Pencil & Paws: Drawing Cats & Dogs

Pencil and Paws is a welcoming drawing course for animal lovers who want to learn how to draw cats and dogs with confidence and accuracy. This four week class at Tri Arts Project in Castle Rock is open to artists ages sixteen and up and is suitable for all experience levels.

Instructor Robert Quimby guides you through the fundamentals of drawing animals using pencil. You will focus on understanding anatomy, proportion, and structure before adding detail. The course emphasizes careful observation, clear line work, and controlled shading to help you capture both likeness and personality. By the end of the series, you will have the skills to create expressive pencil drawings of cats and dogs.

What You Will Learn in This Pet Drawing Series

This course builds strong drawing foundations while focusing on the unique features and expressions of animals.

Animal Anatomy and Proportion

Learn the essential shapes and structural proportions that define cats and dogs.

Drawing Fur and Texture

Practice pencil techniques that create realistic fur using line direction, pressure, and layering.

Capturing Expression

Develop strategies for drawing eyes, mouths, and posture to convey personality and emotion.

Pencil Shading and Value

Use graphite shading techniques to build depth, contrast, and form in detailed pet drawings.

What Participants Should Bring

Students are asked to bring the following materials.

• Drawing pad, 11 by 14 inches, 90 lb paper with medium tooth
• Pencils in the following grades: 4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, and 8B
• Kneaded eraser and white vinyl eraser
• Sandpaper block
• Blending stumps or tortillions

Beginner drawing kits containing most of these supplies are available at local art stores and online retailers.

Continue Exploring Drawing at Tri Arts Project

If you enjoy drawing and want to continue developing your skills, explore additional Drawing Classes at Tri Arts Project for artists at all levels.