Now I am an animator so this is bias towards getting animal anatomy in your head so that you can reproduce it accurately and stylized smartly. If you want to render them realisitcly just go to a book store and get any wild life how to.

+ Tip 1 - Draw from pictures +

Why?

Yes it is ok even if it is not your own. You will never be able to get close enough in a zoo or get an animal to stay still long enough to get the info you need.

Draw from pictures for you won sake. If you show them off, take credit for the rendition but give the photographer credit.

Draw in your sketch book. Don't feel compelled to fully render the picture. Draw until you get what you want then move on when you are bored, even if it is not finished.


Example of thought process:


I found this image here:
http://www.animalpicturesarchive.com/view.php?tid=2&did=139667

And drew this from it:

The first thing I noticed is that I should at first ignore the pattern. Feel out the anatomy first then put in the marks.

What makes an animal is not there pattern but their anatomy. If you just define the pattern you images will look iconic and stereotypical. But if you feel out the slight subtleties of the anatomy weight and position you will pull out new an original interpretations of the animal.

You will also store that info in your mind and you images will look more fresh and beautiful because you are allowing yourself to show the animal in your own way. Don't worry about making it look like the animal. Allow yourself to show it in your own way. Allow it to find it's way out.

This drawing I did in ten minutes and I will do no more. But I walked always with more understanding. It's about what I got form the drawing not about hanging it up or showing it off.

Just drawing these little things are what is going to make your more serious peaces shine.


Places to get Animal pictures and lots of them:
TimDuru.org
Animal Pictures Archive
Morgue File
Flickr

+ Tip 2 - Watch Animals Move +

Why?

You will never be able to bring out their nature if you do not see them living. Every chance you can watch them move and live.

Going to the Zoo is the best way to watch them live. Though it is difficult, you can not know how much you take in by breathing the same air as the animal you are learning about. Draw from pictures to put a detailed understanding of their structure in your mind. But draw from life to take in their real nature.

As I heard once: "Draw them as if you will never see them again."

You can watch nature shows too. Record them if you can.


+ Tip 3 - Look at Art Books +

Why?

Well cause their awesome and you can see how other artists problem solve.

But beware and seek books only as that and insparation. If you only try and follow another artist you will never be full satisifed by what you do. Draw from life first and foremost.

Suggested books:
An Atlas of Animal Anatomy for Artists