Pet Portraits in Colored Pencil
Gemma Gylling
Class Preview
2:19
- In-depth Instruction; over 193 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
The Contour Drawing
16:17
Join pet artist Gemma Gylling for a class overview, then see how to use a grid method to break an image into fundamental shapes and lines that will help you create a contour drawing. Gemma discusses drawing surfaces and shows you how to create an out-of-focus background for your portrait.
Cat Eyes & Fur
32:52
Begin your cat portrait by adding layers of color to the eyes. Gemma shows how to capture the depth, texture and highlights of the iris, pupil and eyelids. Then sketch in the fur around the eyes and on the top of the head using Gemma's tips for achieving a natural look.
Cat Noses, Muzzles & Ears
34:57
Even cats' tiny noses are highly textured. See how to replicate those textures and complex colors with Gemma's guidance. Add fur around the muzzle and detail to the ears. Learn to use a colorless blending pencil and blending brush, and see how to vary pencil strokes and pressure for a natural look.
Cat Mouths, Chins & Chest Fur
22:59
Define the cat's mouth and add hair to the chin and chest, using a clumping technique to mimic longer fur. Gemma shows you how to add realistic whiskers and discusses the importance of recreating the tonal values of your reference photo to achieve convincing depth in your drawing.
Dog Eyes & Fur
26:56
Begin your dog portrait by capturing the color and highlights of the expressive eyes. Gemma demonstrates with a portrait of a boxer, showing you how to add the fur around the eyes, including subtle eyelashes and the white blaze in middle of its forehead.
Dog Noses, Muzzles & Ears
29:19
Replicate the unique texture and shine of a dog's nose with Gemma's techniques, using warm and cool colors. Continue mixing colors and varying strokes to add hair to the dog's muzzle and ears. Gemma shows how to create smooth transitions and tackle the challenge of a variegated coat.
Dog Mouths, Chins & Fur
28:49
Complete your dog portrait by coloring the jowls and lips and adding whiskers. Capture a hint of skin under the chin fur and complete the brindle fur. Finally, Gemma shares a great tip for "getting unstuck" when you're struggling, so you can confidently finish your amazing portrait!
Learn to draw colored pencil pet portraits with lessons from award-winning artist and instructor Gemma Gylling. Set yourself up for success as you discover the best surfaces for drawing animals, and how to create an out-of-focus background for a portrait that pops off the page. As Gemma walks you through creating both a cat and a dog portrait, she’ll teach you how to draw true-to-life eyes with layers of color, realistic gloss and dynamic depth. Then, learn to mix, blend and shift colors beautifully as you draw all the details of your pet’s face and ears with extraordinary accuracy. Along the way, you’ll get plenty of guidance for drawing convincing textures, capturing color patterns in fur, simplifying complex areas of your reference photo and more.
Gemma Gylling
Gemma Gylling developed her love of nature, animals and creativity while growing up on a small ranch in Southern California. Today, Gemma has been creating art in colored pencils for over 15 years, and she loves to draw animals of all types. Her award-winning work has been widely exhibited and featured in a variety of books and publications. Gemma enjoys teaching colored pencil workshops at the University of the Pacific, throughout the U.S. and on Craftsy.
Bonus materials available after purchase