As young art students mature, their technical drawing ability generally requires demonstration and assistance from a more experienced artist. Once students see the process broken down, they can apply it to any subject. Showing examples of realistic art highlights the beauty, design, and information that inspired the artist to apply the required discipline and effort. After students can express themselves realistically, other modes of expression are opened up. The best inspiration is the real thing.
Animals have complex detail and exact proportion difficult to see in a living, moving creature.
Using borrowed mounted animals as models, students can take their time to follow each step of the demonstration. While students work, each animal is demonstrated to round out the example and increase the understanding of the process. Personal assistance and encouragement should always be available. Have students align their pencils to the subject and find the longest, straightest lines vertically and horizontally, then lightly start placement on paper. They should block in with pencil and lightly draw the largest, most basic shapes.