Each of these drawings can be divided into two categories: the animal and the water. Both are extremely important. You must be able to depict water realistically for the drawing to work.
KOI POND
Graphite on smooth bristol
11” × 14” (28cm × 36cm)
At first glance this looks like an abstract drawing. But closer inspection reveals the koi swimming in the water. The shapes and patterns created are fun to look at.
The interesting light dancing off the water was created with the Tuff Stuff eraser.
SMILING HIPPO
Graphite on smooth bristol
11” × 14” (28cm × 36cm)
Although the hippo is a fun subject, it is the ripples in the water that catch the eye. You can feel the movement of the water in the way the light has been lifted.
Water moves in specific patterns and is illustrated with light and dark. Once you learn to see those patterns, you can draw realistic water. I carefully studied my photo reference to make sure I captured the patterns of light and dark accurately.
OTTER
Graphite on smooth bristol
10” × 8” (25cm × 20cm)
Notice how the illusion of water reflections has been created with horizontal streaks of light and dark. The otter’s coarse fur was created with an eraser.