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How to Paint an Animal (or Anything Else)

Fun Fact: Animals have never been my strong point, even though I’ve always enjoyed sketching them. My cartoon horses have always looked more like donkeys and probably will forever.

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Vivian

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How to Paint an Animal (or Anything Else)
Fun Fact: Animals have never been my strong point, even though I’ve always enjoyed sketching them. My cartoon horses have always looked more like donkeys and probably will forever. I can only draw dogs when they’re either sitting or standing; I’m not great at depicting them in other poses. Animal faces are so different from human faces, and getting the proportions right is challenging. Can you relate, yet still feel motivated to draw animals?
If so, don’t worry! Please don’t give up.
Here are the 5 STEPS behind the creation of my #100DaysofHowitFeels animal paintings.
This method isn’t limited to animals—whether you’re painting a teacup, rice ball, or plants, you can follow these steps and replace "animals" with anything!

1. FIND REFERENCES

This is my favorite step. Take the time to really study the animal you wish to paint! I’ve got long Google Docs filled with images and notes. After browsing, gather three types of images:
Close-up shots (to observe facial features or fingers)
Full-body images (to understand body proportions)
Action shots (to better understand movement)
Make sure the images you collect are high enough in quality so you can use them as a reference for your drawing or painting.

2. PLAN YOUR COMPOSITION

Placement: Estimate where the outermost edges of the animal will be, such as the tail, top of the head, or the farthest point of a wing or feather.
Value: Squint your eyes until your vision becomes blurry to identify the darkest and lightest parts of the image.
Where is it dark? These are areas where your boldest or darkest strokes will go.
Where is it light? These sections should be left as is, with minimal touch. Let the animal "breathe" on the page!

3. PRACTICE (x10)

I’ve drawn thousands of animals and painted hundreds, so for my smaller daily paintings, I don’t usually practice. But for larger works, I always start with rough drafts. I create multiple versions in my sketchbook before moving on to the final one.

4. BE BOLD

The best part of drawing or painting is that it reflects what YOU see—it doesn’t have to be an exact reproduction. My favorite animal drawings aren’t photorealistic; they have bold character. I can clearly see the artist’s hand in the work.

WHAT DO I DO?

Use Permanent Tools I love using Kuretake Cambio brush pens for rough sketches. The brush tip, filled with ink, mimics the effect of a Japanese brush and ink, but the ink is black and watery. You have to work quickly or it’ll pool like a marker, which actually helps you avoid second-guessing each stroke. I also use Pigma Micron pens, which don’t bleed. These are great if you plan to draw first and then add color with watercolor or other media. I often use them for cards I draw for family members.
Emphasize What You Like There are no rules—unless, of course, you're illustrating a textbook on zoology! Sometimes I’ll exaggerate certain features, like making the head bigger to add emphasis or making the eyes larger for a softer or more animated expression. At times, I may shorten the tail to better fit the composition. It’s your artwork, and you’re free to make it however you like.

5. REPEAT

This step is the most crucial! Your first drawings might not be your best, but with each new one, you’ll improve. Keep practicing, and your skills will develop over time. Every sketch you create is a step toward progress!

Flere anbefalte saker

Global Culinary Staples: Iconic Foods from Ten Nations

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