In this step-by-step demonstration of how to draw a leopard frog we will explore watercolor technique and learn how bands and spots show the contour of limbs and the orientation of body planes. We also explore how to suggest amphibian’s moist and shiny skin with crisp white highlights. This demonstration is a good example of the way that watercolorists add layers of paint, starting lighter and working progressively darker.
On the die, observe how the shape of a round spot changes to an oval on the surfaces that are not facing you. The same is true of spots on this Leopard Frog.
Click on the first image to enlarge it and start a step-by-step slide show of how to draw a frog.
Begin with the posture. Make a line to indicate the body axis
Add the proportions of the head and body as one unit
Add parallel lines to align the eyes, shoulder girdle, and sacral hump.
Place the legs noting the thickness and length of the hind legs.
Visualize the negative spaces around the body.
Use the negative spaces to cut in the shapes of the body angles.
Looking carefully at the subject, draw the contours of the body, Look for and include the important anatomical details.
Wrap the spots around the body. Let the shape of the spots suggest the planes of the body.
Paint the shadows with a mixture of dull purplish gray.
Add the body colors in layers. Start with lighter and work toward the darker values.
The lower layers of brown paint will stay in place and not smear into the green if you let the paint dry between coats.
Build up the mottled green with another coat of watercolor.
Create light brown mottling by “tickleing” the paper with the brush tip.
Darken the spots and outline them with a white jell pen (the light line is part of the pattern, not a highlight).
Add a little texture and intensify some of the colors with sharp colored pencils.
Paint highlights with white gouache. Use restraint, it is easy ot overdo it.
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