Many people want to be able to draw horses but think that they are hard to draw. Horses have a unique body, coupled with complex joints in their legs. I think this is what people find so difficult when it comes to drawing horses. But drawing horses is just like drawing any other object or animal. All you have to do is break it down into simple shapes. Use theses simple shapes as a guide to draw your horse.
In this step by step drawing demonstration, you will learn how to draw a horse from a 3/4 view. Learn how to draw a horse in four easy steps. Remember to make your lines light at the start of the drawing. Draw loosely and let your whole arm move, not just your wrist. These shapes are estimates. If the shapes that you draw are a little different, that’s okay.
For more on drawing animals, be sure to check out the how to draw animals page.
Step 1
Begin the drawing of the horse by drawing two shapes. First, draw an oval shape for the body. It may feel wierd to make a shape like this for the body, but remember we are drawing the horse from a 3/4 facing view. Next, draw a shape that is like a triangle with a rounded top. This shape will become the neck of the horse.
Step 2
Draw shapes for the two segments of each leg. Make sure to draw larger shapes for the upper parts of the legs. (Horses’ legs taper a bit towards the bottom.) Draw an oval shape for the upper part of the head, followed by two triangles for the ears. For the head of the horse, we are drawing two shapes and putting them together. This shape is the first shape.
Step 3
Now draw the second half of the head. You should be able to get an idea of what the finished shape of the horse’s head will look like now. Draw shapes for the bottom of the legs and the hooves. These shapes can be a bit tricky. So, take your time and don’t get frustrated if they are quite right at first. Also, draw a line to indicate where the tail will be located.
Step 4
Finish the drawing by drawing contour lines (outlines) using your shapes as a guide. Add wavy lines for the mane. Remember, having some lines that are thicker than others will add interest to your drawing. Erase any unwanted lines that are left. Add value, shadow, and color if desired. See-drawing horses isn’t that hard.
