Drawing your favorite animals can be a fun and rewarding pastime.
Drawing and sketching animals is one of the favorite pastimes of people who admire or have a passion for wildlife. Even the novice or inexperienced artist has attempted to draw a dog, cat, or bird. Every person has his or her own approach, but there are some surefire ways to create a lifelike or impressive sketch of an animal. Whether you're drawing for fun or for a more serious reason, you can draw your favorite member of the animal kingdom.
Instructions
1. Search for animal images using a Web search engine or by going to your local library. Look through as many photos in books or magazines as possible to help you decide which animal to sketch.
2. Select a picture or sketch of your favorite animal. Use it as a guide or a reference point to help you stay true to the animal's form. Set it up in an upright position near where you'll be drawing.
3. Sketch a basic outline of your animal. Use short and quick movements to make the outer rim of the animal's body. Keep the head and limbs in proportion to the body of the animal and the relative proportions of your drawing. According to "The Art of Animal Drawing" by Ken Hultgren, "It is well to divide the body into three parts
--forequarters, belly and rear quarters."
4. Shade in areas of the animal with your pencil to add contrast. Contrast will improve the definition of your subject and highlight movements or physical attributes.
5. Add a background that's appropriate for your animal. Study its habitat and include distinctive details, such as a forest, river, or particular plants.
6. Erase or change any areas you feel uncertain about. Supply some color using colored pencils if you desire something more detailed than a sketch or simple drawing. Use recognizable and varied colors to bring your animal to life.
