The Artist's Guide to Drawing Animals: How to Draw Cats, Dogs, and Other Favorite Pets

by J.C. Amberlyn

Overview

In this step-by-step how-to guide to creating classic portraits of animals in pencil and pen-and-ink, artist J. C. Amberlyn combines her love of pets and other familiar domestic creatures with her beautiful, detailed drawing style. Covering a variety of animals from dogs and cats to barnyard critters like cows and sheep and many more, the book covers every species with easy-to-follow instructions for drawing them from every angle imaginable. Along with seven featured examinations of Amberlyn’s artistic process, each chapter showcases the tools and techniques needed to produce your own highly detailed, lifelike drawings of a variety of well-known animal companions. The worlds of artists and animal lovers come together in this richly illustrated, in-depth guide to producing charming portraits of some of the most popular pets and domesticated creatures.

Also available as an eBook

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823014248
Publisher:	Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Publication date:	11/20/2012
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	74 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

J. C. Amberlyn is an award-winning artist, animator, graphic novelist, photographer, and naturalist. She is the author of the bestselling Drawing Wildlife and Drawing Manga Animals, Chibis, and Other Adorable Creatures. Visit J. C.’s website at www.jcamberlyn.com.

Read an Excerpt

Animals have been a part of human artwork from its very beginnings. The earliest ancient paintings, found hidden away in caves, feature animals like the aurochs (wild cow). Egyptian art celebrated animals like the cat with style and beauty. Through the centuries, the horse has inspired paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and even armor. In modern times, cat and dog art sells many T-shirts, calendars, coffee mugs, store brands, and other items. Both art and domestic animals are part of our everyday life, and the two combine together wonderfully...This book features traditional drawing, and most of the drawing instructions are centered on pencil, pen, and paper work. However, even solely digital artists can learn about animal anatomy and features, and gain insight into building up texture and fur.

Table of Contents

Introduction  
Chapter
Dogs  
Head 
Body  
Puppies        
Breeds          
The Artist’s Process: Mutt (Teddy)           
 
Chapter 2
Cats   
Head 
Body  
Kittens           
Breeds          
The Artist’s Process: Tabby           
 
Chapter 3
Horses          
Head 
Body  
Foals 
Breeds
The Artist’s Process: Proportions 
 
Chapter 4
Other Hoofed Animals       
Head 
Body and Tail          
Baby Hoofed Animals        
Breed
The Artist’s Process: Alpaca Head          
 
Chapter 5
Rodents, Rabbits, and Ferrets      
Rodents        
Head 
Body and Tail          
Rabbits         
Head 
Body and Tail          
Breeds          
Ferrets           
Head 
Body and Tail          
The Artist’s Process: Drawing Soft Fur in Pencil          
 
Chapter 6
Birds  
Head and Beak       
Body  
The Artist’s Process: Feathers and Legs
 
Chapter 7
Cold-Blooded Animals       
Reptiles        
Head 
Body and Tail          
Amphibians 
Head, Nose, Mouth, and Ears      
Body and Tail          
Fish   
Fins, Body, and Tail           
The Artist’s Process: Drawing Scales, Reptile Skin, and Avoiding an Unnatural Look    
Afterword      
Index