four legged animal walk

Animating and Drawing4-Legged Animals

Author Unknown: Maybe Glen KeanePDF created February 19, 2000

1PDF provided by www.animationmeat.com

Animating Four Legged Creatures

2

The purpose of these notesis to give a simple approachto animating a four-footedcreature.

An animator should feelconfident in the characterhe is animating. If not, hiswork will lack strength andconviction.

He needs to feel "free" toanimate and not getbogged down in complexanatomy.

PDF provided by www.animationmeat.com

Animation Approach

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3 basic solid massesconnected by a flexible spine.

Note: Leg bonesparallel each other likea folding chair.

Keep the shapes simple when animating

Overlap shapes for Dimension

Wrong


Attitude

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Attitude is first, then put it on model

If you aren’t surehow to draw anattitude - draw itusing a simpler2-legged characterfirst.

Let the Entire body reflect the attitude.

Follow rhythm from head to tail


Comparative Anatomy

5

Note angle of thigh bonesof humans points inward...

But when we stand onour toes the angle pointsoutward as the heelspoint inward...

...Just as a dogs

Note tuck after ribcage.(Cats tend not to have this "tuck")

Ribcage same shape/ Necks curve inthe opposite direction due to doghaving to hold head out.


Comparative Anatomy

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A dogs scapula is located on the side of theribcage

Human scapula islocated on the back ofthe ribcage.

This placement of thescapula is why a dog hasvery limited lateralmovement with its frontlegs, as compared to thedegree of freedomwe havewith our arms.

Rhythm of humanlegs reflected inrear legs of animals.

Longer rear legs give hind end a lift.

Rhythm of armbones same as indogs.

Horizontalhuman ribcage

Vertical animalribcage.

Lateral movement ondogs elbows.

Dogs rear legs are longer than front as arehumans legs longer than the arms.


Comparative Anatomy

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An animal walks in basically the same pattern as a human crawls.

In a relaxed attitude a dogslegs are not bent in acrouching position, just as amans are not.

Note straightness ofbacklegs particularly.If they are animatedalready bent in a walkit will be difficult toshow any subtlesquash and stretch.

An animal walks on his toes and "fingers".This gives his walk a springy, light feel.


Squash & Stretch

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Build up chest mass in anticipation.A straight leg will give a betterchance for a subtle squash infollowing action.

As weight comes down on theforeleg, the scapula risesabove backline.


Animation Drawing Points

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Line of action reverses in animal walks

As animal shifts weight from one leg to the next in awalk, the hip will drop to the side that has no support.

Opposing tiltsadd interest

Note: Angle of hip.


Line of Action

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...Follow Line of actionthrough the body.


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Animal Drawing Points

Curve Not Straight

Watch for

Simplify angle ofleg. Use curves.

Avoid thisangular look.

Head &Neck Mass

Belly

Forequarters

Hindquarters

Another breakdown ofanimal body is into parts.

Back fitting intoshoulder mass.

Neck tapers show

Avoid"tube"neck.

Shoulder mass islarge because ofthe muscleneeded to supporthead - Especiallynoticable in theGrizzly Bear.

Muscular necks onbigger dogs.

static legplacement.


four legged animal walk

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