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This is the topic where I will teach you the "basics" of art. Some "need-to-knows," "like-to-knows," and "have-to-knows." Most of which will deal with sketching -- one of the most important aspects in art. Lets get started, shall we?

Contour Drawing:
Definition: "n.
1.
a. The outline of a figure, body, or mass.
b. A line that represents such an outline.
3. A contour line.
1. To make or shape the outline of; represent in contour."
Source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/contour

A "contour drawing" grasps the basic aspect and view of the object(s) you are trying to draw. It's lack of detail is vague, but it still has the "basic just" of what you want to draw. Contour drawing is similar to the "Three-circle method" of drawing -- you draw the basic shape(s) before you make the picture itself.
They are fairly simple. You shouldn't take your eyes off of the object(s) you are drawing -- use quick, simple lines.
The sketch will be different from your regular art style. Do not worry about this, and do not overwork the sketch. Otherwise, it will become confusing and you will have trouble with the "real" sketching!

Example: (art by me).

"General" Sketching:
This is what, I think, is the fun part -- when you start bringing your sketch(es) to life! I call them "coming into life" because your animal(s) begin to gain some depth to their form. You can also adjust your focal point(s) (the area in which you want to draw attention to the most) to a better area.

-Use your Contour sketch as a "base" and work from that. Make any necessary anatomy adaptaions, add a small amount of detail (pupils, teeth, gums, ears). Don't make your Final Sketch JUST YET; still draw lightly enough to erase easy -- this will make your art more fun and easier to adjust.
-Make some parts that you know will be perminant (or the same throughout the sketch) darker -- this is a skill for artists who have more practice. Be sure to sketch dark enough that you can see everything (just not "too dark" when it is hard to erase).

Example (notice that the general sketch is very close to the contour[/i]):


The Final Sketch:
Finally, the most fun begins! This is when you start touching the sketch(es) up even more -- adding fur, markings, fur over-laps, and more detail.

-You should still be following the contour; however, you should be following the general sketch more -- because that has now become your base.
-This art can be darker -- remember, not too dark! Don't apply a lot of pressure; it doesn't take a lot to make dark lines. You should practice pressure before you start pictures. Also, get to "know" your pencil. Learn its limitations, it's faults, and learn how to avoid them. Do this with simple doodling.

This is the final step before you ink -- make sure that the lines are slightly darker than the general sketch so you don't get the two mixed up. Why? Because this can cause confusion in the picture (I have done this many times myself and had to start over).

Example:


Inking:
The first before last step. A lot of people skip inking or just leave the sketch as it is. However, inking is just a "cleanup" feature in art.
By inking, you are making your art final. I strongly suggest a liquid ink pen for inking -- no ballpoints or gel pens. Why? They smudge very easy -- making the artwork messy.

-When inking, follow the final sketch. If you find something you'd like to change; change it. But be sure it's a move you want to make -- like I said, when you ink the art is final.
-Try not to let your hand rub against the wet ink (too much); it risks smudging the lines. Most liquid ink dries in five seconds or less -- but to stay on the safe side, keep your hand comfortably aloft from the paper until the ink dries. When you finish, take an eraser (I suggest a large, "block" eraser -- like those not attached to pencils) and erase the pencil lines.

Notice the changes I made in this image. Noticing that the top and bottom jaw weren't aligned, I scootched the bottom back a bit. Added a little bit more detail, and made it happy. The bottom jaw isn't perfectly aligned -- but don't worry when this happens; because the jaw "juts" (or sticks) out slightly when ajar. I also moved the eyes around a little bit, added some fur detail.
Example:

COLORING!:
Now it's time for *more* fun. Some artists call coloring a pain, but I find it rather enjoyable to finally add some vivid "life" to the chosen subject(s).

-Choose the character(s) you want to be in the picture. If they have extra marks, that's okay -- those are easy to place in the contour sketch.
-Be sure to keep the colors fairly dark, but not too dark that you can't see the lines (or barely). For black characters, I have found that coloring over lightly with black and then going over that in gray will give it a dark gray affect -- they're still black, but you can still see your lines!
-Make sure that all of the pencil lines are erased -- coloring with lighter colors can "bring them out."
-Blending is a must. Use two of the similar color (light brown and brown). If your character is dark, use the dark color as the base (color the dark first, then go over it with the light color until you get the right shade). If the character is light, do the same thing in vice-versa order.
-Changing direction is also helpful. When you finish the first layer, do it again -- but color in a different direction.

Here I have mixed light brown and gray.
Example:

Shading (which I will NOT do):
Shading adds a realistic depth to your image(s). They help create more feeling to what you're going for.

Save, for example, this tree: CLICK. This was a real-live nature scene that I drew in art class. Spending time drawing nature is a terrific idea to get to "know" shading.

-Choose a "light source." This is where the animal will appear lighter, and determine where the shading will be. In This (click) picture, the "light source" is in the upper left-hand corner. In order to shade, a light source it vital.
-Keep your shading a couple of "shades" darker than the picture's main color -- that way, the viewers can decypher what's normal and what's shaded. Example: Click please. This also helps to add personal depth to what you're drawing.

Cross-Contour lines:
Cross-contour lines are very easy, and allow depth without shading. They are basically straight, or rounded, lines to show depth. They should be as simple as a contour sketch. Here are several examples (click the titles to view):
Simple Cross-contour art. (mine)

Simple cross-contour; contour shape lines. (art class assignment; I did not draw the pepper but the lines)

Cross Contour (art class assignment; I did not draw the pepper but the lines)

The above images, save for the two peppers, were drawn by Carrie "Kirada" Shaw (me) and belong to me. Please do not use without my notification!

The last and final "rule" of art -- Is to HAVE FUN!!

If you have any questions, feel free to post them here, to PM me, or to e-mail me.

e-mail: [email protected]

I noticed a couple of things recently that some people can need some help with (and some ask for it). Here I've only pointed out one, and I'll point out more as they approach.

1.) Anatomy.

Anatomy, or the "structure" of a being (including bones, body form, and mass), is something very hard to master. So we'll start basic - with the below wolf picture. Of course, anatomy in art always starts with a "base" - which is better than freehand (without the bases and whatnot) because it promoted proper anatomy and an amazing picture. If not, the picture looks funky and the viewers will pay more attention to the errors than your focal point.

So, lets get started. I'm using photogrpahs that I have taken, and added the "anatomy base" in via Microsoft Paint.

1.) Three circles - for the head, shoulders, and hips, are a good start. Sticks and/or ovals work well for the limbs, muzzle, chest, and a line for the tail. Keep in mind that you will add mass and fur later. You can also use circles for joints (which I strongly recommend). The lines on the face are for placement (the eye[s] and nose), and the triangle the ears. For dogs with floppy ears, upside-down trianlges work best. For pointed ears, rightside-up are.



From there, you can work with the "base" and add detail - and get a marveloud picture.

If you have any questions, or want me to clarify something, feel free to ask. I prefer that you ask here in the topic, that way, other members with the same question(s) can see the answer. Don't be shy!

wow thats real nice.. i think this might help me to draw hehe ever since i joined the sight i've seen many peoples drawings and i just want to learn how and become good or at least almost as good as them.. thnx Kirada for posting this !!!

This helps A LOT
Especially the anatomy add-on. Thanks for putting this up!

If you don't me, I'll contribute to this topic.

When you are shadeing

Never use the tip of your penicle, to shade. Use the side of your penicle. practice shadeing on a spare sheet of paper. start out hard and gradually lightin, to get a gradient feel.

thnx MightyBalto that'll come in handy teehee .. great topic Kirada.. this might help some people like me XD how to draw or even draw better btw how do you get photoshop ?

Hey, Kirada. I have a question. How do you draw Paws? Mine allways look like cartoons.....

I'll get to that in the second Tutorial. ;D

Allirght. Thanks.