How to Master Drawing by Sketching at the Zoo
Why am I asking you to drag your sketchbook to a crowded, chaotic zoo full of tourists? Especially if the animals won’t stand still, if they refuse to look in the right direction, or if an elephant blasts an epic amount of liquid poo just when you were admiring his unbelievable majesty? Because it is hard. And it is exhilarating, fun, and pivotal to your development as an artist. The most effective way to improve your drawing skills is to dive headfirst into the deep end of observational drawing.
Toss out the idea that you’ll leave with portfolio ready pieces right now. Maybe you will, but that isn’t the point. Exercise is the point. Training your mind and your art muscles to soar under duress while also learning how animals move, sound, and even sleep will transform you from a novice into a master draftsperson.
No one wants to be accused of producing stiff drawings. Since animals won’t concern themselves with holding a pose for your enjoyment, you’ll naturally capture action within your lines. A basic understanding of anatomy will make this adventure in portraying animals in motion more feasible. Prepare in advance for your trip by producing stacks of écorché studies and volume drawings. Pulling from what you already know about animal anatomy and behavior will help you fill in the gaps when a creature scampers off or turns its face away. You aren’t aiming to copy the animal in front of you perfectly. You are bringing to life the concept of a given animal, an impression of life. Action and anatomy in unison will lead to the most beautiful illustrations.
Why not just look at photographs? Because a photo won’t show you the dynamic stretch and bulge of a galloping gazel’s muscles. You won’t see the rhino’s weight shift from side to side or how light cascades across her brow. How quickly does a fox’s ear twitch, how shrill is his bark?
I recommend sketching from life wherever you go along your journey as an artist. Another challenge at the zoo (and other busy venues) is other people. They will take up residence in front of your view, they will ask you questions, and they will stare. Roll with it. Draw the curious hominids, too.
Not convinced this exercise is worth the sweat and a little sunburn? You will get some benefit from watching nature videos, too. At this time in history, physical distancing is imperative anyway. But someday, plan to get out into the world again.
Smell the (sometimes awful) fragrances, hear the elephant’s trumpet, watch the lion stretch out long and proud before she indulges in a luxurious afternoon nap. Until then, try out a live cam from your favorite zoo. Here is a link to the Giraffe Cam from the San Diego Zoo: https://www.sdzsafaripark.org/giraffe-cam Now, let’s start sketching!
