Knowing how to draw light and shadow is key to capturing dynamic works of art. In this class, I step you through my process of how to draw like a PRO using 3 graphite pencils. You will learn how to build up values and draw form, specifically using a Boxer Dog ( Sophie Grace ) as your Model and Muse. I break down my process along the way into bite-sized lessons so you can follow along. After taking this class, you will know my techniques on how to draw a realistic dog portrait.

You can be the artist you want to be! You just have to do the work, practice, and keep growing. Results will follow. Start drawing, even if you think you're not ready. I believe in your abilities so hope to see you in my class! Ok, now let’s go Draw!

Much Love and Blessings,

-Victoria

Lesson Key Points and Drawing Actions:

Lesson: Drawing Floppy Ears

With practice, perseverance, and patience, you will get the hang of it.
No worries if you can’t get it exactly right. Nothing is perfect.
You want to create that illusion that fur is on top of each other.

Map out all the darks first
Vary your fur strokes so it’s more natural-looking
Preserve the highlights
Use a kneaded eraser to lift up your highlights

NOW IT’S YOUR TURN!

Lesson: Windows to the Soul ( Eyes )

The most important part of drawing eyes, maintaining the white highlights.
Always look back at your reference photo for guidance.
In order to create realistic drawings, it’s a balance of Light and Shadow.
When your hand is feeling fatigued, pretty please take a break!

Add a little bit of light shadow in the whites of the eyes
Spread out your linework to reveal more white of the paper to get fur highlights
Leave room for highlights to create 3-dimensional form
Use less pressure to render light fur strokes

JUST DO YOUR BEST!

Lesson: Forehead and Cheeks

Your goal is to make these Boxer wrinkles look more natural.
Look for the direction of the fur and make it flow around the form.
Make sure you leave a very distinct white highlight for whiskers.

Draw fur one line at a time
Render the darkest tones of the Boxer wrinkles first
Erase your original guidelines when you don’t need them anymore

YOU GOT THIS!

Lesson: Rendering the Nose

It doesn’t need to look exactly like the photo, as long as you create the textures of the nose.
Make sure you take breaks! Treat yourself to some coffee! Drink water!
Preserve the tiny highlights next to the darkest shadows.
We are all still learning, this is a process of practice, patience, and perseverance!

Create a base texture with circular markings, make them unpredictable
Go around your drawing and add another layer of tones
Draw circular shapes for the final layer, varying size, shape, & texture

JUST HAVE FUN AND DON’T PUT TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON YOURSELF

Lesson: Whiskers Tongue

While working on white fur, spread out your fur markings.
The Key to Mastery is Repetition.
Create a blended transition from dark to light.

Make sure you taper the width of the whiskers
Hold your pencil sideways so you don’t put too much pressure on your paper
Please share your work in the Projects tab!

DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE A MISTAKE. JUST KEEP DRAWING!

Lesson: Chin and Chest

Have fun, play, and explore different ways to draw textures and patterns!
Give yourself permission to have fun, enjoy the journey, and trust the process.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, work on a different area, but don’t skip the Whiskers!

On the Chin, create random markings, patterns, textures
Preserve the highlights to make the form POP OUT of the page!
Outline one side of the whisker first, then the other

KEEP GOING! YOU ARE HALFWAY DONE!

Lesson: Finishing The Eyes

Go around the eye and add another layer of darks to pop out the reflections.
After your first layer is down, add more tones to define more of the shadows and textures around the eyes.

Preserve the highlights in the eye
Shade in the starburst effects on the reflection of the eye
Color in around the tear ducks and keep the white highlights

WINDOWS TO THE SOUL ARE COMPLETE! YOU ROCK!

Lesson: Finishing The Ears

Blocking out the shadows first will guarantee that you have the form rendered with light and shadow.
Don’t worry if you don’t capture all the fur details, as long as you capture the lights and darks.
Rest your hands after every hour that you draw and drink plenty of water!

Make sure you leave some white highlights at the edge of the ear
Create random fur strokes, short, long, tapered, spread them out as you get closer to the highlighted areas
Adding extra layers of darks will make your drawing pop out of the page

PLEASE SHARE YOUR WORK! CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THEM!

Lesson 9: Wrinkles and Whiskers

Please remember to diversify your fur markings and strokes. You want to make your drawing look very natural.
As the artist, you can add as many whiskers as you like. Don’t add too much for it will get too complicated.
3 Steps: Add darks, then mid-tones, and preserve the lights.

Make sure you switch up your pencils depending on the value and tone you are capturing
Place tracing paper under your hand so you don’t smudge your drawing
Blend out the highlighted areas into the mid-tones on the forehead
Spread out your fur markings to show more of the white of the paper to create lighter tones.

HOPE YOU ARE HAVING FUN!

Lesson: Mouth, Cheeks, Collar, and Finishing the Body

Remember to take your time. It’s a marathon, not a sprint!
You have artistic license to draw in as many details as you want. Your choice!
When drawing metallic objects, they have very distinct darks and distinct highlights.
Always remember to follow the form and the direction of the fur.

You can make up your own designs on the collar
Add fur textures to smooth out the surface, and as you see fit!
Get your kneaded eraser and dab some highlights out
Don’t forget to sign and date your work! Yay!

YOU MADE IT! CONGRATULATIONS! WOOP WOOP!

Lesson: Final Thoughts

YOU MADE IT! THANK YOU FOR TAKING MY CLASS!
I'm forever grateful! Can't wait to see your drawings!

Please don’t forget to post your work in the projects tab! Works in Progress too!
Please leave me a review so I can bring more value and serve you better
Don’t forget to follow me on Skillshare to get notified of my future classes.
And keep practicing!

SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE! HAPPY DRAWING...

Grant Cochrane (MisterGC)

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