Animals in Motion

Former Army Officer Freddy Paske Developed His Style on the Frontline. Now Known for His Sport and Wildlife Scenes, He Reveals How to Capture That Spark of Life

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How can I hope to capture the dynamism of an animal moving at speed, such as a racehorse?

The key is being loose with your work. The naked eye will not pick up the fine detail of a rabbit running or horse jumping, instead your brain fills in the gaps. This is the same principle I use for capturing movement in my subjects. Get the basic shape and light right, and then enjoy playing around with the medium to enhance your image. You will be amazed at what you can actually get away with.

What techniques are best for working with wildlife and moving subjects?

Work quickly. This will force you to capture the essence of your subject and not get tied down. The medium will bring out detail. Leave your mistakes: you won’t believe how many unruly lines or smudges turn into ‘happy’ events as the image progresses. My most valued technique is understanding negative space. The eraser is your most important mark-maker. I will regularly strip back a drawing to add to the illusion of movement and simplify the subject matter. Be bold and adventurous – you can always build the image up again.

How can I bring an animal’s character into the painting?