As an equine artist, you might find yourself drawn to the finished piece—the one that’s ready to hang on a wall, be posted on social media, or showcased at an exhibition. But every masterpiece starts somewhere, and for many of the greats, it begins with a sketch.
Yet, I’m often surprised when I hear artists say they skip sketching because it’s 'hard,' 'time-consuming,'or they simply don’t see the point. But here’s the truth: sketching is essential for training your eye and hand, refining your artistic voice, and developing your storytelling skills. If you want to grow as an artist, sketching isn’t optional—it’s fundamental.
Sketching trains your eye-hand coordination
At its core, sketching is about observation. It’s about truly seeing your subject and translating that vision through your hand onto paper. This is especially important in equine art, where capturing movement, anatomy, and emotion requires a deep understanding of form and flow.
When you sketch from life—whether it’s a landscape, a bowl of fruit, or horses in the field—you train your eye and hand to work together. You learn to interpret what you see, simplifying complex shapes and translating them into lines, curves, and shadows. This process builds muscle memory and sharpens your instincts, making your hand more responsive to your vision.
The benefit? When you eventually move on to your final piece, your lines will be more confident, your compositions more dynamic, and your overall execution more fluid. This eye-hand coordination is the foundation of strong, expressive art.
Composition and storytelling: where to put what
Sketching isn’t just about drawing what you see; it’s about deciding how to see it. When you sketch, you’re
forced to make quick decisions about composition, framing, and storytelling. What do you include? What do you leave out? Where does your eye go first? What’s the focal point?
These questions are crucial in developing your narrative as an artist. In equine art, where emotion and movement play such a pivotal role, sketching helps you experiment with different compositions and perspectives. It teaches you to balance light and shadow, guide the viewer’s eye, and create a story that resonates.
More importantly, sketching allows you to test ideas without the pressure of perfection. You can play with different arrangements, perspectives, and compositions, discovering what works and what doesn’t before committing to a finished piece. This freedom to explore and experiment is where true creativity happens.
Live sketching: capturing the essence of the moment
There’s a magic to sketching from life that no photo reference can replicate. When you sketch live, you’re immersed in the scene, feeling the movement, the atmosphere, and the energy around you. You’re not just copying an image—you’re interpreting a moment, capturing its essence.
This is especially powerful in equine art. Horses are dynamic, expressive animals. To capture their spirit, you need to see them in motion, understand their gestures, and feel their presence. Live sketching allows you to do just that.
Of course, horses won’t stand still and pose for you. But that’s the beauty of it—sketching them in motion forces you to simplify shapes, capture gestures, and focus on essence over detail. It teaches you to observe more closely, anticipate movement, and draw instinctively. These skills translate directly into more expressive, lifelike artwork.
Overcoming the resistance to sketching
So why do so many artists resist sketching? The truth is, as humans, we tend to enjoy what we’re good at and avoid what feels difficult or uncomfortable. And sketching can be challenging. It’s raw, unpolished, and often doesn’t result in a 'finished'piece.
But that’s exactly the point. Sketching is about process, not perfection. It’s about exploring ideas, experimenting with composition, and practising observation. If you find sketching awkward or frustrating, it’s probably because you haven’t done it enough.
Like any skill, sketching gets easier—and more enjoyable—with practice. Just like a ballerina rehearses her movements or an athlete hones their skills, artists need to sketch regularly to build confidence and competence. Commit to just 15 minutes a day, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills—and your enjoyment—improve.
Breaking through artist’s block with sketching
I often hear artists say they avoid sketching because they’re stuck in a creative rut, waiting for inspiration to strike. But here’s the secret: sketching is the solution, not the problem.
Whenever I feel blocked, I grab my sketchbook and head outside. There’s something about being out in the world, observing life as it unfolds, that reignites my creativity. Whether it’s sketching horses in a field, capturing the hustle and bustle of a busy street, or exploring the quiet beauty of a landscape, live sketching forces me to be present in the moment.
It’s about letting go of the pressure to create something perfect and just drawing for the sake of drawing. This shift in mindset is incredibly freeing—and it works. By sketching without expectation, you’ll find new ideas, discover fresh perspectives, and break through your creative blocks.
Conclusion: why sketching matters for equine artists
Sketching is more than just a technical exercise. It’s a way of seeing, feeling, and storytelling. It trains your eye-hand coordination, sharpens your observation skills, and enhances your creative decision-making. More than that, it deepens your connection with your subject and helps you capture the energy and emotion of the moment.
So the next time you’re tempted to skip sketching because it feels 'hard' or 'time-consuming,' remember this: sketching is where your unique voice as an artist begins to take shape. It’s the foundation of great art. Embrace the process, and you’ll find your work becomes more dynamic, authentic, and compelling.
Ready to refine your artistic vision?
At Paard Verzameld, we offer creative coaching tailored to equine artists, helping you develop your skills and find your voice. Get in touch today and take the next step in your artistic journey.
Coming soon
Stay tuned for Part 2: Learning to sketch: tips for equine artists to master the basics where I’ll share practical tips on how to start sketching, make it a daily habit, and overcome the fear of judgement.
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.