Drawing a tiger is not as difficult as it seems. With a few basic shapes and some attention to detail, anyone can create a beautiful and realistic tiger drawing. In this step-by-step guide, we will cover all the necessary steps in easy-to-follow instructions. Let’s get started!
Materials Needed
Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Sketchbook or paper
- Reference image of a tiger
Tips: Use a light pencil for sketching (HB or 2B) and a harder pencil for details (2H or 3H). Always keep your eraser nearby for corrections.
Step 1: Sketching Basic Shapes
First, we will sketch the basic shapes of a tiger’s face. Draw an oval for the head and a straight line for the nose. Add two circles for the eyes and two more ovals for the ears. Connect all of the shapes to create the outline of the tiger’s head.
Tips: Draw lightly and don’t worry about making mistakes. You can always correct them later with an eraser.
Step 2: Defining the Face
Next, we will start defining the tiger’s face by adding details such as the nostrils, mouth, and whiskers. Use your reference image to ensure accuracy.
Step 2A: Nose and Mouth
Draw two small circles at the end of the nose line for the nostrils. Draw a curved line under the nose for the mouth.
Step 2B: Whiskers
Using short strokes, draw several lines on each side of the nose for the whiskers.
Step 3: Adding Eyes and Ears
In this step, we will add the details for the eyes and ears of the tiger.
Step 3A: Eyes
Draw the pupils inside the circles and a small highlight spot in each eye. Add curved lines above and below the eyes for the eyebrows and eyelashes.
Step 3B: Ears
Draw the inner ear shape inside the ovals. Add fur details by drawing short strokes around the edges of the ears.
Step 4: Stripes and Fur
To complete the tiger drawing, add the stripes and fur details.
Step 4A: Stripes
Using a harder pencil, draw the stripes around the tiger’s face and ears. Make sure they are curved to follow the contours of the head.
Step 4B: Fur
Add fur details by drawing short, curved lines around the head and ears. Use longer strokes for the fur on the chin and cheeks.
Step 5: Shading
To create depth and dimension, we need to add some shading to the tiger’s face.
Step 5A: Base Layer
Using a soft pencil (2B or 4B), shade the entire face except for the stripes and highlight spots.
Step 5B: Shadows
Add deeper shading around the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Darken the stripes and add shading to the fur on the cheeks and chin.
Step 5C: Highlights
Using an eraser, create highlights by lifting some of the pencil from the areas with the lightest fur and the highlight spots in the eyes.
Summary
Drawing a tiger is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, anyone can create a beautiful and realistic tiger drawing. Remember to take your time, use reference images, and have fun!
FAQs
Q: Do I need drawing experience to draw a tiger?
A: No, anyone can draw a tiger with some practice and attention to detail.
Q: Can I use a different type of pencil for shading?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pencil that feels comfortable to you. Some artists prefer softer or harder pencils depending on their style.
Q: How do I make the tiger’s stripes look realistic?
A: Take your time and use reference images for accuracy. The stripes should be curved to follow the contours of the tiger’s face and should vary in thickness and spacing.
Q: How do I shade the tiger’s face evenly?
A: Use a light touch and build up the shading gradually. Don’t press down too hard on the pencil and blend the shading with a tissue or blending tool for a smoother look.
Q: Can I draw a full-body tiger using these steps?
A: Yes, you can use these same steps to draw a full-body tiger. Just remember to adjust the shapes and details accordingly.
Q: How long does it take to draw a tiger?
A: The time it takes to draw a tiger depends on your skill level and the level of detail you want to include. With practice, you can complete a basic tiger drawing in an hour or less.