07 | Bats
A bat's body is constructed similarly to a toad's. To fly, its form is lighter, so the plan is to keep our pencil lighter too. Weight and overlaps will be hinted rather than being the main focus.
The more challenging part, however, will be dealing with the wings.
The wings are formed from bat's toes.
The first toe is separate for grabbing, the second likes to stick to the third, so most of the wing is formed by the 3rd, 4th and 5th toe.
When stretched out, you will see many ribbon-like forms in between.
Step-by-Step
- Draw the body using simple forms. Overlap them to create depth, like on a toad.
- As you draw the limbs, imagine your pencil gliding in and out of the paper. Make a short pause for each joint.
- With the sketch done, we can draw our final lines - it's important to refer to some bat photos in this step.
- To finalize the drawing, accent the focal point using darker lines.
The line between the body and the wings is very abrupt, so we can use fur to make the gradation more natural. (Fur can be difficult, so be sure to have a reference close by)
Sketching
A quick sketch can work as an underdrawing for a more finished piece, but other times it also works by itself as a tool for exploration.
These sketches aren't pretty - but that's not their point.
They're here to help you think visually about your subject, about its mechanics and placement of different parts.
Remember, you can't draw what you don't know.
Try watching videos of how the bat moves and flaps its wings. Then make rapid sketches to memorize what you saw.
Use these sketches when making a larger drawing.
Summary
- Complex subjects can be difficult to understand and memorize.
- Sketching is a tool for understanding and memorizing.
Assignment
- Draw 4 bat sketches in different poses (4 x 15 minutes).
- Draw 1 finished bat piece (30 minutes). Focus on posing and interesting shapes in the wings.
- Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
Nope, it's a bat - posted for a review in the Discord study group!