How To Draw A Giant Panda
Inspiring awe and wonder, the giant panda is a majestic animal and the perfect subject for your art canvas. To successfully create a lifelike likeness, mastering the basics of animal anatomy is essential. Drawing this beloved bear will be a rewarding experience, as no other animal looks quite like the giant panda. Let’s get started on your giant panda masterpiece!
Gather Your Supplies
First and foremost, you’ll need some art supplies. For large pieces, you’ll likely need a canvas and some canvases. Non-toxic and durable, canvas is great for larger projects. For small pieces, you can use matte board. Get some Micron drafting pens and some India ink, along with a variety of sketching pencils. Also, some graphite transfers are incredibly helpful for larger drawings – they allow you to easily transfer images from one paper to another without having to bother with rulers and graphite.
Observe Your References
Giant pandas have some very distinctive features, so you’ll want to get familiar with what this remarkable animal looks like. Utilize photographs, videos, or even a zoo visit as references and study the anatomy of the panda. Take note of the fur pattern, the eyes, the ears, and any other details that stand out.
Draw Outlines In Pencil
Using the references, draw out the basics of the panda on your paper. With your fine-point pencils, sketch some guidelines and different shapes. Be sure to use a light hand – you don’t have to press hard and make a dent in the paper. Your goal is to have the pencil lines only barely visible – they’re there to help guide you.
Add In Details
Once you have all your shapes and lines in place, it’s time to add in some details. You can use some great contrasts now, starting with the panda’s fur. Vary your strokes to create a textured look that will really bring the panda to life. For the eyes, you can use a combination of hatching and stippling to add depth. And of course, make sure you add in the iconic black patches!
Finishing Touches
To complete the piece, add in any other details you’d like. Any kind of accessories, like flowers, grass, stairs, and so on, can be added in. You can also experiment with rendering shadows and highlights, and learn to add highlights with pen and ink. If you’d like a unique perspective, you can try drawing it in profile, or even an entirely different angle!
Refine Your Outlines
Now it’s time to refine your outlines. Use a fine-tip pen to add in more crisp and distinct details to your panda’s shape. Be sure to make any necessary adjustments, like re-sketching particular body parts or refining the facial features.
Add Final Touches
Once you’ve finished the outlines, you can add some really special touches to the piece. Consider using colored pencils or a watercolor pen to lightly tint the panda’s fur. For a painterly effect, use a mix of gray, brown and black to add visual depth. And of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try finishing the piece with some pastels or markers!
Practice Makes Perfect
Drawing the giant panda is no easy feat, but with tons of practice and patience, you’ll be cranking out a stunning piece in no time! So sharpen your pencils and start sketching – you can soon be proud of your giant panda masterpiece!
