Draw Your Pug
A basic drawing lesson for beginning artists and pug loving
doodlers of all ages
To start, you'll need a source from which to draw. You can use a personal photo of a pug you know or one from the internet. Even better, use your own pug as a model. I know from experience that they love the attention of being your model.
For our lesson we're going to use this shot of this handsome little devil here.
First, think in terms of basic shapes (circles, squares, triangles, etc...). Then observe your pug and using a pencil, lightly sketch a rough outline using shapes and gesture lines.
You needn't be exact as this is a simple outline.
The type of pencil and paper aren't important either. A #2 pencil and notebook paper will work fine for starters. As you advance, you can move up to higher quality drawing papers and design pencils.
circles and
triangles
gesture lines
rectangles.
Next, using more pressure with your pencil for darker lines, draw the details of your pug over your original rough framework.
Sketch in the facial features, ears, wrinkles and paws.
Once you're satisfied with your pencil outline, it's time for ink. Basically you'll just be tracing over your rough sketch and filling in dark areas (nose, eyes, etc...).
The type of pen isn't important. You can use anything from a ballpoint or a marker to an expensive design pen.
Allow some time for your ink to dry to avoid smearing and then erase all of your pencil lines.
For best results, use a larger gum eraser. The eraser on the tip of a pencil doesn't work well for this job.
Now you're ready for color and shading. For this lesson I've used a good quality colored pencil, but you can use crayon, felt tip pen, watercolors or whatever you feel comfortable with.
The whacky caption is optional.
And now that your masterpiece is finished, start a Pug Art Gallery of your own. May I suggest on the fridge?
A Few Cartoon Tips
Remember, here at Pugtoonz we draw cartoons. If you're interested in fine art drawings there are plenty of other resources on the internet or at your local library.
Keep a sketch book
Observe your pug and make quick sketches of her in different poses every day.
Be creative using color
Although color is optional (black and white drawings are fine if that's what you like) practice blending and shading your colors. Try pencil, ink or paint until you find the media you're comfortable with.
There's no right answer
That's one of the best parts of cartooning, just because you don't get the perfect pug drawing doesn't mean you've goofed. Draw what's fun and don't be afraid to exaggerate or be off the wall.
Practice, Practice, Practice
I know, you've heard this one before, but it's true. Draw every day and have fun doing it. You'll see improvements very quickly. But remember, cartooning is for after school and homework. Don't get us here at Pugtoonz in trouble!
