Bad Hare Day Step 1 Introduction

Material

In this focused three-hour session, you will learn the essential techniques needed to capture the soft texture, striking depth, and lively spirit of a wildlife hare.
You will be guided step-by-step through mastering the contrasting elements of smooth graphite and rich, dramatic charcoal.
This course is perfect for both beginners looking to learn foundational drawing skills and intermediate artists wanting to refine their rendering techniques.

Required Supplies

Please bring the following materials with you to the workshop:
• Drawing Paper: One or two sheets of medium-texture drawing paper or Bristol paper (9×12 inches or larger, 80lb/130gsm minimum).
(I suggest larger than 9 x 12 – it is much easier to work on details when not confined by small paper size.)
Available at Amazon Canson XL Series Bristol Paper, Smooth, Foldover Pad, 11×14 inches, 25 Sheets (100lb/260g) $14.43 or
Strathmore 300 Series Bristol Paper Pad, Vellum, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 20 Sheets (100lb/270g) $29.00.
You can also purchase individual sheets or Canson Boards at Hachem n St. Jerome.

• Graphite Pencils: A small selection including 2B (for light sketching), 4B, and 6B (for softer shading), and 2H and 4H for fine detail.
• Charcoal: 2-3 compressed charcoal pencils (medium or soft) and a few sticks of willow or vine charcoal.
• Erasers: One standard kneaded eraser (essential for lifting highlights) and one plastic/vinyl eraser for crisp edges.
• Blending Tools: 2-3 blending stumps (tortillons) or a soft makeup sponge.
• Accessories: A pencil sharpener and a roll of low-tack masking tape to secure your paper. A ruler and paper towels.
•

Preparation

During our three hours together, we will break down the drawing process into structured, manageable steps:
1. The Foundation (30 mins): We will begin by mapping out the basic proportions of the hare using light graphite lines, focusing on the distinct shape of the head, large ears, and expressive eyes.
2. Establishing Value & Depth (45 mins): Next, we will use willow charcoal to block in the deepest shadows and establish the overall contrast, giving your hare a three-dimensional form.
3. • Texture & Fur Rendering (60 mins): You will learn specialized pencil strokes to replicate the soft, realistic texture of wildlife fur, blending graphite and charcoal to create rich layers.
4. • Fine Details & Highlights (30 mins): Using your erasers and fine pencil tips, we will pull out the bright highlights in the eyes and fur, bringing your hare to life with a vibrant, alert spirit.
5. • Final Critique & Wrap-Up (15 mins): We will conclude with a supportive group review, offering personalized feedback and tips on how to fix and preserve your finished masterpiece.

Eyes – Nose – Mouth

Outline and indicate fur direction

Indicate eyes, nose mouth placement

Value to eyes, nose, mouth

begin with lightest graphite  (hard) and move to softer graphite deepening values.

Finalize with darkest charcoal

Course Outline

During our three hours together, we will break down the drawing process into structured, manageable steps:
1. The Foundation (30 mins): We will begin by mapping out the basic proportions of the hare using light graphite lines, focusing on the distinct shape of the head, large ears, and expressive eyes.
2. Establishing Value & Depth (45 mins): Next, we will use willow charcoal to block in the deepest shadows and establish the overall contrast, giving your hare a three-dimensional form.
3. • Texture & Fur Rendering (60 mins): You will learn specialized pencil strokes to replicate the soft, realistic texture of wildlife fur, blending graphite and charcoal to create rich layers.
4. • Fine Details & Highlights (30 mins): Using your erasers and fine pencil tips, we will pull out the bright highlights in the eyes and fur, bringing your hare to life with a vibrant, alert spirit.
5. • Final Critique & Wrap-Up (15 mins): We will conclude with a supportive group review, offering personalized feedback and tips on how to fix and preserve your finished masterpiece.