In this bonus challenge, you’ll draw seven different animals using simple shapes and easy-to-follow steps. Each day focuses on breaking an animal down into clear forms like circles, ovals, and simple lines.

Inside each lesson you’ll find:

• a step-by-step drawing guide

• a reference page with observation tips

• a practice page to try the drawing yourself

The goal of this challenge is not to create perfect drawings. It’s to practice seeing animals in a simpler and more approachable way.

Take your time, keep your drawings loose, and focus on the big shapes first. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to understand how animals are built.

I hope you enjoy the challenge and have fun drawing along.

Before You Begin the Challenge

Day 1: Drawing an Orca

Before starting, make sure to download and print the worksheet for today’s lesson. The worksheet includes step-by-step instructions, a reference page with observation notes, and a practice page where you can try the drawing yourself.

Day 2: Drawing a Penguin

Penguins are a great animal for practicing simple construction because most of the body can be simplified into a few large forms. Begin by focusing on the overall shape of the head and body before worrying about the markings and smaller details.

Day 3: Drawing a Koala

Koalas are a great example of how appealing drawings can come from very simple construction. Most of the drawing is built from circles and soft curves, which helps make the animal feel friendly and approachable.

Day 4: Drawing a Beetle

Beetles are built from a few very clear body shapes, which makes them a great exercise for learning structure and balance. Start by focusing on the large body forms before moving into the legs and smaller details.

Day 5: Drawing an Owl

Owls have very compact bodies and large facial features, which makes them a fun subject for shape-based drawing. Begin by focusing on the overall body shape before adding the face and feather details.

Day 6: Drawing a Bird

Small birds are a great subject for learning proportion and balance because even tiny changes to the head, wing, or tail placement can affect the overall pose of the drawing.

Day 7: Drawing a Snail

Snails are a wonderful reminder that even very simple animals can create interesting and beautiful drawings. The shell is built from one large spiral shape, while the body stretches outward in soft flowing forms.

Congratulations on reaching the end of the challenge!