Drawing an Australian Shepherd
Giving life to an Australian Shepherd in pencil and paper is no small feat. But it surely isn’t undoable, either! With the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create an accurate, if not impressive representation. Here’s how to start your artistic journey:
Start with a Sketch
This one is the first, and arguably most important, step. Get some basic pencils and paper and go to town! Starting with a simple sketch has myriad benefits, the biggest of which being that mistakes are easier to fix—you can erase and adjust until you’re satisfied. Plus, you’ll get an idea of what you’re working with and you won’t be as overwhelmed. Focus on big details first: the shape of the head, position of the eyes, and nose are all super important. Gradually add in more and more minor details until you have a rough image.
Distinguish Characteristics
The Australian Shepherd is a majestic breed, but that fancy description doesn’t make your life any easier. If anything, it can be more challenging! Though it’d normally be hidden, pay special attention to the fur. The way it’s parted in certain directions by the “undercoat” makes a huge difference in the overall look. Play with different options. You can also draw tufts of feathering behind the shoulder blades and legs—this contributes to the shepherd’s herding lifestyle.
Mark Proportions
Now that you have the basics, it’s easier to understand how an Aussie Shepherd should look in proportion. For example, the legs, tail, and face should all be a specific size depending on how large/small the doggo is. If the drawing is a bit off in terms of body, adjusting the limbs is a great way to go. This balances out the drawing and, though it may seem subtle, makes the pencil drawing look more lifelike.
Brighten and Shade
Okay—you’ve made it thus far! It’s time to liven things up a bit. Start by adding depth with shading. Yes, you can add broad strokes as a base color, but adding contrast by shading helps shape the image that much more. Just be careful—Aussies have a thick, fluffy coat, and are usually seen in light shades of red, black, and brown—the colors of the Australian soil! So your shadings should reflect those colors, giving your subject the life it deserves.
Vary the Layers
The big, fluffy coat is tricky to recreate. Detailing the fur too much fails to capture the full look, but too little and it won’t look right either. Here’s the secret: always draw the fur with several strokes, varying the layers of tone until you get the desired effect. Try to draw hair as a line, or as a fuzzy shadow that radiates outward. This will be enough to capture the Aussie’s majestic mane.
Experiment with Background
Done with your main figure? Now comes the fun part. Feel free to experiment with creative backgrounds when drawing an Australian Shepherd. Nature is the go-to for choosing a supportive background for any animal-based drawing, but don’t be afraid to go outside the box. A sunset? Blooming bush? Eucalyptus forest? Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, drawing with a purpose and vision is key to a successful artwork.
Finalize and Inscribe
When it comes to adding the final touches, evaluating the drawing can take time. Look closely to ensure the facial expressions and fur make sense—try to give your subject a unique “personality.” When all checks out, add the finishing touches to your artwork. Sign it! Bonus points if you can come up with a creative title for your drawing, too.
Are You Ready?
Now you know the basics of drawing an Australian Shepherd, it’s time to let your imagination run wild! Just remember to take your time, start with the basics and make sure to use your own storytelling to personalize your beloved pup. Now grab your pencils and let’s draw!
