I used to draw horses in great detail as a kid - worked for several years at a riding stables and rode a lot too - much much later, when I started doing sculpture on my Foundation year at Art College (didn't go any further I might add!!), I began to reduce all my forms down to basic circles (for mass) and lines (for movement) when I began to get a bit more ''creative'', but the same approach I think can apply to ''looking'' at the subject regardless of how you want to paint or draw it
An example of what I mean
eg. A very very basic Horse
Btw: Personally I'm not overly impressed with simple accuracy/life like reproductions Matt, if that is all ''art'' is about, we might as well stick to photography but of course it's always a matter of personal taste I suppose - my favorite artists are Post-Impressionists/cubists as well as Leonardo, Raphael and Micheangelo (the latter excelling at accuracy and creativity)
Hi matt
I think to ever draw a lizard on a rock, would be bit adventurous to begin with. I think I would struggle with that myself. Super picture by the way.
I do not know if this may help for a suggestion here, but how about simply trying some still life pictures, to sketch and paint.
Either it be fruit in a bowl, shape, or a vase as this would give you the feel for tone and reflection of the light of the objects you are looking at. Changing tones, and moods come into it. It gives you a feel for your subject.
Details as bird feathers, lizards bodies etc.. will be the next step up as animals are so complex with their body parts
A confession here, I painted a Blue Tit a while ago and made him look too fat. It went with is my tummy to big in this LOL :-C
I tried to cover up my error, and it has never been cured so it is not visible to the eye. A mark still exists where I tried to change his body, but it never worked. This was with water colours. The painting was taken of a photograph I had on me. Never mind. :-C
Like with all art it is getting the basic shapes correct, and in proportion to one another. That is half the battle.
Another thing is getting to grips with your subject in the near and far poses. The further away the subject you have to think of size, proportions and dimensions in relation to the subject. Does that make sense LOL.
Of course field sketches/sketches in general are great too for you to try and get the hang off. Pencil sketches are ideal to start with too. Free flowing art, is great to start with, and it is an expressive thing to do.
Hope this helps. Let us know what you do
Arthur
Lovely drawing of the Lizard by the way :-O
Hi deborah
What you have done with the horse picture is good for a beginner to work off - very old world charm.
I love horses too so it is a small world here. Love drawing them too.
Regards
Kathy