why draw horses?

1. I like the challenge. Even after over 35 years of studying and drawing them, there is always something new to learn and practice.
2. Horses are beautiful and I like the challenge of attempting to capture some of their beauty with my brush or pencil.
3. Drawing horses requires understanding of equine anatomy, movement and expression. Since I always secretly wanted to be a scientist of some sort, being an equine artist satisfies my need to combine art with science.
4. Horses have long inspired the artist. Horses are a noble and ancient muse.
5. Horses can be sweet, tractable, patient, kind and steady. They can also be spirited and strong-willed. I enjoy capturing the many moods of the equine.

And, a common question:

What is the hardest part to draw on a horse?

Every part of a horse is a challenge to draw and you need to study, practice, sketch and study some more (live studies are best, in my opinion) to get it right...but, legs and hooves are pretty darn tough and can take a LOOOONG time to master for so many reasons.

Legs and hooves present a tough challenge because they need to be proportional and posed correctly (weight bearing, lifted, at rest---all four legs and their hooves have a diferent "job" in every move the horse makes). With four different sets of legs and hooves combined with the incredible range of equine movement and network of muscle--legs and hooves can be quite challenging.

A great way to observe legs and hooves when real horses are not available? Pop in a dressage, jumping, eventing or any equestrian DVD and watch some of the action in slow-motion or frame by frame. You will really see the intricate network of equine muscles at work. VERY educational and highly recommended!

here's a great slow motion video of a horse and rider performing a "flying change" I found on youtube:



Notice the difference of angle in the weightbearing legs versus the non-weightbearing legs. Note the sequence of the movement of each leg and how the horse balances himself in each phase of the gait. Great stuff!

...and this-- a slow motion study of a horse in full gallop:


...and this--a great close up of the legs and hooves at work:


Now, draw some legs and hooves and have fun! If you get frustrated, I recommend chocolate. Lots of it.



(above images are some legs and hooves from past works)

"Here Comes That Farrier Again"

Here Comes That Farrier Again, 2009, 18" x 23", charcoal, conte and chalk pastel on moss green Canson Mi-Teintes.

This was a fun piece to do. "Here Comes That Farrier Again" depicts a bright bay horse, keeping an eye (and ears) on what's behind him. Watching for that sneaky farrier...

Here Comes That Farrier Again's subject seems a little fidgety, and his rear hoof is raised ever so slightly as he stays in tune to his surroundings. I love depicting the many moods and expressions of the equine! So much fun.

This drawing made A LOT of dust, and I still have charcoal and pastel embedded in my fingers. I really love getting the lines on the paper flying and smudging...

many thanks to Sara of beautiful Wellfleet, Massachusetts for helping me title this piece!

Here Comes That Farrier Again will get a frame soon and will be available for sale.

Pascal

Pascal, 36" x 18", Charcoal and Acrylic paint on Ampersand Gessobord. (Click on pictures for larger image)
top image is complete work, the three images below are details to show line work and texture. Excuse the blueness in the "white areas"---my camera did that! This piece is stark white, black and the acrylic paint is a brilliant blue.

Available for sale, please contact me at soundthebuglestudio@charter.net for purchasing information.

Thank you!

Many thanks to the WindhamARTS gallery for a great opening reception last night! What a fantastic member show. There is lots of talent in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner."

Lots of great artwork last night...Many thanks to those who attended. The snacks were awesome!

The show will be up until March 20. The gallery is located at 866 Main St., Willimantic, Connecticut and the hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm - 6pm. Catch the exhibit if you can...

I was interviewed by Kitty LeShay of The Broadcaster newspaper, and she took my picture standing next to Collected. So cool, thanks Kitty!

And many Congrats to the new WindhamARTS executive Director, Peter Polomski. He has some exciting plans for WindhamARTS.

Now, it's off to enjoy a beautiful and WARM Saturday! (the daffodils will be here soon!)

Helen

(above photo by Kitty LeShay, ReminderNews)

Member Show at WindhamARTS

I recently became a member of WindhamARTS! (Yay!)

Two of my pieces, "Legend III" and "Collected" will be exhibited and offered for sale at the WindhamARTS Gallery Member show from March 6-26th, 2009.

The show is called "New Beginnings" and will feature new art that has never been shown at WindhamARTS before.

Go here for information and directions to the gallery: www.windhamarts.org

Opening reception will be Friday, March 6 from 5-7 pm. Please attend if you are able, it's sure to be fun.

(above image is a detail from "Collected")