The Field Guide to Drawing and Sketching Animals
- 176 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Artist Tim Pond's engaging book blends science and art, equipping readers with the skills and techniques to create dynamic animal sketches. While many resources focus on life drawing, artists often rely on photographs for wildlife, resulting in lifeless artwork. This book encourages observation of animals in various settings, such as zoos and wildlife parks, while sharing intriguing facts that deepen the connection to nature. Sketching wildlife presents challenges due to constant movement; however, understanding animal biology—like a duck's cheek or a cheetah's claws—can enhance the liveliness of drawings. Tim combines scientific insights with practical guidance, making the content accessible and inspiring for artists at all levels. The book offers a journey of discovery, helping you develop the skills to sketch a diverse range of wildlife, including mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects. It features quick gestural sketches, linear and tonal studies across different media—pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. You'll find studies on representing animal coats, capturing exotic bird plumage, and sketching hippo hooves, along with advice on tools, materials, and techniques. This treasure trove of facts, studies, and annotated drawings will surely ignite your passion for drawing animals from life.
