Page:Drawing for Beginners.djvu/117

 With a large sheet of paper and one or two pencils ready pointed, steal near to Mufti (the cat, Fig. 36), sleepily coiled on a couch, and begin.

By crouching beside Mufti we shall have a fairly close observation. Preferably choose a position a little below rather than a little above. It is usually better to look up to your model than down.

Possibly we may sigh at the difficult and baffling shape presented by Mufti. First, however, make a rough note of the curious, almost circular shape, and then seek for any definite 'bits.'

Can we detect any of the big bones shapes, any projection of the spine, neck, or shoulder? Yes; having traced the half-circle of the back we note that the far shoulder pushes up and presents an angle (softened, of course, by the fur), from which angle the loose skin slopes in a gradual curve to the head.

Notice, too, that the large pointed cars lie opposite each other, and a line drawn from ear to ear will give the tilt of the head. Between the ears, a curved line following the forehead downward will strike the centre of the face between the closed eyes, and extended downward and outward will pass over the projection of the nose, the muzzle, and the mouth.

Next we might pay attention to the width of the broad back and flanks.

The spine can be treated by the light which strikes on the fur, the tail being, as we know, an extension of the spine.

The curious square mass of the doubled-up thigh and the leg beneath is fairly apparent.