I just started this class but coincidentally I had tried painting a giraffe today and I really used your concepts. I drew the giraffe from a vacation photo with watercolor (just eyeballed it) and then activated the watercolor with pan watercolors. i am sure there is lots of room for improvement but I am finally glad I created something of my own. Now to finish your class and try your pets too.

 

The painted version - i left the background white as had not really planned it all out but the fence was part of the photo.

 

Tried the cat demo today - had never done a full size cat...he looks a bit cross or dwarfish with a beard!..but I like him just the same. I did sketch in watercolor at first and then did gouache today.