Do you want to learn how to bring your doberman pup to life on paper? Drawing this majestic dog breed can be a rewarding challenge. It’s no surprise that with their sleek and intimidating looks, Doberman’s are often a fan favorite for aspiring dog breed illustration. Whether you use pencils and paper, or digital methods, you’ll soon be creating stellar drawings of your favorite four-legged friend.
Use Reference Photos
Before you even put pencil to paper, you’ll need to get an accurate sense for the Doberman anatomy. Look for photos that feature the full body and capture the details of their skin, eyes, ears, and all the other canine features. Print out the photo and trace it onto your paper so that you can get a good feel for the proportions and anatomy. Remember, observation is key. Take your time thoroughly studying the photos as it will pay off in spades when you eventually begin sketching.
Work On Proportions
With your reference photos in hand, you’ll be able to start on the fun stuff. Begin by lightly sketching the a few box shapes, representing the head, chest, etc. Roughly seeing how big your doberman will be on your page is important and will help you set up the rest of the sketch. Start light, as you can always darken the lines later on if needed.
Sculpt The Legs
A Doberman’s gait is one of unmistakable poise, so be sure to pay close attention to the legs. The forelegs should be sturdy and muscular, while the hind legs should be thick and well-defined. Draw the “doggy” feet with their unique nails, as they tell a lot about the breed. Consider sketching the legs twice and overlapping them as they are a strong part of the silhouette.
Draw The Face
The face of your Doberman must have the correct structure and emotion. Working out the structure does have some careful planning. Start by drawing the eyes, followed by the upper and lower snouts, and then by the ears that should shoot out from the top of the head. Consider sketching the ears twice, like with the limbs. Next, add the eyebrow line, which contributes a lot to the endearing, yet strong facial expression. Rub dog-friendly erasers to lighten some of your lines, making the whole drawing pop.
Final Touches
To take your drawing to the next level, add value and texture to the fur. You may use scribbles and hatch lines, but it requires practice and confident lines. Consider sketching out some bolder lines, as they will help bring contrast to the image. Add some fur to the neck and legs, as these details will help make it look even more realistic. Finally, don’t forget to add a few of the signature markings which should help complete your drawing.
