Drawing: Dogs & Puppies

Book excerpt: Learn to draw a variety of dogs and puppies in graphite pencil from basic shapes. Drawing: Dogs & Puppies teaches artists everything they need to know to achieve realistic pet portraits in graphite pencil. From choosing the right drawing paper and tools to understanding how to blend and shade, Drawing: Dogs & Puppies features valuable information for learning to draw in graphite pencil. Aspiring artists will learn about composition, value, and contrast, as well as how to render various fur textures; expressive eyes; and realistic noses, ears, and mouths. The book opens with an introduction to the basic drawing tools and materials, including pencils, erasers, supports, and blending tools. With simple step-by-step projects that start with basic shapes and progress to detailed, realistic final drawings, readers will learn to draw a variety of interesting canines, including a Labrador puppy, a Great Dane, a Pug, a Beagle, a West Highland White Terrier, Dachshunds, a Border Collie puppy, and more. Expert instruction from artist Cynthia Knox, a breadth of subject matter, helpful tips, and inspirational artwork make Drawing: Dogs & Puppies the perfect addition to any dog-loving artist's library. Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers an easy-to-follow guide that introduces artists to basic tools and materials and includes simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Drawing: Dogs & Puppies allows artists to develop their drawing skills, demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and shading techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for a realistic, completed drawing.