Sketch Animals From Reference

Completed by 34 learners

Ages 9-13

Live Group Class

Break down a reference image into basic shapes and sketch animals each week in this drop-in class.

Kristeena Smith

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(772 reviews)

Live video meetings

1x per week

2-7 learners per class

25 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

25 mins in-class hours per week

Class Experience

Study new animals each week. This sketching class is focused on capturing basic shapes and using those shapes to create simplified, semi-realistic sketches. We'll use reference images as inspiration and guidance to improve the form and accuracy of our animal drawings. Students can expect to sketch the animal a couple of different times, exploring different angles, poses, and details of the animal. The goal for this class is not to finish a complete drawing with accurate detail, but rather to improve shape and line to better draw the basic form of an animal. Unfinished sketches, stylization, messy lines, and mistakes are welcome and encouraged in this class. I will talk through the sketch process, answer questions, and expand on anything students need help with. Students should have a basic knowledge of sketching and shading. 

This class is short, so I ask that students join on time. The topics will repeat, but the sketches will be different. I can also add topics at student request. 

Topics for the week of:

May 29 - Weasels
Jun 5 - Dogs
Jun 12 - Cats
Jun 19 - Small birds

Learning Goals

Students will gain practice breaking down an image into basic shapes and improve their animal drawings.

Other Details

Supply List

Pencil
Paper
Eraser
Ruler (optional) 
Other preferred art materials

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Kristeena Smith

Joined May, 2020

4.9

772reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

** Currently on a break from teaching **

Hello! My name is Kristeena. I teach art here on Outschool, mainly focusing on pencil drawing in semi-realistic and anime styles. 

I have 4 years of experience teaching art and language online. After graduating with a BA in psychology, I started working with children aged 9-18 in a residential setting. In 2016, I began studying painting and started worked as a freelance artist. A year later, I began t-shirt design as well. I've been an artist my whole life -- I enjoy working with pencil, pastel, ink, and digital programs.  

I love traveling. I've been to 20 countries over the past few years, including months of full-time travel and living overseas. My other interests include anime, cats, and video games (The Legend of Zelda is my favorite).

I like to create a sense of ease and freedom around art. I believe creativity is innate in everyone, and that everyone has something unique to express. In my classes, I encourage students to ask questions, be curious, and interact in the way they most feel comfortable. 

Semi-Realistic Classes:
Let's Draw: Semi-Realistic Anime Eyes
Let's Draw: Semi-Realistic Nose and Mouth
Let's Draw: Semi-Realistic Female Face
Let's Draw: Semi-Realistic Male Face 
Drawing the Side Profile
Let's Draw: Semi-Realistic Portrait (For artists with some experience) 

Anime Drawing Classes:
Let's Draw: Anime Eyes
Draw a Shoujo Style Anime Girl
Let's Sketch Cute Anime Girls 

Hair Classes:
Drawing Short Hair
Drawing Long and Loose Hair
Drawing Fun Hairstyles
Learn to Draw Hair (A bundle of previous hair classes)

Please let me know if you have any requests for class topics.