Animal Features
Lab Ear, Lab Nose, Cat Ear, Cat Eye
In this project, students practiced rendering four different animal features realistically using colored pencils. The areas explored included a cat’s eye, cat’s ear, dog’s ear, and dog’s nose. Each feature required a unique set of techniques and careful observation to achieve lifelike texture, depth, and detail. This exercise helped students develop confidence and technical skill in preparation for their final assignment — a fully rendered animal portrait.
Class of 2025-26 - Grade 11
This class is especially close to my heart, as I had the pleasure of teaching many of these students in Grade 9. Since their first introduction to coloured pencil techniques, they have shown remarkable growth in both their technical skills and artistic instincts. Although they began this project later in the school year and only a handful of students were able to complete all four animal features, every student demonstrated resilience and determination. They resisted the temptation to rush or give up and instead approached the work with patience, care, and commitment. Watching their progress over the years has been incredibly rewarding, and I cannot wait to teach them again in Grade 12.
Class of 2024-25 - Grade 11
This was the first class to take on this four-animal feature project. As a teacher, you are never entirely certain whether a new project will resonate with students or whether the content will be engaging enough to sustain their attention. The accompanying video tutorials ranged from two to four hours in length and required a great deal of focus and patience. Despite the challenge, every student attempted the project and demonstrated an impressive level of skill and dedication. I am deeply grateful for how receptive they were to the experience and for their willingness to embrace the challenge, even when the process pushed them beyond their comfort zones.
