Drawing cats can be a fun hobby and a great way to express your creativity. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to draw a cat outline in a few simple steps. We will cover how to draw the basic shapes and how to add details to create a realistic cat drawing. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Draw the Head Shape
Begin by drawing a circle for the head and a small oval just below it for the nose. Then add two upside-down triangles on both sides of the circle for the ears.
Step 2: Sketch the Body and Tail Lines
Draw two lines extending down from the bottom of the head for the neck, then sketch a bean shape for the body. For the tail, draw a long ‘S’ shape curve starting from the body.
Step 3: Add Leg Outlines
Draw four legs extending from the body; use lines to create the simple leg outlines
Step 4: Outline the Face
Add a horizontal line below the nose oval, and then two small circles for the eyes. Draw two lines on either side of the eyes for the cat’s cheeks.
Step 5: Add Facial Features
Add pupils to the eyes, and then a line above the eye circles for eyebrows. Add whiskers extending from the cheeks towards the head and a curved line for the mouth.
Step 6: Draw Details
Erase any overlapping lines and add more details such as fur, stripes or other markings. Add additional lines for the feet to show the paw details.
Step 7: Add Shading
To create a more realistic look, add shading. Shade the fur, especially on the face, and along the cat’s body, tail, and legs where the fur could be rougher. This gives the cat a more 3D appearance
Drawing Techniques
Start with Light Sketches
Start with loose, light sketches. This will allow you to make changes quickly and effortlessly without ruining the paper or causing the main structure to drift off course.
Practice
Practice makes perfect, so try to draw multiple cat sketches to build your confidence in drawing. You may even want to try drawing from different angles to create various perspectives of the cat.
Use References
When drawing, keep a reference cat picture on hand to help you get the proportions, shapes, and patterns correct.
Summary
In conclusion, learning how to draw a cat outline requires patience and practice to perfect your skills. Start with basic shapes and gradually add details to create a realistic cat drawing. Use references, practice, and start with light sketches to ensure success.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a cat picture from the internet as my reference?
A1: Yes, you can, but ensure it’s a royalty-free or Creative Commons image, so there are no copyright violations.
Q2: How can I get better at drawing cats?
A2: Repetition is key, so practice drawing cats often, and sketch from various angles and perspectives.
Q3: Can I use colored pencils or markers?
A3: Yes, you can use any medium you wish to use, but ensure your pencils or markers are lightfast, colorfast, and do not bleed through paper.
Q4: Can I draw a cartoon cat using this tutorial?
A4: Yes, you can adjust the steps to draw a more cartoonish cat by just emphasizing the eyes or changing the ear shape.
Q5: How long does it take to draw a cat outline?
A5: It depends on your skill level and how much detail you wish to add. Some people can take a few minutes, while others may take an hour or so.