Your final class project will be a series of quick animal sketches that convey gesture, movement and personality.

Instructions:

Pick an animal from one of the videos I've provided links to, or from a video of your own choosing.
On a single sheet of drawing paper, do a series of 4-6 loose sketches of the animal in different positions and lighting setups. (Pause the video to find your references.) Try to show the form, gesture and motion of the animal.
If you want to: Take a photo of your sketches and upload it here for feedback and discussion.

Recommended materials:

Drawing pad, sketching paper or a sketchbook of your choice. In a size you're comfortable with. I prefer size A4 (approx. 8" x 12") or A3 (11.7" x 16.5")
Pencils, any kind you like. Preferably softness HB, B or B+, for more contrast in your drawings. Try out a bunch of different ones!
An eraser is optional. We won't be using it a lot in this class.

Reference videos:

Garden birds in slow motion by Paul Dinning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5x7BsOrYWk

"Jackdaws bathing" by the channel Birdfun on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7aOgtvmhcfk

"Meerkatson Parade at Meerkat Garden" by Paul Dinning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KUWA7BHGzQ

"I rescued four baby squirrels" by Dani Connor Wild: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tDlh62AVPo

Jennifer Bell

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