Learn how to create realistic wildlife drawings in graphite with professional wildlife artist Cate Kutas. Over six weeks you'll be guided through the techniques used to produce detailed animal portraits with convincing texture, tone and depth.
Starting from a reference image, you'll learn the dot transfer method to achieve accurate proportions before using embossing techniques to create realistic fur and feather textures. You'll then build layers of graphite using a range of pencils and blending stumps to develop form, contrast and lifelike detail.
Throughout the course, Cate shares the methods she uses in her own wildlife artwork, helping you gain the confidence and skills to create your own realistic animal drawings. By the end of the course you'll have completed a finished graphite portrait and learned techniques you can apply to future wildlife and pet portraits.
Suitable for anyone with basic sketching experience.
In this course you will:
Complete a realistic graphite drawing of an animal or bird.
Learn the dot transfer method for accurate drawing.
Create realistic fur and feather textures using embossing techniques.
Build tone, depth and contrast with graphite pencils and blending stumps.
Develop skills that can be applied to future wildlife and pet portraits.
Methods Used:
Dot transfer for accurate drawing.
Embossing to create fur and feather textures.
Layering graphite with a range of pencils.
Blending and tonal shading.
Building light, shadow and contrast for realistic results.
What Is included
All drawing materials and equipment
Coffee, tea and biscuits.
Dates and times
Mondays 2:00 – 4:30pm
19 & 26 October and 2, 9, 16 & 23 November
Cost
£159 per person.
Suitable for ages 16+
Spaces limited to 10 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!
Booking
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.
About the tutor
Cate Kutas is an award-winning wildlife and animal artist specialising in graphite, soft pastel and pastel pencil artwork. A member of the Association of Animal Artists and The Wildlife Art Society International, she combines her passion for wildlife with a commitment to conservation. Her friendly, step-by-step teaching style helps students of all abilities build confidence while creating detailed and lifelike animal portraits.
Shoosmith Gallery at Delapre, Northampton hosted an exhibition of Cate’s art in July 2026, with demonstration events.
Cate exhibits regularly with Northants & Rutland Open Studios. In September 2026 she will have work at Lamport Hall; One Shared Pulse, Lilypad Fine Arts, Lutterworth; Primrose Gallery, Thrapston and The Parish Church of St. John’s, Blisworth. Cate will be exhibiting with Association of Animal Artists at The Station Gallery, Richmond, in October-November.
See more of Cate’s work:
Website: www.catekutasartist.com
Instagram: @cate_kutas_artist
Facebook: Cate Kutas Artist