Gather your art supplies
Before you start the creative process, make sure to gather all the necessary art supplies to draw a dog. Having all the tools you need beforehand will make the drawing process smoother and more enjoyable, without the added stress of having to search for a missing art supply. Here are some supplies you’ll need to get started:
Paper: You’ll need paper to draw on, make sure it’s the correct type of paper for your medium. Sketching paper or drawing paper is usually the best choice for pencil or pen drawings, while watercolor paper or mixed media paper is best for paint.
Pencils: You’ll need pencils to sketch your dog. It’s recommended you choose a range of pencils from H (hard) to B (soft). H pencils are hard and leave light marks, while B pencils are soft and leave darker marks.
Eraser: You’ll need an eraser to get rid of any mistakes. Kneaded erasers are great for pencil drawings because they don’t leave behind residue.
Sharpener: You’ll need a pencil sharpener if you decide to use pencils. This will keep your pencils sharp, allowing you to make finer details.
Paint: If you decide to paint your dog, you’ll need paint supplies such as watercolors, acrylics or gouache.
Paintbrushes: If using paint, you’ll need a variety of paintbrushes. Thin brushes are great for details, while bigger brushes are perfect for large areas or backgrounds.
Remember to choose art supplies that you’re comfortable with, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, you’re ready to start drawing your dog!
Choose a reference photo
Choosing the right reference photo is crucial to drawing a dog that looks lifelike and realistic. What is a reference photo? A reference photo is a photo that you will use as a guide to draw your dog. You can either take a photo of your dog or find one online. If you don’t have a dog, you can search for photos of different dog breeds online to help you find a photo that suits your skill level.
When choosing a reference photo, you want to think about the following:
- Lighting: Is the photo well-lit or is it too dark or too bright? Are there any shadows that can obscure details you might need?
- Position: What angle is the dog in the photo? Is it a side view or frontal? Understanding the view of the dog is important in understanding its proportions and angles.
- Breed: Different dog breeds have different body types and facial features, so it’s important to choose a breed that you feel comfortable drawing.
Once you have found a reference photo that you like, print it out or save it on your computer or phone for easy access. If you’re working from a digital photo, you can even zoom in and out to see the details better. Remember to keep the photo as close to you as possible when drawing as this will make it easier to see the small details.
Start with basic shapes
If you’re trying to sketch a dog but don’t know where to start, the best thing to do is begin with basic shapes. Basic shapes are the cornerstone of drawing and can help you simplify the process. When you use basic shapes to draw, you separate the subject into smaller, manageable pieces and place them where they need to be.
The first step is to draw a circle for the head. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just big enough to contain the head. Add a large oval beneath the circle for the body, and then connect them with two short lines to shape the neck. The legs should then be positioned next. Draw four lines extending out from the body. Connect circular shapes to the lines to outline the paws. Draw another circle for the tail.
This is what’s known as the skeletal structure. Next, go back and refine these sketches. Draw the fuzzy shapes of the ears atop the circle and shape the eyes and the nose. Draw tucks, fringes, lines, and other of flesh and fur. The result should be a more practical portrayal, with legs lengthened or shortened to speak to the puppy’s breed and body type.
Keep in mind, practice makes perfect! No one ever was an excellent artist on their first try. Draw as frequently as you would like to perfect the ability to draw dogs!
Focus on the dog’s details
When drawing a dog, it’s important to focus on the details that make each breed unique. The shape and size of the dog’s ears, nose, and tail will vary depending on the breed, and these details will help your drawing to look more realistic.
Start by researching the breed of dog you want to draw. Look at photos online or in books, paying close attention to the details of the dog’s face, snout, and eyes. Pay attention to the shape of the ears, the length and width of the nose, and the curvature of the tail.
Once you have a good understanding of the unique features of the breed, start sketching out your drawing. Use light and loose lines to create the basic shape of the dog’s body, and then start adding in the details. Start with the eyes, getting the size and shape just right before moving on to the nose and mouth.
Don’t forget about the fur! Dogs have a wide range of fur textures and lengths, so consider the breed and the angle of your drawing when adding in fur details. Keep in mind that fur tends to grow in certain directions, so pay attention to the direction of your lines.
Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Drawing is all about trial and error, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to draw any breed of dog with ease!
Add shading and texture
Adding shading and texture to your dog drawing is a great way to make it more realistic and captivating. Shading is the process of creating darker tones in certain areas of the drawing to show depth and dimension, while texture adds details such as fur, wrinkles, and lines to the dog’s features. Below are some tips to help you add shading and texture to your dog drawing:
1. Determine the light source:
Before you add shading, it’s important to establish where the light source is coming from. The light source will determine which areas of the dog’s body are darker or lighter. If the light is coming from the top of the drawing, the top of the dog’s head will be lighter, and the bottom will be darker. This will also affect the shadows on the ground.
2. Use a pencil with a softer lead:
A pencil with a softer lead, such as a 2B or 4B, will allow you to add darker shading and texture to your drawing. Start by lightly sketching in the shade areas, then slowly build up the darker tones by adding more pressure to your pencil.
3. Blend the shading:
Blending the shading can help create a smoother transition between the light and dark areas. You can use your finger, a blending stump, or a piece of tissue to blend the shading. This will soften the edges and create a more realistic look.
4. Add texture:
Texture can bring the dog to life by adding details such as fur and wrinkles. Using short, quick strokes with a sharp pencil, add texture to the dog’s fur and other features where needed. Take a close look at reference photos of dogs to see how the fur lays on their bodies and how their features are textured.
5. Experiment with different techniques:
The best way to create your own unique style of shading and texture is by experimenting with different techniques. Try using different pencils, blending tools, and strokes to create different effects. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they can help you learn and grow as an artist.