Live Lessons: "Horse" with Pen and Ink

Pen and ink drawing of a horse
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This lesson series features:
5 Hours of Instruction
5 Videos

Lessons

Lesson 1: (1:08:37) Lesson 2: (1:05:20) Lesson 3: (1:16:26) Lesson 4: (1:12:13) Lesson 5: (1:14:37)

About This Lesson Series...

Join us as we take a look at drawing a horse with pen and ink. Learn how to use directional stroking to develop the illusion of texture and form as we take on this challenging subject.

Resources for this Lesson...

References

Photo Reference

Finished Result

Here's what you'll need...

  • Graphite pencil
  • Bristol paper
  • Technical drawing pens
  • Kneaded eraser

Lesson Discussion

  1. This was interesting as I struggle with too much detail and then get lost in it when trying to translate what I see to paper. The sphere exercise that proceeded drawing the eye really helped in grasping the drawing of the eye. The conversation on “cheating” got me to thinking that, other than presenting someone else’s work as your own, cheating may primarily be a subjective decision based on one’s own goals and how their choices move them toward those goals. This may be obvious to many but I have had concerns about “cheating” that could have inhibited a valid learning experience, to the degree that rigid thinking can inhibit action. The horse is a great subject for pen and ink drawing.

  4. Hi, Matt. This is a timely lesson for me as I have spent time lately working on my basic drawing skills and also exploring different media and discovering my preferences, both in enjoyment of working with them and the results I achieve. Artists pens are definitely becoming my favourite drawing medium, both for quick sketches and more considered artwork. In a perverse way I like that they can’t be erased and I can see my mistakes and corrections and reinforce the right way in my brain (hope this makes sense). For something like this horse, I find I am constantly exercising my observation skills, which way hair grows, is it long or short, is a dark patch a shadow or darker hair, etc and how can I portray the difference. Some may find all that tedious but I love the process and that I am building my repertoire of techniques. Just one question – do you not find the graphite drawing affects the laying down of ink, and do you erase the drawing as you go, at the end, or not at all? By the way, like you I am preferring pastels to other forms of coloured media.

  5. I’m still watching Lesson 2 and your drawing the “cheek” area. I’ve not done pen and ink and am not familiar with techniques, but I do have a question because I try to understand the reasoning behind the way things are done. There is a bit of extra ink, for lack of a better term, at the beginning of a stroke and then it tapers off. Since I think hair grows down in that area, would it make a difference if you began the stroke at the top and then tapered down? Or is that your personal preference? Thanks.

  6. Hi again, I’m still watching Lesson 2, and someone else asked about the directional strokes after I wrote the initial email, and you again explained it. I don’t think I was as clear as I could have been in my question. I understand the concept of directional strokes. My question is: The hair on the cheek is growing from northeast to southwest, yet the majority of the strokes are SW to NE, and I was wondering why. I understand that when there is a depression that even though the hair may be growing NE to SW, you would want the deposit of ink to be heavier in the depression area and then taper, but I don’t understand why on the smooth areas the strokes are SW to NE because it makes the horse look shaggy in my opinion. I hope that makes sense, and thanks in advance for your response. P.S. I can’t wait for the 25-day drawing course to start!

    • Hi Caryl,

      Great observation. Ideally, it would have been more descriptive to make the strokes flow in the literal direction that the hair grows. In this case, I’m simply trying to make them at the same angle that the hair is growing. Honestly, this is simply out of comfort. It’s simply more comfortable for me to make strokes outward from my body. Because it is more comfortable, I have a little more control over the mark. I guess I could have turned the paper to address the strokes in manner that you suggest. In this drawing, it is a minor thing, but it could have been more descriptive making marks in the opposite direction.

      • Hi, Matt,
        Thanks for your explanation. Since I started drawing so late in life, it’s like I’m making up for lost time and I just have to answers so I can do what I should have been doing for the past 70 years. I have sooo many questions on drawing and really appreciate your timely response.
        Caryl

  7. Hi Matt:
    I am so enjoying working with this class.
    Could you do a lesson on watercolor and finishing with wax colored pencil for detail on hot pressed w/c paper?
    Thanks
    Anne
    Vancouver Canada

  8. Hi Matt! I am loving this particular live lesson series. I am slowly working my way through the 3rd lesson and I am thrilled with the results. I hope you have a great week with your family. I can’t wait to see what the 25 days to better drawing will offer us. Thanks again!

  10. Matt, I am very happy to have become a member. You are an amazing teacher with a great sense of humor.And a terrific artist. I have always used pencil on all my work even my oil paintings. Definitely not cheating.It is okay to do what works for you.

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