How to draw a cat: tips for realistic drawing
If you're wondering how to draw a cat, you have come to the right place. Here you will learn how to sketch, trace, outline, and use a real cat for a model. These steps will help you draw a cat that will be as lifelike as possible. You will also discover how to draw a cat's face and body.
Sketching the cat
When you're sketching a cat, you need to consider its unique features. A cat has a rounded head and small ears, and its eyes are vertical. In order to correctly depict these features in your sketch, you must carefully observe the way cats move, as well as their grace and agility. It can be helpful to watch videos of cats, or visit your local animal shelter to watch the animals in person. Initially, draw the outline of the cat's face: to begin with, you should draw the head, nose (also called the rhinarium or nose), whiskers and mouth. Use a curved line to guide your eyes and nose. Also draw a long rectangle on one side, as this is the center of the cat's body. To help them get started, some people opt for a graphic tablet. This tool will allow you to visualize your drawings on the screen. The graphic tablet also allows you to adjust small mistakes but also to underline the essential features of the drawing.
Drawing the cat's contours
A cat outline can be a great way to practice drawing and illustration. Outline images are also useful for adding color to Photoshop projects, banners and posters. They are also easy to use. Here, the graphics tablet will be your best friend. Indeed, with a graphic tablet like Repaper from iskn for example, you will be able to import your outline images and use them as inspiration for your final design. Thanks to the layers available on the application, play with the contours and create your own cat drawing. But before you start drawing outlines, you need to understand how cats move and stay in place. This will help you avoid common mistakes that can make your outlines look bloated and messy.
Using a real cat as a model
Another important step in learning how to draw a cat is to have a live model in front of you. Try to capture various poses while the cat is awake. If you can't find a live model, you can also study different breeds of cats through books or magazines. Another important step in learning how to draw a cat is to have a live model in front of you. Try to capture various poses while the cat is awake. If you can't find a live model, you can also study different breeds of cats through books or magazines.
Draw a car in proper proportions
When drawing a cat, it's essential to understand its unique anatomy to get the right proportions. Although cats are comparatively easy to draw, it's important to know how to get the proportions right. The basic rule is that the head should be about one-eighth of the total length of the cat, and the body should be about twice as long as it is tall. However, the proportions of each part of a cat's body may vary depending on its breed. Creating the right proportions for the head and body is crucial. The head should be proportionate to the body, so it is easier to draw the cat's head bare. The rest of the cat's body should have similar proportions.
Adding the fur to the cat
The fur on a cat can be tricky to draw, but it doesn't have to be a challenge. There are a few easy steps that you can follow to draw a furry cat. You can use a pencil to sketch in the fur. You can also use a kneadable eraser to soften areas. First, choose a thick paper for your drawing. This will help your pencils stay in place and hold up to your paint or medium without warping. Watercolor paper is usually the best choice for drawings. You can also use different pencils for different areas of the fur. The softer pencils will work better for creating fur, while the harder pencils will create sharper lines.
Adding the eyes to the cat
The first step to drawing a cat is to define its eyes. To create a realistic look, you should shade the eye in dark shades, following the curvature of the cat's lid. It is also important to emphasize the roundness of the eye. If you don't have a cat, look up a photo of one online to create a realistic image. The next step is to shade the cat's face. In addition to shading the eyes, you'll need to sketch in the cat's fur in the correct direction and length. It's helpful to reference a picture of a real cat to see how the fur outlines its features. You should follow the photo of the cat's face and alternate between pencil and eraser as you draw.
Conclusion
You want to draw your favorite cat? Don't hesitate any longer. Thanks to precise steps and tips to get started, you won't have any trouble drawing a cat. Tools are also available to help you, like the iskn Repaper graphic tablet for example. Without taking away your usual drawing tools, you will be able to draw on a sheet of paper, the Repaper graphic tablet will reproduce in real time your drawing on the screen. Also, you can use Photoshop, Gimp, and many other retouching softwares to perfect your feline's portrait.
Discover more
How to draw animals: Tips for realistic, successful drawing.
Feathers, scales or fur...Draw animals in all shapes and sizes by following this tutorial that will give you the right reflexes!
How to draw a portrait? Easy Tips and Tools for Beginners
How to draw a face? How to draw it with ease and with the right tools? Knowing how to draw a portrait is not easy and these are questions that the beginner illustrator quickly asks himself.
Drawing on a computer: how to draw on a computer?
Thanks to the computer, it is now possible to draw without limits and without having to spend hundreds of euros in drawing materials consumed at a high pace.
Newsletter
Keep up to date with iskn news and events
Free standard delivery
for purchase over $80
Extended returns until 01/31/2025
for Black Friday offers
Secure payment
with Stripe & PayPal
Pay in 4
with PayPal
Customer service
chat with us