Beginner Drawing Lessons : How to Teach Children to Draw Animals

[ReganMC]

ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE

[Cerberust]

@TehColo This is trivial, but Picasso had mastered realism by the time he was twelve.

[bkendall71]

i found this video searching "how to draw" it's pretty good man. You're a good guy. Teaching kids something useful. 

[Malicious2094]

@TehColo No, it's a start to a bad habit. That's the type of talk that leads to all those kids that go around drawing the same rinsed out anime style art that gives cartooning a bad image. It's a bunch of wasted talent and time. And when told to improve, the use the old "it's my style" line and never get any better. If it's for non-serious kids, then fine, but this hack claims to be an artist extraordinaire.

[TheScars75]

What an ugly cat.

[thirteenmouse]

Majestic.

[marissa1234456789]

ur way too fast

[googlefucked]

artist extrodinaire? HA my 5 year old cousin draws better cats and he has no eyes or hands

[mightyarmadillo]

oh yes, because all the little kids really put all this effort into their drawing. it's not like they just draw two circles and 4 sticks. they must really make all those lines and curvatures.

[kal1442]

Wait, is that supposed to be a cat? It looks like...

Nevermind, I give up.

What an "expert."

[BuggyProductions1234]

Umm... Well i am a child so... I really dont like it. I know it is cartoon and all but we want to now how to be realalistic... Some mite think diffrent but I think it is an insult. Unless your two!!

No offence pdeloach2

[TArthurSmith]

Wow..... Alright where to begin... First to EHow, you need to do a review of all Christopher Rokosz and Bill Connolly's videos for quality control. Seriously, find a better artist. EHow, you should also use a viewer feedback system to rate each video produced for quality. The current format encourages short videos, when the subject itself requires something longer. Learn to separate the simple questions, where people want fast answers, from the complex.

[TArthurSmith]

On the subject of drawing animals... There are several distinct body types from wolf to cat, hoofed, winged, etc. Cedarseed's posted several good charts on Deviantart, showing all the major muscle groups. Aside from this, there's the importance of an animal's pose and posture, to express its temperament and character. There's also the importance of balance, symmetry, varying skin and fur textures, all tying in with basic fundamentals...

[TArthurSmith]

For students of all ages and ability, it's easier to draw from observation than imagination, and it's simpler to draw something still than moving. So, the simplest subjects will be photos, or small plastic figures. The simpler the shapes of the animal, the easier it is to draw, i.e. worms are easier than cats. Photos and toys won't reveal much of the character of an animal. To choose a pose, it's best for students to see the real thing, either in a zoo or nature film.

[TArthurSmith]

Some children will express frustration or worry, typically aged 9-11. Younger children are great because they have no fear of failure. Just be patient and encouraging, helping step-by-step where necessary. Emphasize starting with basic construction lines, drawing lightly, emphasizing form that can be built up later once the proportions are established - break down the forms into ovoids, boxes, and cylinders.

[TArthurSmith]

Then determine the light source and observe how light and shadow wrap around the forms of the animal. This can be simplified and/or stylized, but must always be considered. The notion that cartoons are simpler is wrong. Bad cartooning is easy, but the best cartoonists are master draftsmen. This is a subject that can't be learned or taught in under three minutes. It's degrading to the artform to suggest it, and insulting to the viewers for implying we'd believe you.

[TArthurSmith]

Just to add, it's insulting to students of all ages to imply they can't learn a subject such as animals in greater depth. Posing onself as an educator while not being knowledgeable in the subject tells students the subject itself is a joke, and not worth their time. Just to reiterate, not everyone who uses Google wants a quick one minute answer. When it comes to art, we want a master who can talk at great length, with clarity and accuracy, covering all the bases.

[Amihisss]

Sir, I think I'm in love with you. Oh, and if I may be so bold, could you direct me to those anatomy charts by Cedarseed? I've been meaning to find some basic animal anatomy reference, and obviously this "artist extraordinaire" will be of no help.

[TArthurSmith]

Hmmm, youtube doesn't let me comment when I post a link. I suggest a google search. It should work pretty quick. Just look up cedarseed and deviantart.

[yourjefe]

love the fingers and traditional cat eyebrows.

[kinggogeta123]

this is good but i can draw better... believe me

[crazyt1712]

Thnaks, but I have to admit I am not a child but I could still not get it you may want to explain a little further in detail

[maTzeprei]

easy to pick up - thanks alot for shareing