pictures of animals that have been drawn

Dozens of Drawn Animal Pictures

By Matthew White
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Imagine toggling between a photographs album and an artist's sketchbook. One holds snapshots of life, and the other, interpretations of it. Blending these two worlds are artists who draw animals, capturing not just their likeness, but also the essence of their subjects. Let's delve into the fascinating realm of animal illustrations and explore some captivating examples.

Animal drawings, whether realist or cartoonish, offer a unique perspective on our cohabitants on Earth. They allow us to appreciate the intricacies of their forms, the beauty in their simplicity, and the depth of their personalities through the eyes of the artist.

Realistic Animal Drawings

Realistic animal drawings are a testament to the artist's skill and patience. These works evoke a sense of awe, transporting us into the animal's habitat, and inviting us to observe their details.

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a drawing of a horse's head in black and white with lines on it
a drawing of a horse's head in black and white with lines on it
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a pencil drawing of a lion walking on the ground with it's front paws in the air
a pencil drawing of a lion walking on the ground with it's front paws in the air

Realistic drawings often use shading and texture to give volume and depth to the subject, as seen in a sketch of a gorilla by artist Dénia Ecenarro. Here, the gorilla's fur, wrinkles, and shadows come to life, giving it a 3D appearance.

Hyperrealism

Hyperrealism takes realistic drawings to another level. This technique involves drawing with such meticulous detail that the finished piece is indistinguishable from a photograph. Swiss artist Bruno Fitial's hyperrealistic pencil drawings of animals, like his elephant portrait, exemplify this art form.

a drawing of a parrot sitting on a branch
a drawing of a parrot sitting on a branch
a black and white drawing of a cat
a black and white drawing of a cat
a drawing of a small green dinosaur sitting on the ground
a drawing of a small green dinosaur sitting on the ground

Fitial's work requires hundreds of hours of painstaking detail, capturing every whisker, furrow, and crease of his subjects. The result is a drawing so realistic, it's hard to believe it wasn't created with a camera.

Wildlife Conservation through Illustration

Many artists use their talent to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. They illustrate endangered species, from Atlantic puffins to Amur leopards, capturing their uniqueness and drawing attention to their plight.

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A notable example is Scottish artist Geoff Taylor, who creates beautifully detailed wildlife illustrations for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). His drawings of threatened bird species not only raise awareness but also serve as visual records, given that some of these species may disappear in the near future.

various cartoon animals are shown on a white background
various cartoon animals are shown on a white background
a pencil drawing of a turtle
a pencil drawing of a turtle
a drawing of a giraffe sticking its tongue out and making a funny face
a drawing of a giraffe sticking its tongue out and making a funny face
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a drawing of a deer with antlers on it's head
a drawing of a deer with antlers on it's head
a pencil drawing of a deer peeking out from behind a tree
a pencil drawing of a deer peeking out from behind a tree

Cartoonish Animal Drawings

At the other end of the spectrum lie cartoonish animal drawings. These works emphasize humor, exaggeration, and simplicity, breathing life into our imagination and rousing our childlike spirits.

Jeffreygitomer, an LA-based illustrator, creates whimsical animal drawings that transform common creatures into works of art. His illustrated animals, often combined with unconventional elements, like a squirrel riding a tiny bicycle or an owl playing the violin, bring a sense of joy and delight.

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Cartoon Style Animation

Cartoonish animal drawings often translate well into animation. Many animated films, like Disney's "The Lion King" or DreamWorks' " Madagascar", employ cartoonish art styles to create engaging, larger-than-life characters.

drawing
drawing
a drawing of a rabbit sitting down
a drawing of a rabbit sitting down
a drawing of a yellow duck on a blue and white striped wallpapered background
a drawing of a yellow duck on a blue and white striped wallpapered background

These animated films rely on exaggeration and simplification to capture audiences' attention and convey complex emotions. For instance, in "Finding Nemo", the clownfish's expressive features help communicate his journey across the ocean, from playful boy to determined parent.

Caricatures and Memes

Caricatures and memes are forms of cartoonish drawings that often poke fun at or exaggerate animal traits for comedic effect. These works, like the "Distracted Boyfriend" meme featuring a human-like dog, can be delightfully silly and thought-provoking.

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The "Wide-eyed Dog" meme, featuring a drawing of a dog with exaggerated, circular eyes, has been used to convey various emotions, from shock to amazement. This meme's enduring popularity illustrates the appeal of simple, engaging animal drawings.

In conclusion, animal drawings - whether realistic or cartoonish - breathe life into paper, inviting us to explore the animal kingdom through the artists' lens. From hyperrealistic masterpieces to humorous memes, each style offers a unique dédié into our fascination with the creatures that share our world. So, if you find yourself scrolling through animal pictures, consider)\]spending some time appreciating drawings of animals too. You never know which one might inspire you to pick up a pencil and start drawing yourself!

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