In Part 1, we explored why sketching is essential for equine artists. It’s not just about putting lines on paper—it’s about training your eye-hand coordination, enhancing your storytelling, and overcoming creative resistance. But understanding the importance of sketching is one thing; actually learning how to do it is another.
The truth is, sketching can feel awkward, intimidating, or even frustrating, especially if you’re out of practice or worried about making mistakes. But like any skill, sketching becomes easier—and more enjoyable—with consistent practice. In this post, I’ll share my top tips for equine artists for mastering the basics, building confidence, and making sketching a rewarding habit.
Artists sketching outside: Nothing beats connecting with your subject and your art materials. Photos: Remco van der Kruis
1. Practise every day: consistency is key
The most important tip I can give you is to practise, practise, practise. The more you sketch, the more natural it becomes. Your hand gets used to the movement, your eye becomes sharper, and your confidence grows.
But here’s the catch: as humans, we tend to enjoy activities we’re good at, and we avoid the things that feel difficult or uncomfortable. If you’re not confident in your sketching skills, you’re less likely to practise. It’s a vicious cycle, but you can break it by committing to just 15 minutes a day.
Think of it as a warm-up exercise, just like a dancer stretching before a performance. It doesn’t have to be perfect, polished, or even pretty. The goal is to get your hand moving and train your eye to see. Over time, you’ll notice your lines becoming more fluid, your compositions more balanced, and your ideas more dynamic.
Tip: Start with simple objects around you—a coffee cup, a book, or even your own hand. The subject doesn’t matter. What matters is the practice.
2. Carry a sketchbook everywhere
To make sketching a habit, you need to make it accessible. That’s why I recommend getting yourself an A5 hardcover sketchbook—something small enough to carry around in your bag wherever you go. Pop in a few pencils, and you’re ready to sketch whenever inspiration strikes.
This isn’t about creating finished masterpieces; it’s about learning to see the world around you. Whether you’re at a café, on public transport, or just sitting in a park, use these moments to practise. Sketch people, animals, buildings, or even abstract shapes. The point is to observe, interpret, and translate what you see onto paper.
By carrying a sketchbook everywhere, you train yourself to be constantly curious and aware of your surroundings. It’s a powerful habit that keeps your creativity flowing and your skills sharp.
3. Sketch from life: key for equine artists
There’s something magical about sketching from life that no photo reference can replicate. When you’re out there, sketchbook in hand, you’re not just copying an image—you’re interpreting a moment. You’re feeling the atmosphere, noticing the movement, and capturing the energy of the scene. For equine artists, this is especially powerful. Horses are dynamic, expressive creatures. To truly capture their spirit, you need to observe them in motion. Spend a day at the stables or a local horse show. Watch how they move, how light plays on their coats, and how their forms change from different angles.
But it’s not just about horses. Sketch everything. Landscapes, animals, people, buildings—each subject teaches you something new about form, perspective, and composition. And because the scene is constantly changing, you’re forced to work quickly and decisively, which sharpens your instincts and improves your eye-hand coordination.
Tip: Don’t worry about getting every detail perfect. Focus on gesture and movement. Capture the essence of the scene, not the exact likeness.
Sketching outdoors: where artists connect deeply with their subject and their craft. Photos: Paard Verzameld
4. Breaking down shapes: a sketching tip for equine artists
One of the biggest challenges beginners face is getting overwhelmed by the complexity of their subject. To make it easier, break it down into basic shapes. Look for circles, rectangles, ovals, and triangles.
For example, when sketching a horse, start with an oval for the body, a smaller circle for the head, and lines for the legs. Once you’ve mapped out the basic shapes, you can refine your sketch by adding contours and details.
This approach helps you capture proportions accurately and keeps your composition balanced. It also makes sketching less intimidating, as you’re not trying to draw a complex figure right away. You’re simply connecting shapes, which is much more manageable.
Tip: Practise this with everyday objects first. Look at a chair, a fruit bowl, or a plant. Identify the basic shapes and sketch them out. Once you’re comfortable, apply this method to more complex subjects, like animals and people.
5. Draw like nobody’s watching: embrace imperfection
One of the biggest barriers to sketching is the fear of judgement. We often worry about how our drawings will look or what others will think. But here’s the truth: your sketchbook is your space. You don’t have to show anyone what you’ve drawn unless you want to. Treat your sketchbook as a visual diary, a place to explore, experiment, and make mistakes. Draw like nobody’s watching. Don’t worry about perfection—just enjoy the process.
Remember, sketching is about learning and exploring, not about creating a finished piece. By letting go of expectations, you give yourself permission to take risks, try new techniques, and grow as an artist.
Tip: Think of your sketchbook as your own book of reference. It’s not about the result—it’s about the journey.
Trust the process and sketch with confidence as an equine artist
Learning to sketch is a journey, not a destination. It’s about exploration, observation, and growth. The more you sketch, the more you understand your subjects, your style, and your voice as an artist. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. As Bob Ross famously said, 'We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.' Every line, every smudge, every unfinished sketch is a step forward. The more you practise, the better you get—and the more you enjoy it.
So grab your sketchbook, head outside, and draw like nobody’s watching. Embrace the process, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun.
Ready to elevate your sketch skills?
At Paard Verzameld, we offer creative coaching tailored to equine artists, guiding you every step of the way. Get in touch today and start transforming your art one sketch at a time.
About the author Joyce Ter Horst is a curator, creative coach, and consultant specialising in contemporary equine art. As the founder of Paard Verzameld Equine Art Services, she helps emerging and established equine artists refine their portfolios, develop their artistic voice, and position their work in the professional art world.