How to Draw Baby Animals
Drawing animals can be a challenging activity for some artists, while others may find it natural. Drawing baby animals can be a bit more challenging. The key to creating baby versions of adult animals is in the way you create the features and apply shadow to bring out the youthful aspects of the subject. With a little practice, you can learn to sketch baby animals that look real enough to cuddle with.
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Instructions
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Sketch the outline of your baby animal subject. Use a reference photo if it will help. Use a light pencil (hard lead, 3H or 4H) to sketch the outline. Consider the context. Drawing the animal in a curled position or placing it with an older version of the animal will help enhance the baby characteristics of your drawing.
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Sketch more rounded lines as you draw your baby animal. Apply the fur with very fine lines to give it the characteristic new look of a baby animal. Sketch a more rounded structure to your baby animal's face. Erase and round the facial structure some more if you find the lines are too sharp. Rounding out the face helps give the illusion of a younger animal.
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Sketch the eyes bigger and rounder than you would an adult animal. Bring them down at the corners to add a slight droop, which can help add a baby look to the eyes. Add a little light to the pupils by coloring them in with your pencil and then smudging or erasing a little lead from the center. This adds a moist effect to the pupils.
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Sketch the features of your baby animal as underdeveloped. Depending upon the animal, there are identifying features that should be downplayed. Claws, for instance, should be kept small and rounded. Avoid sharp edges or anything remotely menacing.
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Deepen the lines and add shadows to your baby animal with a softer, darker lead. A 2B will work well. Use the shading and shadows to draw out a peaceful, almost vulnerable look in your baby animal. Regardless of the animal type, a baby has a certain innocent appeal you need to capture to pull off a convincing baby animal.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider aiming for an almost cartoonish presentation of your animals, drawing some of the features oversized in context. This helps enhance the "baby" aspect of a drawing.
References
- Photo Credit baby orangutan image by Wendy Hampe from Fotolia.com
