As an experienced art writer and creative consultant, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring a wide range of artistic techniques, creative processes, and practical tutorials – from pencil drawing and painting to mixed media approaches. In our 15 years installing… Today, I’m excited to dive into the realm of spontaneous, intuitive drawing methods for capturing the essence of our beloved companion animals.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Embracing the Unknown: Intuitive Drawing Techniques
Drawing is a primal act of creative expression, a direct channel between our minds, hands, and the page. But all too often, we can get bogged down in rigid rules and a pursuit of technical perfection. Finnish illustrator Laura Merz has found freedom by embracing a more experimental, intuitive approach to her wildlife-themed drawings.
“I am interested in how different physical nature experiences translate into the visual language of an artist. My drawings are informed by the real life encounters with domestic and wild animals I have had throughout my life. I believe that the drawing hand has a memory of itself. In the act of drawing, it transforms tacit knowledge – layers of past experiences – into something visible, into the form of an image.”
Merz’s process involves tapping into her subconscious, past experiences, and innate understanding of the animal world. Rather than aiming for strict realism, she allows her intuition to guide spontaneous, expressive compositions. By eschewing perfectionism and embracing mistakes or unexpected results, she discovers a freer, more authentic style.
“When drawing, instead of aiming for realism I try to tap into my subconscious, my past experiences, knowledge and feelings to create expressive, intuitive and spontaneous illustrations. My drawing process is experimental and playful. I’m a perfectionist by nature and I find that perfectionism can really hinder your creativity. It is a kind of a curse and a blessing at the same time.”
This intuitive approach encourages Merz to explore a diverse range of mark-making techniques and unconventional drawing tools. From found objects like sticks and plastic shapes to repurposed hardware store finds, she’s always seeking new ways to leave intriguing, spontaneous marks on the page. The resulting illustrations blur the line between figuration and abstraction, inviting the viewer to fill in the gaps with their own imagination and interpretations.
“Sometimes the first spontaneous sketch is a masterpiece, but most often, to get to a finished drawing I have to make huge amounts of mess first. I think most people would be surprised if they saw the piles of sketches that led to the final, seemingly simple and effortless drawing. When I’m in the middle of a sketching process my studio’s every surface is covered in paper with random ink splashes, brush strokes and other experiments. The point of the chaos part of the drawing process is that often mistakes and coincidences lead to new ideas and an exciting new visual language.”
This playful, intuitive approach to drawing allows Merz to capture the essence and energy of her animal subjects in a way that feels fresh, spontaneous, and deeply personal. By embracing the unexpected, she unlocks a wellspring of creative expression that resonates with her audience on an emotional level.
Anthropomorphic Interpretations: Imbuing Animals with Personality
While Merz’s drawings are grounded in direct observations and encounters with the natural world, she also imbues her animal subjects with a distinct sense of personality and emotional expression. This anthropomorphic approach to drawing companion animals can be a powerful tool for forging meaningful connections with the viewer.
“Animals are not only fascinating and beautiful to observe, but they also serve as an interesting tool for studying human emotions and behaviour. We have been projecting our feelings and traits onto animal characters since early cave paintings. Whilst drawing primarily from my personal nature experiences, I’m also inspired by the collective animal knowledge that is myths, stories and fables linked to animals in our culture. I am interested in the ambiguity of our depictions of other species, the grey area between human nature and animal nature in our imagery.”
By carefully observing the nonverbal cues and body language of animals, artists can translate these insights into evocative, expressive drawings. A perked ear, a tilted head, or a playful stance can all contribute to a vivid sense of character and personality. Merz’s drawings, for example, often feature animals engaged in relatable, human-like behaviours and emotions – a school of clownfish working together, or a curious herd of goats.
“My drawings toy with both human and animal stereotypes. They are intuitive, subjective portraits that tell stories of mammals named humans meeting other animals, with a message that we should value and protect all species on our planet.”
This approach to drawing companion animals can tap into our innate desire to connect with the natural world around us. By imbuing our furry, feathered, or finned friends with recognizable traits and personalities, we build an empathetic bridge that resonates on a deeper, emotional level.
Practical Techniques for Expressive Animal Drawings
Of course, bringing these spontaneous, intuitive visions to life on the page requires a deft command of drawing fundamentals. Whether you’re working in pencil, ink, or a mixed media approach, mastering techniques like proportions, anatomy, and expressive posing can elevate your animal drawings to new heights.
One key technique is the use of a “flat” pencil point, as described by artist Mike Sibley in his book “Drawing From Line to Life”:
“The universal chisel point I always use a chisel point, which has many advantages. To achieve that point, sharpen your lead as usual and then, holding it at your normal drawing angle, rub the point off on a piece of scrap paper. Now you’ll have a flat face surrounded by a sharp edge. I sharpen my pencils every morning and probably don’t have to do it again for the rest of the day.”
This flat, chisel-like point allows for seamless transitions between sharp, linear details and broad, expressive shading. It also enables the artist to build up layers of tone and blend effortlessly, creating a sense of depth and volume in the drawing.
“Use the flat face of your chisel point and I think your problems will disappear. You can seamlessly build up layers of tone and blend at any stage. I would add that I personally work from dark to light. Hard grades tend to quickly fill the tooth with clay so soft grades won’t always successfully layer on top – but a hard grade will layer over a soft one.”
In addition to mastering pencil techniques, studying animal anatomy and proportions can help you capture the unique characteristics of your subjects. Paying close attention to the placement and angle of key features like the eyes, muzzle, and limbs can lend a greater sense of authenticity and likeness to your drawings.
Equally important is the exploration of expressive poses and gestures. By observing how animals move, interact, and emote, you can translate those insights into dynamic, engaging compositions. A playful pup mid-leap, a regal cat in repose, or a curious bird cocking its head – these nuanced details breathe life into your drawings and invite the viewer to connect with your subjects on a deeper level.
Storytelling and Emotional Resonance
Ultimately, the most powerful animal drawings are those that transcend mere technical prowess to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. By tapping into the universal language of body language, personality, and narrative, artists can craft compelling stories that resonate on a primal, intuitive level.
“My drawings toy with both human and animal stereotypes. They are intuitive, subjective portraits that tell stories of mammals named humans meeting other animals, with a message that we should value and protect all species on our planet.”
Whether you’re depicting a familiar household pet or an exotic wild creature, the key is to imbue your subject with a sense of life, character, and emotional resonance. What is this animal thinking or feeling? How might it interact with its environment or other beings? By weaving these elements together through spontaneous, intuitive mark-making, you can unlock a world of creative expression that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.
As you continue to hone your drawing skills and explore new techniques, remember to stay open, curious, and willing to embrace the unexpected. The true magic often lies in those unplanned moments of serendipity – the happy accidents and spontaneous discoveries that reveal new avenues of creative expression. With a foundation of solid drawing fundamentals and a willingness to let your intuition guide the way, you can unlock a world of expressive, evocative animal drawings that captivate and inspire.
For more insights and tutorials on a wide range of artistic techniques, be sure to visit Pencil and Paint Muse. Our team of experienced art writers and creative consultants is dedicated to empowering artists of all skill levels to explore new horizons in the world of drawing, painting, and mixed media expression.
Tip: Experiment with different media to discover your unique style