different kinds of media – pencil, charcoal, and oil pastels – and let the animal take shape on the page before you. Before long you’ll be able to draw a horse running with the best of them!
Now, let’s add more dynamic energy in the pose by exaggerating the curve of the body and swoop of the mane. Connect the shapes and lines to make subtle and smooth transitions from one section to the next. This will give the illusion that the horse is surging forward and capture its powerful force.
Be sure to put emphasis on the legs as they are the source of the horse’s motion. Look at each pantleg and focus on the light and shadow seen there, the angles of the joints, and the flex of the muscles. Carefully depict them to emphasize the beauty and strength of the running horse.
To bring the picture to life, be sure to capture the attitude of the horse. Some horses have a determined, almost angry glare as they run, while others show signs of exhilaration that come from the speed and freedom of the gallop. Try to express this emotion through your lines, giving the horse character and life.
Now that you know the general steps on how to draw a horse running, it’s time to practice! Set aside some time for drawing and get creative with your work. Have fun experimenting with the details and features to create beautiful – and dynamic – horses that look as if they are ready to gallop off the page.
