The students will learn the steps to take to design and draw realistic animal portraits. From using guidelines and shapes to calculate proportions to shading and coloring to complete the sketches. Students will become comfortable planning out a drawing and using the techniques taught in class to draw any type of animal Portrait. These are the same techniques I use when I illustrate or teach one-day realistic drawing courses. We will begin with an animal model to sketch (puppy, kitten, horse, wolf, or elephant) and then plan out the basic outlines and guidelines. Students will engage with me so I can observe their work and I will provide feedback. The most important aspect of any type of art, is that the student has fun and becomes motivated to produce more art. Art is important to the development of young minds and is great at allowing the students to grow their creativity. 

All Classes will emphasize: Use of guidelines, shapes, and proportions will be emphasized to produce a complex portrait.

Class 1: Students will be engaged to recognize shapes that make up the animal’s form. Importance of guidelines (ghost lines) and why we lightly trace the shapes before we move into darker outlining and shading will be discussed. Shading techniques and directional strokes to produce fur structure and volume will be utilized. 

Class 2: Building upon previous class and if students did not finish the first model sketch, it will be completed in this session. However, depending upon the speed of the students and questions, a second model may be identified and begun. This sketch will sketched require students to demonstrate concepts from first class. Shading and character details - eye shapes and sizes, nose, sitting or standing positions will be explored in more detail.

Class 3: This class will allow students to finish work begun in class 2 or select a new model to draw, utilize basic skills developed in first two classes to create a more detailed animal portrait. Progression should be observed in the students sketches from first model in class one to the third day.

Class 4: This class will provide the opportunity for students to draw their own pet if desired or continue to follow along with the pre-selected model (Wolf or Tiger which can also provide insight into drawing dogs or cats). How the animal model is visualized, planned, and implemented using the techniques identified and practices in the first three classes? This class will continue to emphasize the basics that can be used on any drawing/sketching project no matter the level of difficulty.

Class 5: Continuation of Class 4 and completion of animal sketches with feedback or input from instructor. A quick portion of this class, if time permits, will include how to draw cartoon characters of animals. This demonstrates the techniques used to draw realistic portraits can be used with all types of drawing.