Animal Pop Art

I don't know about you, but this winter weather has got me down in the dumps and tired as all heck! I need something to brighten up these dark days and this is the perfect painting to help me out. 

Supplies:

• Bright paint colors 
• White and black paint
• Paint tray
• Paint brushes (make sure you have a skinny one for the hair!)
• Pencil
• Scissors 
• Black and white copied photo
• Original photo for reference
• Canvas (square is fun to use)

1. Copy and enlarge your animal's photo to a similar size of the canvas/surface being used

2. Trace the outline of the image on the canvas and sketch in prominent areas for reference

3. ​Paint the background of the canvas (can be done before or after but most videos I watched did this first)

4. Start painting the darkest areas of the animal(shadows) with the darkest color of your color choices. I did blue and green hues so chose a dark blue color to start with ​

5. Fill in other areas with the next darkest color and move from there to the lightest of colors

6. ​Remember: This DOES NOT have to be realistic, it can be completely random/abstract, that's the whole point of pop art!

7. Keep building layer upon layer to add depth and character to your image

8. ​To finish off your design, make sure you highlight the eyes and nose of your animal to make it “pop” – this is created by adding white to the areas (ie. a wet nose, shiny eyes, stuck out tongue)

9. Lastly, create a single-color outline around your animal to make it “pop”. This is the prominent emphasis you see in Pop Art and what makes the subject stand out. Usually this is black or white but, feel free to make it whatever color you wish!
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​You have officially created your pop art animal! Enjoy!