How to Draw Animals

Animal drawing is by far one of the most popular forms of art. Animals have a special place in our hearts and many people love to draw them.
Unique!
Each animal is unique and each animal drawing has to be approached differently. They can be drawn as cartoons or as realistic looking animals. Animals can also be drawn as a simple expressive line or detailed with hairlines and swirls.
Observe then Draw!
One of the best ways of learning to draw animals is to observe them. Observe them in nature, look at photos and look at books. There are numerous styles that animals can be drawn in and you can find your niche by looking at a variety of different materials. By looking at animals in their various forms, you are then able to see them as their basic shapes. One of the best ways to get down to an animal’s basic shapes is to photocopy a picture and then begin drawing out the basic shapes that you see. Notice how the outer lines of the animal’s body bring all of those shapes together to form the animal.
Start Basic!
Animals are best drawn when you start basic and build upon the basic outline with layers. Slowly add in your shading and your details as you build upon your animal drawing.
Now the Details!
To learn what details you need to add to your drawing or to understand the different muscling of animals, you may find that an anatomy book can do wonders for you in your understanding of the animal that is your subject. For example, a racehorse will have ripples of muscle in the shoulders and hindquarters. You may even be able to see a glint of their ribs. The same is true for a cheetah that is running across the African plains. To add to the realism of your animal drawing, add in the animals natural habitat around it and make it look at home in its surroundings.
Get Started on your Favorite Animal!
Karen MacLean is a consultant and writer for online and offline businesses. Karen resides in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. http://www.how-to-draw-now.com
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