Art Progress

I met a photographer who shoots local APHA and AQHA shows/events -- English, Western... You name it! If you personally know a photographer they're usually more than happy to let you use their work (as long as it's not being sold) as a reference. You can also trump around local show grounds with a camera of your own. The pictures don't have to show every single hair; you just need to see the "jest." I do almost all of my own reference photography, for example. If I draw Big Chex to Cash, I use this photograph as my reference for him (his build, color, markings, etc.) and then use another photo (or multiple photos) of my own for a pose. And voila, I have my own, copyright-free image!

Most "big time" photographers will appreciate the ask. I had one photographer give me specific written instructions because I was the only artist who asked to use his work in a "sincere" manor (I told him who I was, what I did, & what I wanted to do with the pictures)... He usually told artists "no" but since I wasn't going to be selling the work, allowed me access to use his photographs... Free of being sued for copyright infringement!

Sometimes taking a couple minutes out to e-mail the photographer is worth saving the ache and hassle of having a website remove your work because it got reported as theft, and will definitely keep you safe from being "served." (They're more likely to go after you legally if you're selling a recreation.)

Those are all good ideas. I've been wanting to get out and take some of my own pictures but my camera needs to be cleaned as it just got something between the lenses and now creates a spot on my images. =\

I don't know many photographers but I'll keep my mind open. At this point I'm just wanting a lot of practice and would prefer to not have to write an email every time I pull out my pad. But next time if a specific piece catches my eye I'll contact them before drawing it up.

Iloverains supplied some photos for me.

I choose one of a buckskin morgan, going to try and remain a little simpler with this one...but we'll see.

Outline (not as dark as it seems, I had to mess with settings to get the lines to show up)

I have really obnoxiously loud roommates so instead of sleeping I choose to finish this one. I really like it, did a lot more smudging and blending and was more free with my lines and how I did my shading. Came out a lot better than I thought! Its more solid looking then I typically do as well, which is what I was looking for.

Wow that is amazing! Defintly one of your best ones! The mane is so lifelike and the horse has a soft look to it. The halter is also spot on, your use of shading under it and precise outlining makes it appear that the horse is actually wearing it. Mine always look apart of the horse (something im working on haha)!

Excellent work!

Brilliant job!
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Wow love it!!! I was going to buy her, was a bit small though, she was a stunner!

I have had the HARDEST time with figuring out hair. I'm finally starting to figure it out. I think I'm starting to figure it out without having to do tons of details. Thank you though, the tack I also just recently figured out. Took a lot of trial and error to make it look like it was its own piece and had its own shading to it.

Thanks horseluver10.

Iloverains, she is gorgeous, which is why I choose that photo. I loved the long mane too. I get used to seeing horses with wimpy mane (like Jake) or its short for shows that I just get goggly eyed over thick maned horses. Thanks again for letting me have access to your photos!

Also if anyone has a large, clear and in bright light photo that they want me to draw I am fully willing to give it a try. I'm too lazy to create a side forum for it.

Hi! I'm fairly new here and just found your thread...WOW! You are doing a FANTASTIC job of improving with every drawing you do!

This last one is definitely your best, in my opinion.

You are very talented with horse anatomy, especially in some challenging poses that many artists would pass up.

Your thread is inspiring me to dig out my art tote and get in touch with my artistic side once again.

Thanks for sharing and keep up the excellent work!

Toni

Just curious how long did your latest drawing take? :)