Drawing the American Saddlebred - Thumbnail Sketches

While at horse shows I often try to spend some time in the barn area seeing the many different breeds of horses being prepared for the show ring, then watching some of the demonstrations and performances put on in the arena over the course of the weekend.

I make many quick thumbnail sketches of what I was seeing as well as taking photographs as reference materials for later when I no longer have a live model in front of me.


















Each drawing or painting begins with a series of thumbnail sketches to capture the movement which made an impression on me that I wish to share with those who will see the final painting.

After going through the thumbnails I had made of American Saddlebreds it was the sketch in the upper left hand corner that I decided I would like to develop further.


















Most of my working sketches are done on layers of tracing paper. First I trace the sketch that pleased me, making any changes to the proportions if I feel it is necessary at this point. I refine the outline from the rough shapes and give an indication of the main muscle masses, the various moving joints and add the hooves.

This is the basis for my first outline drawing.