How To Draw A Simple Horse
Drawing a horse is a complex task, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. Whether you are an amateur artist or a professional, you can find some solace in the process. With the right technique and guidance, you can master the four steps of drawing a simple horse.
First, you need to track down a suitable reference. Whether you’re picturing a Thoroughbred, Brabant, or any other horse, take some time to look for a clear photo. A clear photo will help you draw the horse’s body shape and proportions accurately.
Next, start tracing the outline of your chosen horse. Use a pencil, an HB pen or an artist’s pen. This will act as a guideline to base your artwork off, so be sure to get the correct silhouette.
Then, add the finer details. Use softer pencils to bring out the fine hairs and the horse’s facial features. Accentuate the right parts of the horse’s anatomy to bring it to life.
Finally, show off your work. For a vibrant look, apply watercolors or blending pencils. If you want a more ‘sketch-like’ look, use a charcoal pencil. Finishing your artwork is the most satisfying part of all.
Understanding the Horse’s Body Structure
The key to a realistic horse drawing lies in understanding the horse’s body structure. This means learning about the body’s proportion, anatomy, and the way muscles and ligaments work.
To get a sense of a horse’s head, keep in mind its broad forehead, long ears, and tuft of hair between the eyes. From the neck down, it’s all about the distinguishing horse features: mane, tail, coat, and legs. Make sure to emphasise the horse’s back profile, as this usually stands out.
When it comes to the legs, get the proportions right. The location of a horse’s joints helps determine how realistically they look. Take care to show off the powerful curves of the shoulder, thighs and hocks.
With the right anatomy, your horse figures can become more lifelike.
Adding Finishing Touches
To add character to your horse drawing, think of its posture and movement. A standing horse is easy to draw, but a rearing horse is much more dynamic.
Use shadows and stroking techniques to achieve a 3D effect. Adjust the level of light and darkness accordingly, with darker and lighter tones.
Also be aware of what colors to use. Regular horses are like earth colors, so you can use basic colors like gray, brown, creamy white, and black.
A shadow for a backdrop can also bring your drawing to life. Choose a basic outline and fill it with a cross-hatching technique. With some help, you can also create a rustic scenery.
Drawing Tips and Tricks
Drawing a simple horse needs practice and patience. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:
Start small. Trying to draw life-size proportions without reference points may be too difficult. So to keep accuracy, start off with a smaller size.
Be mindful of the pencils. Use the right type of pencils and pens to get the details right. Fill in the blanks with softer pencils, and use a hard pencil for outlining and skeleton drawing.
Erasing is your friend. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. This can actually help you figure out things and improve your artwork.
Be observant. Pay attention to the relationship of objects in the drawing. How far apart are they? How do they look side-by-side?
Finally, don’t forget to relax and take breaks. Give yourself some time and distance to analyze your work.
Tools of the Trade
The right combination of art supplies can go a long way. Here are some materials you may need to draw a simple horse.
First, you need paper. Consider using a thicker paper, like Bristol board. This ensures your artwork will be more vibrant and crisp.
Second, get yourself a sharp pencil. A range of pencils with soft, medium, and hard leads is also good to have.
Aside from these, you may also opt for charcoal or watercolors. Metallic pencils can also breathe life into your simple horse illustration.
Putting It All Together
Drawing a horse is a long and arduous process, but with the right tools and technique, you will end up with a masterpiece.
Before you start, collect references and sharpen up that pencil. Learn about the body structure and look for elements to bring your horse to life.
Be mindful of the details and remember to take breaks to avoid overwhelming yourself. With layers of practice and dedication, you’ll soon find yourself drawing a simple horse with confidence.
