Painting deer

There is no difference in painting between a wild or domestic animal. It is difficult to observe wild ones. Observation is the starting point and more knowledge can be gained from photographs, visit to a zoo, museums or by reading.Deer are also an attractive animal which could be easily drawn and painted. Deer can be easily spotted in parks, forest and the zoo.

It is difficult to paint directly from nature with wildlife subjects. Although it is better to draw and paint them while observing them as far as possible, photographs and video films can be used.

Before painting you need a to do a study of the animal you intend to draw. Information about their body structure, hair patterns, movements and mainly the head need to be studied.The head is the most difficult part to draw and paint. This problem arises when drawing and painting animals. Before painting you have to observe the animal thoroughly.

Figure 1: The basic outline drawn as an oval shape on A1 and A2 which shows the whole body structure of the standing deer with ears, antlers and the front view. A3 shows a complete colour painting of the deer.

At first basic wash of burnt sienna is applied over the body. A pale wash is applied as the first coating. When the face, ears, chest and the legs are dry, a No. 3 or 4 brush loaded with clean water is used to dilute the colour with a mixture of a little yellow ochre.

To complete the finish painting a thing outline is drawn with a No. 1 brush or thin nibbed pen dipped in black ink.

Figure 2: B1 shows the basic outline of a profile of a deer approaching to eat. B2 an outline sketch of the shape of the body structure with the movement of legs. B3 illustrates a complete sketch in colour.A pale wash of burnt sienna is applied as the first coat and extra stronger colour is put on with white spots. Next the colour is strengthened and depend with a little burnt sienna on the head, back and belly.

The hair is depicted using a fine No. 1 brush. Notice the spots on the chest and belly which is painted with white, while a black outline for the antlers are drawn and complete the painting.The paper used is Kent or Whatman 180 gsm and brushes used sable hair No. 1, 4 and 6.The final addition is green ranging from pale yellowish green depicting grass.