Artist Tim Pond's lively and engaging book fuses science with art,
providing the reader with the skills, techniques and knowledge they need
to create sketches of animals filled with life and movement.
There are some very good books written on life drawing, yet when it
comes to drawing wildlife, illustrators and artists often revert to
working solely from photographs, which can leave the artwork looking
lifeless and flat. In this inspirational book, artist Tim Pond shows you
how to observe and draw animals in zoos, farms, wildlife parks and
aquariums, teaching you some fascinating facts about the animals along
the way and ultimately bringing you closer to nature.
One of the challenges with sketching wildlife is that animals are
constantly moving, however having some basic understanding of the
biology of an animal, such as knowing that a duck has a cheek or that a
cheetah can't retract its claws, can influence how you might sketch
them, and results in a lively drawing that captures the form, movement
and ultimately the spirit of the animal in question. Combining
scientific knowledge with expert practical guidance is key to creating
successful drawings of animals, and Tim's ability to convey this in a
way that is both accessible and engaging makes this a unique and
inspiring guide suitable for artists of all levels.
Tim's book takes you on a journey of discovery that will enable you to
develop the skills, techniques and knowledge you need to sketch a broad
range of wildlife, encompassing mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and
insects. It includes quick, gestural sketches as well as linear and
tonal studies, in a variety of media - pencil, pen and ink, and
watercolour. There are numerous studies comprising how to represent the
different patterns of animals' coats, how to capture the plumage of an
exotic bird in watercolour, and how to sketch a hippo's hooves, as well
as guidance on tools, materials and basic techniques. The result is a
treasure chest of fascinating facts, studies, sketches and annotated
drawings that will not fail to ignite your enthusiasm for drawing
animals from life.
