HOW TO DRAW A GRUMPY GOAT

I've been wanting to post an occasional drawing lesson, so I'm starting with the main character from my latest picture book "Grumpy Goat". Let me know if you like this and I'll try to do more.

One of the keys to drawing is to start with very simple shapes. It's tempting to draw the details first, but drawings will always be better if you focus first on basic shapes. Here's how I draw a grumpy goat. Start with a shape like this:

This is the shape of the goat's head. Next add some of the features, like the ears and beard. Remember, you still want to keep the shapes simple.

Now you can add the eyes, nose and horns, still very simple.

Once the basic shapes are in place you can add whatever details you like and refine the lines and shapes. Here's the final drawing. Give it a try, see what you can do. Don't be afraid to change the shapes and details to make your own grumpy Goat.