There’s something almost spiritual about creating art, and in a way, it can be like summoning a muse. Drawing can also be a route to uncovering hidden talents and self-expression. If you are looking to create a piece of art that howls with life and represents a true and faithful companion, capturing the beauty of a German Shepard can be a great way to do it. When it comes to capturing the strength of a German Shepard’s character, the key is to use subtle, captivating angles and lines that convey an honest depiction – and it all starts with the eyes and expression.
Firstly, before you tap into the intricacies of the drawing, it is important to take a moment to get to know your subject. German Sheperds are intelligent, strong and agile dogs, with a courageous spirit, intense loyalty and a deep bond to their owners.
Next, find the right tools to create your masterpiece. A set of sketching pencils and of range of color pencils should do it.
Start out with the basics. Get an outline of the body mass of your German Sheperd (depending on size and position, this could be frontal, rear or side view) onto your paper. You can refer to a real-world German Sheperd if necessary, or use photos for real-life reference. Trace the outline of the body and begin filling in finer lines and details.
The eyes are the windows to the soul and in this case, the most alluring, captivating feature of the piece – draw them carefully and with respect. Use angular shapes and angles to create the masculine appeal of a German Sheperd and bring the character alive.
Start reducing the body shape lines to create shadows and structure. This will allow your sheet to come to life, as a real-world illustration. Unite the body shape with the eyes and ears and add texture to the back and shorter fur of the German Shepard by crisscrossing pencil lines.
Fill in the pieces by completing the outline of the dog, adding finer details – like whiskers, fur and tail. Shades can be used to add depth and create more angles to the piece. Allowing more light to enter the illustration will add contrast to the piece and give it a more real-life feel.
When it comes to making your German Shepard look the part, use your color pencils or crayons to add texture and bring your dog to life. When it comes to color choice, German Shepers have medium grey or tan fur with or without black. Select a colour palette that works best for the drawing and add hues to each piece of your predator. You can tone down the colour further by dusting with shading.
Finally, sign your signature onto the illustration and consider adding a gentle background, which will really make your piece stand out.
