Let's Draw Deer

July 31, 2010 - 11:28pm — Ephra

Let's Draw Deer!

I should start by saying that I'm really not an expert at deer anatomy, these drawings are learning experiences for me too. I haven't done anything like scientific illustration before, so these may not be the best things to learn from, but I hope they will help supplement your studies!

To do these drawings I'm usually looking off several photos each, since it wouldn't be very useful to you if I was going by my imagination. :b

Tenley has asked me to help with drawing deer heads and legs, so that's what I'm starting with. They will just be basic drawings of these parts from different angles. After that, anyone can request a drawing- I could study the underlying structure, show range of movement, or focus on other parts of the body you want to understand better. Or I could try some full-body poses, maybe a colouring guide? Whatever you like.

To be covered
• Finish leg diagrams
• Add shading to head diagrams
• How to suggest human expression with deer faces
• Drawing characters in an environment
• Comparing male and female anatomy
• Hooves
• Feel free to suggest more

Up next
• Basic turn-around of the legs and feet •

The Head

Please note- the model I used for this series was an older whitetail doe in her summer coat. Deer tend not to be this sinewy, this is just to show you what's going on underneath the fur. Also, younger deer will have larger eyes and ears and a shorter nose. Males will have a much more muscular neck to carry the weight of their antlers. (I'm hoping to illustrate separate diagrams for them and fawns.) And finally, different species of deer are going to have different body structures, you'll have to do some adjusting if you're looking to draw a muntjac or a caribou or something.

Legs and Feet

Please note- the muscles of the legs are never this clearly defined on a deer, even in their summer coat. Unless your deer's a total beefcake you'll want to render these details with more subtlety. This diagram's just to let you know what's there.

Miscellaneous

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August 31, 2010 - 11:58pm — Doe

Great! The shading is the

Great! The shading is the perfect . . . shade.

It makes it very easy to tell what 3D shape the legs are, while still leaving the lines clearly visible.

Keepiru - Where is everyone getting those animated deer? I want one so bad.