How To Draw Animals By Jack Hamm?

How to Draw Animals by Jack Hamm

Jack Hamm was a master of animal illustration, and his work has been enjoyed by generations of readers. In this article, we’ll take a look at Hamm’s approach to drawing animals, and we’ll learn some of the techniques he used to create his realistic and expressive illustrations.

We’ll start by discussing the different types of animals that Hamm drew, and we’ll learn about the anatomical features that are common to all animals. Then, we’ll look at some of the specific techniques that Hamm used to draw different types of animals, such as mammals, birds, and reptiles.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of Hamm’s approach to animal illustration, and you’ll be able to use his techniques to draw your own realistic and expressive animal drawings.

Animal Step-by-step Instructions Image
Cat
  1. Draw a circle for the head.
  2. Draw two triangles for the ears.
  3. Draw a curved line for the body.
  4. Draw four legs.
  5. Draw a tail.
  6. Draw a face.
Dog
  1. Draw a circle for the head.
  2. Draw a triangle for the ears.
  3. Draw a curved line for the body.
  4. Draw four legs.
  5. Draw a tail.
  6. Draw a face.
Horse
  1. Draw a circle for the head.
  2. Draw two triangles for the ears.
  3. Draw a curved line for the body.
  4. Draw four legs.
  5. Draw a tail.
  6. Draw a mane.

Animals are a popular subject for drawing, and for good reason. They are beautiful, varied, and full of personality. But drawing animals can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure where to start.

In this tutorial, we will teach you the basics of drawing animals using the methods of Jack Hamm. Jack Hamm was a renowned animal artist who taught at the School of Visual Arts in New York City for over 30 years. His methods are simple and effective, and they will help you to draw animals that are both realistic and expressive.

We will start by covering the basics of animal anatomy, then we will move on to proportions and perspective. Finally, we will give you some tips on how to create realistic movement and expression in your drawings.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have the skills you need to draw animals of all kinds. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Basic Animal Anatomy

The first step to drawing animals is to understand their anatomy. Animals have a wide variety of body shapes and sizes, but they all share some common features.

The skeleton is the foundation of the animal body. It provides support and structure, and it also protects the internal organs. The skeleton is made up of bones, which are connected by joints.

The muscles are responsible for movement. They attach to the bones and contract to pull the bones in different directions. The different muscles of an animal work together to create a wide range of movements, from walking to running to flying.

The skin is the outermost layer of the animal body. It protects the animal from the elements and helps to regulate its temperature. The skin also contains hair, fur, scales, or feathers, which help to insulate the animal and protect it from predators.

The internal organs are the essential organs that keep the animal alive. These include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and intestines. The internal organs are located inside the body cavity, which is protected by the rib cage.

The nervous system is responsible for sending signals throughout the body. It consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. The nervous system allows the animal to sense its surroundings and react to them.

The sensory organs allow the animal to interact with its environment. These include the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The sensory organs provide the animal with information about the world around it, such as what it sees, hears, smells, and tastes.

The reproductive organs allow the animal to reproduce. These organs vary depending on the animal’s sex. In males, the reproductive organs include the testes and penis. In females, the reproductive organs include the ovaries and uterus.

By understanding the basic anatomy of animals, you will be able to draw them more realistically. In the following sections, we will provide you with more detailed information about each of the anatomical systems listed above.

The Skeleton

The skeleton is the foundation of the animal body. It provides support and structure, and it also protects the internal organs. The skeleton is made up of bones, which are connected by joints.

The bones of the skeleton are classified into two types: axial and appendicular. The axial skeleton consists of the skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum. The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the arms, legs, and pelvis.

The skull is the bony structure that protects the brain. It is made up of several bones that are fused together. The vertebral column is a long, flexible column of bones that runs down the back. The ribs are a series of curved bones that attach to the vertebral column. The sternum is a flat bone that is located at the front of the chest.

The appendicular skeleton consists of the bones of the arms, legs, and pelvis. The bones of the arms are the humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The bones of the legs are the femur, tibia, fibula, tarsals, metatarsals, and phalanges. The pelvis is a basin-shaped bone that connects the legs to the vertebral column.

The joints of the skeleton allow the animal to move. There are three types of joints:

  • Synovial joints are freely movable joints, such as the knee and elbow.
  • Fibrous joints are immovable joints, such as the skull and the pelvis.
  • Cartilaginous joints are semi-movable joints, such as the spine and the shoulder.

The joints of the skeleton allow the animal to move in a variety of ways, such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing.

The Muscles

The muscles are responsible for movement. They attach to the bones and contract to pull the bones in different directions. The different muscles of an animal

Animal Movement

When drawing animals, it’s important to capture their movement and energy. Here are a few tips for drawing animals in different poses and actions:

  • Start with a simple pose. Don’t try to draw your animal in a complex pose right away. Start with something simple, like a standing pose or a walking pose. This will help you get the basic proportions and shapes of your animal correct.
  • Use reference images. If you’re not sure how to draw a particular pose, use a reference image to help you. This could be a photo, a painting, or even a sculpture.
  • Break down the movement into steps. When you’re drawing a complex pose, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller steps. For example, if you’re drawing a running animal, you could start by drawing the animal’s front legs outstretched in front of it. Then, you could draw the animal’s back legs in the air. Finally, you could draw the animal’s head and body.
  • Use smooth, flowing lines. When drawing animals, it’s important to use smooth, flowing lines. This will help your animals look more natural and dynamic.
  • Add details gradually. Don’t add too many details at once. Add details gradually, as you work on your drawing. This will help you avoid making your drawing look cluttered.

Here are a few additional tips for drawing animals in motion:

  • Use exaggeration. When drawing animals in motion, it’s often helpful to exaggerate their movements. This will help your animals look more lively and energetic.
  • Don’t be afraid to use shadows. Shadows can help to add depth and realism to your drawings.
  • Experiment with different media. There are many different media that you can use to draw animals. Experiment with different media to find the one that works best for you.

Animal Expression

Animals can express a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness to anger. Here are a few tips for drawing different emotions on an animal’s face:

  • Start with the eyes. The eyes are the most expressive part of an animal’s face. Pay close attention to the shape of the eyes, the direction they’re looking, and the expression they’re conveying.
  • Use the eyebrows and mouth. The eyebrows and mouth can also be used to convey emotion. For example, raised eyebrows can indicate surprise, while a frown can indicate sadness.
  • Use body language. The way an animal holds its body can also convey emotion. For example, a relaxed animal might have its legs sprawled out, while a tense animal might have its legs tucked in close to its body.

Here are a few specific examples of how to draw different emotions on an animal’s face:

  • Happiness: Draw the eyes wide open and the mouth turned up in a smile.
  • Sadness: Draw the eyes downcast and the mouth turned down in a frown.
  • Anger: Draw the eyes narrowed and the mouth turned up in a snarl.
  • Fear: Draw the eyes wide open and the mouth open in a gasp.
  • Surprise: Draw the eyes wide open and the eyebrows raised.

Drawing animals can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can learn how to draw animals in different poses, actions, and expressions. With practice, you’ll be able to create realistic and expressive drawings of your favorite animals.

How To Draw Animals By Jack Hamm

Q: What are the essential materials I need to get started?

A: The essential materials you will need to get started are:

  • A pencil
  • A piece of paper
  • An eraser
  • A sharpener
  • A ruler
  • A set of colored pencils or markers

Q: What is the best way to learn how to draw animals?

A: The best way to learn how to draw animals is to practice regularly. There are many different ways to practice, but some of the most effective methods include:

  • Drawing from life
  • Studying animal anatomy
  • Copying the work of other artists
  • Taking lessons from a qualified instructor

Q: What are some tips for drawing animals realistically?

A: Here are some tips for drawing animals realistically:

  • Pay attention to the details of the animal’s anatomy.
  • Use shading to create a sense of volume and depth.
  • Consider the animal’s movement and expression.
  • Use your imagination to create unique and interesting animals.

Q: What are some common mistakes that people make when drawing animals?

A: Some common mistakes that people make when drawing animals include:

  • Not paying attention to the details of the animal’s anatomy.
  • Using too much or too little shading.
  • Drawing the animal in a stiff or unnatural pose.
  • Not considering the animal’s movement and expression.

Q: Where can I find more information on how to draw animals?

A: There are many resources available to help you learn how to draw animals. Some of the most helpful resources include:

  • Books
  • Online tutorials
  • Classes
  • Workshops
  • Drawing groups

Q: I’m having trouble drawing animals. What should I do?

A: If you’re having trouble drawing animals, there are a few things you can do to improve your skills:

  • Practice regularly.
  • Study animal anatomy.
  • Copy the work of other artists.
  • Take lessons from a qualified instructor.
  • Don’t give up! With practice, you will eventually be able to draw animals realistically and with ease.

    Jack Hamm’s book “How to Draw Animals” is a comprehensive and well-written guide that can teach you everything you need to know about drawing animals. Hamm’s clear and concise instructions, along with his step-by-step demonstrations, make it easy for beginners to follow along and learn. Whether you’re a child or an adult, this book is a great resource for anyone who wants to improve their animal drawing skills.

Here are some key takeaways from the book:

  • Animals are made up of simple shapes, such as circles, ovals, and triangles.
  • The most important part of drawing animals is getting the proportions right.
  • Pay attention to the details, such as the eyes, ears, and fur.
  • Practice makes perfect! The more you draw, the better you’ll get.

If you’re looking for a great way to learn how to draw animals, I highly recommend Jack Hamm’s book “How to Draw Animals.” It’s an invaluable resource that will help you take your animal drawing skills to the next level.

Author Profile

Carla Denker
Carla Denker
Carla Denker first opened Plastica Store in June of 1996 in Silverlake, Los Angeles and closed in West Hollywood on December 1, 2017. PLASTICA was a boutique filled with unique items from around the world as well as products by local designers, all hand picked by Carla. Although some of the merchandise was literally plastic, we featured items made out of any number of different materials.

Prior to the engaging profile in west3rdstreet.com, the innovative trajectory of Carla Denker and PlasticaStore.com had already captured the attention of prominent publications, each one spotlighting the unique allure and creative vision of the boutique. The acclaim goes back to features in Daily Candy in 2013, TimeOut Los Angeles in 2012, and stretched globally with Allure Korea in 2011. Esteemed columns in LA Times in 2010 and thoughtful pieces in Sunset Magazine in 2009 highlighted the boutique’s distinctive character, while Domino Magazine in 2008 celebrated its design-forward ethos. This press recognition dates back to the earliest days of Plastica, with citations going back as far as 1997, each telling a part of the Plastica story.

After an illustrious run, Plastica transitioned from the tangible to the intangible. While our physical presence concluded in December 2017, our essence endures. Plastica Store has been reborn as a digital haven, continuing to serve a community of discerning thinkers and seekers. Our new mission transcends physical boundaries to embrace a world that is increasingly seeking knowledge and depth.

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