Anatomy and imagination in horse art

This drawing is a big moment for me.  Although it looks very casual and quick, it is actually the result of years and years of study of the horse’s anatomy, particularly the feet, legs and hindquarters.  I have been reading Gottfried Bammes on drawing animals, and taking his advice about thinking “skeleton first”.  This has finally allowed me to understand the shapes of the quarters, hind and fore, and also the limbs and feet. It takes time to filter this understanding through to a point where I can use a facility for expressive line.  I guess it is a learning curve, but what a joyful one.

Here are a few more – thinking of overall design (sketch 1) and anatomy (2).  All drawn from imagination. The best and only way for me.