[MG] buckskin pinto/first coloring ever

http://i.imgur.com/WtzPwWY.png

obviously a work in progress. I use GIMP, and I honestly had no idea how to go about coloring characters!

Any tips would be useful.

Please be nice, I don't consider myself artistic by nature, and would probably not sell this even when complete.

I actually started making it for the art trade game, but that will come with practice!

It is actually pretty good, just add some color/lines(for realism) to the hooves if you have already been there! If you aren't done with them yet, my bad :)

LOL, yes I completely forgot to mention that.....

it's a work in progress. I meant to say I am using a mouse and don't really know how to go about the mane and tail.

the eye will be blue.

For the mane and tail, I'd say use a small brsh size and clean up around the edges. Maybe make the yellow a bit mor golden?

Tip one: Layers are you friend. Make sure you use layers. Base coat? One layer. White markings? Another layer. Mane/tail? ANOTHER layer. Helps keep everything separate so you don't accidentally color over something else, and makes erasing easier.

Tip two: For the mane/tail, just use a smaller brush and take your time. You CAN get in those small little spots to color in the hair if you're patient and use a small enough brush.

Tip three: Look at pictures of real horse markings if you're looking for realism. The black fades a little.

Tip four: Don't use pure white for white markings. Use something just slightly off. Same for black; that way you can still see any details in the lines.


Otherwise you're doing well for not considering yourself 'artistically inclined'. ;) I think once you feel comfortable you should definitely join the character trade thread! It's fantastic practice if you put some effort into it.

Last edited on 2016-03-23 at 14:05:01 by ₸ayzz

ahh! thank you for all of that.
I did separate the pinto from the mane and tail but kinda gave up on the mane/tail to see if you guys could help me!
I used a greyish shade, it shows up against pure white :)

I figured I needed more practice before I joined.

do you have any tips for keeping the coat inside the lines?? I made an empty layer, zoomed in and colored, but that took FOREVER with no outline and trying not to color outside the lines

I do have a good tip. Use your magic wand select tool (literally looks like a magic wand, not sure where it's located since I haven't used GIMP in a while) on the lines themselves. With the selection on the OUTSIDE of the lines, select the body color layer and hit delete. It'll delete anything you had that was outside of the lines.

You can also lock the layer once it's colored and you won't be able to color outside what's already there anymore. Not sure where that is on gimp either...

Hrmm... I can't see your pony. I think Imgur is having issues

oh also most programs have an automatic fade out/taper setting even when using a mouse so if you're doing a mane thats super helpful.

Other then that the only other thing is making the markings realistic, if thats what you're going for. Reference pictures are your friend! Study how real pinto markings go and what makes tobiano different from overo from sabino, etc.

Wow this is actually really good for a first try!! :D Keep up the good work!
I think everyone above me here has already given all good advice so I don't really have anything more to say XD

I have GIMP and I made a tutorial for "keeping the coloring inside the lines" it's pretty much step-by-step. I could either send It to you direct or post it here if other people would like to use it. I have sent it to other people and have had no problems or further questions as well... It covers everything. :3
Just let me know.

This is really good for your first try! Also feel free to PM me for any other questions or tips :)

But with the forelock, I think you should use a smaller brush size and make the little points on the mane/tail/forelock too :)

thanks guys!
Amara, I am going to PM you

Amara? XD Do You mean Magic? XD

@Magic, Amarathine said she had a tutorial for me. I shortened her name for the sake of not having to type it all out, but I guess that made it more confusing. lol