<div align="center">Hello follow artists! After creating the Request A Critique thread we have tried to compile a list of the most common issues we have come across. Keep these things in mind as you create you piece. Links to tutorials covering the solution will be provided, but feel free to find different methods as well. Remember that you can usually use the same methods both in Photoshop and GIMP. I will also be linking a few tutorials to more detailed things like painting manes and tails.
1. Does He Have a Shadow?
Giving your horse a shadow is very important in making him appear grounded. Take into consideration the angle and brightness of the light source and create your shadow accordingly. I find it helps to look at the horses original shadow, if available, and try to model it after that.
https://www.deviantart.com/xxsanuk/art/shadow-tutorial-for-GIMP-173291036
2. Take Care In Cutting and Prepping
While cutting and prepping your horse be sure to take as much time as you need. This is what you manipulation is built on, and even if you get the lighting, colors, hair, etc. all perfect, if you have sloppily cut you horse out or over-smudged, it will ruin the whole piece. Mae sure to make clean, neat lines when cutting. If you smudge, only smooth out the coat; do not rub out details.
https://www.deviantart.com/dancingfoxie/art/GIMP-Cutting-Tutorial-273516680
https://www.deviantart.com/inprint/art/prepping-the-horse-tutorial-91397523
3. Proportions
Make sure your horse and any other objects in your image are properly proportioned. If you put you horse next to a giant cat or a tiny tree he'll look like Alice In Wonderland.
4. Is He Floating?
For probably over half of my artist life I have had trouble with floating horses. I feel better to know I am not alone! Grounding a horse and be very difficult, especially depending on the stock you have chosen. Thankfully, it does get better with practice. :D Shadows play a very important role in this so don't forget them. Make sure you don't leave any residue from the horse's original footing when you place him in his new background.
https://www.deviantart.com/starowner/art/Horse-Grounding-Tutorial-Grass-292190574
5. Too Much Glow
A lot of artists put a glow on their horses, including myself. But if you create too much of a glow it can be distracting, so make sure that you keep it subtle. ;)
6. I Don't Belong Here
It's important to match your horse to your background using lighting and hues. Make sure the light sources match and that he has the colors from his surroundings in his coat. Otherwise he will look very out of place.
https://www.deviantart.com/poeticjustice314/art/Balancing-A-Horse-s-Color-167343791
7. My Eyes!
I feel that eyes are very important in giving life to an image. A quick repaint can add that wow factor to your piece.
https://www.deviantart.com/ooo-alouette-ooo/art/Horse-Eye-Tutorial-255645138
8. Lovely Locks
Some artists like to paint their own hair, and depending on the stock you've chosen it might be necessary. Adding a beautiful hand-painted mane and tail can really step up your game.
https://www.deviantart.com/rhiaan/art/EQUINE-HAIR-TUTORIAL-601007203
Shadows & Glow Tutorial
https://www.deviantart.com/veradaine/art/The-Shadows-and-Glows-Tutorial-282928594
Moderate Temperatures and Overcast
