In this chapter, I invite you to explore the joy of drawing with the children in your life through a step-by-step workshop designed by the talented Graham Braddock. As we embark on this artistic journey, we'll start by drawing a small square in the middle of your page. This simple step is crucial as it helps us find the center point for our drawing. By adding a light vertical line through the middle of the square, we establish the vertical alignment, and a light horizontal line provides the horizontal guide. These lines intersect at a small mark, which becomes the center of our subject, whether it's a playful kitten or another delightful figure. This approach not only aids in positioning the subject accurately but also builds a strong foundation for the entire drawing. I believe that by mastering these fundamentals, you'll unlock a rewarding creative process that brings immense satisfaction and joy, both for you and the young artists you inspire.
This guide accompanies the full video lesson. The lesson includes the complete narrated video, the printable PDF chapter, and personalised critique support.
Use the point of your pencil for detailed areas like the fur inside the ear. Switch to the side of the pencil for broader shading. This combination will help create texture and depth.
Add Light and Shadow
Create a pattern of dark coming down to light on the ear. Add a little shadow on the top of the ear to enhance its 3D appearance. Ensure shadows fade out as they approach the eyes.
Draw Dark Fur Lines
Draw a line of dark fur coming up to the eye, nearly touching it. Add another line underneath the eye, stopping before it reaches the whiskers. These lines add definition to the face.
Draw Whiskers
Draw the whiskers starting from the nose downwards. Ensure they are prominent but not overpowering the rest of the face.
Shade the Face and Chin
Lightly shade the side of the face and under the chin using the side of the pencil. Keep the shading soft to maintain the lightness of the fur.
Add Fur Texture
Use little up and down zigzag lines to create fur texture on the leg. Darken the leg's shadow towards the edge for depth.
Create Light Shadows
Add very light shadows on the lower part of the leg and the outside. Keep the pressure light to maintain the softness of the fur.
Draw Tabby Cat Patterns
Draw wiggle lines to represent the tabby cat's patterns. Keep lines in the same direction as the fur and vary the spacing for a natural look.
Shade the Tail
Curve the tail with wiggle lines, keeping it mostly dark with some light areas. This will give the tail a realistic appearance.
Add Reflections
Create reflections under the cat, such as from the toes and tail. These reflections add realism and ground the cat in its environment.
Pro tipUse the side of the pencil for soft shadows and the point for detailed lines to create texture and depth.
Embark on your drawing journey by setting up a structured framework on your page. Begin with a small square to find the center, and use light vertical and horizontal lines to guide your drawing's alignment. This foundational step ensures your subject, like a kitten, is positioned accurately and proportionately.
As you move forward, focus on capturing the kitten's overall body shape and proportions. Use the head height as a unit of measurement to maintain accurate proportions, and sketch the body, head, and ears with attention to their angles and shapes. Lightly draw the kitten's features, ensuring the head is circular and the ears are slightly wider than the head.
Bring your drawing to life by adding texture and details. Use small, furry lines to create the appearance of fur, and vary the pressure of your pencil to distinguish between light and dark areas. Add shadows and reflections to enhance depth and realism, and don't forget to include sparkles in the eyes for a lively touch. With these techniques, your drawing will capture the essence of the kitten in a dynamic and engaging way.
Points to remember
Use light lines to divide the page for easy adjustments.
Position elements using your fingers as a guide.
Capture the overall shape of the body to guide the drawing.
Use head height as a unit to gauge proportions.
Ensure the top of the ears follows the reference line angle.
Keep lines light for easy adjustments of features.
Press harder for darker fur areas to create shadows.
Use the side of the pencil for soft shadows and the point for details.
