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Uploaded: September 13, 2011
Artist: Catlucker
Difficulty: Intermediate  Intermediate Skill Level
Steps: 23
Updated: September 13, 2011
P.O.V: Front
Favourited: 40 times
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how to sketch a cat

How to Sketch a Cat

how to sketch a cat step 1


This first step is the reference picture I used for sketching. I turned the color picture to black and white so I could see the tones and values and sketch them into the drawing. And once you have your picture on the computer, it's easy to make larger for details you might miss.
how to sketch a cat step 2


MECHANICAL PENCILS - You want to know what pencils I use? Here they are along with how their lead appears in the crosshatch, line, and circular shading. They start from light (H) to dark (B). ------ 9B'S & BLENDERS - Click on the picture with my very dark graphite and blending stumps. You can actually shade a little with blending stumps without the graphite (if it's a little dirty with graphite already on it). Try this stuff out. It really goes a long way in creating a realistic pictures or even sketches
how to sketch a cat step 3


Now let's start sketching! First start with these interesting shapes. Start with the curve, like an antennea. Lightly sketch these lines please. Then do your circle slightly underneath the curve. Next draw in the lines for eyes and nose placement. Connect the bell shape. Finally, draw the bisecting line to keep a symmetrical balance for this cat's features.
how to sketch a cat step 4


Draw in your cat's ears, left side of neck and feet. Notice the cat isn't sitting straight up. Try to mimic the curve of these lines and the feet at a slant. Draw lightly and you can erase anything that doesn't look right. Now draw it in correctly
how to sketch a cat step 5


Your cat is shaping up. Draw in the eyes, nose, mouth and chin. Then the rounded torso and chest hairs. Don't forget the other side of the cat.
how to sketch a cat step 6


You are actually completing the outline. Draw in the hair and markings of the cat, lightly. Curve those whiskers. I would suggest you add the rock bench and board because it gives the cat the illusion of sitting down and part of the cat's body is behind this bench. If you want to stop here you can. But you will be missing out on the following great new tips.
how to sketch a cat step 7


Once you erase the guidelines, your outline can look close to this ink outline.
how to sketch a cat step 8


Those of you who would like to do the line drawing, here's the cat with markings. The following steps will include more tips and steps on how to sketch or draw the penciled cat picture.
how to sketch a cat step 9


Working at a university in the audio visual department as an artist taught me lots of professional terms. One is "thumbnail sketch." Sometimes I would receive clients that needed logos, pamphlets, murals, silk-screened t-shirts done and I would draw a thumbnail sketch so they could have a preview of what we would do. Now, I would like to share some professional terms we used in the workplace. Click on SKETCH TERMS to see some different applications of sketches.
how to sketch a cat step 10

STEP 10.

TONE-SHADING-TEXTURE - Click on this picture to see the basic shapes that make up most of nature. Adding tone, shading & texture makes your 2-dimensional picture seem to pop out like a 3-dimensional one!
how to sketch a cat step 11

STEP 11.

Overhand is great for writing or fine details. Underhand is like rollerblading through walking traffic--it goes fast! Try tonal shading. It's a great exercise.
how to sketch a cat step 12

STEP 12.

Here are more exercise in case you want to practice for more realism. Heyyyy, I practice too! *giggle* And don't worry about crocked lines. That's all part of the practice.
how to sketch a cat step 13

STEP 13.

Here is another challenge. Remember the days in school when you had to swim, write, type, learn quicker? Sketching and doodling is that kind of exercise too. Draw three strokes really fast in that second. Follow those arrows on the line strokes. Start out slow, then speed up. This helps you to make fur on animals without taking a long time.
how to sketch a cat step 14

STEP 14.

Here is how the pencil outline looks without the the guidelines. If you haven't already, erase those guidelines and see if your cat looks a little like this one.
how to sketch a cat step 15

STEP 15.

My advice is to take your time drawing in the markings. Start with the No. 2 pencil and make sure it is sharp. Draw in the tiny short hairs in short strokes. Top of the head and eyes are the basic areas to begin.
how to sketch a cat step 16

STEP 16.

From left to right sketch in the markings add heavier pressure to your No.2 pencil. I used a 2B 0.7mm mechanical pencil to get those tiny strokes. Try using those short strokes for the cat's hair under eyes and over face. Also start on the neck, legs, and feet markings. Keep a sheet of paper underneath your drawing hand to keep your drawing clean.
how to sketch a cat step 17

STEP 17.

Work your pencil down the cat's torso to the feet. Look at the reference picture and notice that your picture is still light. Right now we're sketching in lines and strokes in the direction of the hair. Don't worry that your tone does not match the reference picture.
how to sketch a cat step 18

STEP 18.

Do a first blend on the drawing with a blending stump. You will not lose your details if you avoid the eyes and nose. As you go over the darker markings, go in the direction of the hair--as if you are combing the cat.
how to sketch a cat step 19

STEP 19.

I gave in and wanted to blend in the hairs more so I softly brushed over the cat's torso area with a tissue. Very, very gently go over the face, but don't lose your details.
how to sketch a cat step 20

STEP 20.

Pencil in a little shading in the background. And if you have sandpaper, use that for the stone bench part. I used a 180-grit sandpaper I got from the hardware store under a dollar (USD). Otherwise, dotting your bench takes much longer.
how to sketch a cat step 21

STEP 21.

Okay, say it! I cheated! (Just kidding) I wanted my kitty-cat to pop out so I added the famous opaque Titanium White Acrylic Paint. *NEW TIP* First I sprayed my picture with a workable fixative to keep the graphite from mixing with the paint!*NEW TIP OVER* Then I used a tiny sable paint brush on the whiskers, outline hair fluff and some body hairs. I also darkened the outline and markings of our cat with a 9B pencil. No.2 pencil people, use more pressure and go over them a couple of more times to get that dark look. The last two steps will show you highlights, tone, shading, etc. So don't stop reading
how to sketch a cat step 22

STEP 22.

Here is how tone, shading, texture and reflective light affected this picture of our kitty-cat.
how to sketch a cat step 23

STEP 23.

And, last but not least, is HIGHLIGHTS. Click on this picture to see where it applies! In closing this tutorial of "How to Sketch a Cat," I must say it has been my pleasure to teach this. Also I'd like to hear if the extra tips made a difference for you. Let me know if you've drawn from this tutorial so I can comment, fav, and vote on your creation. Please don't be shy. I'd love to hear what you have to say. Don't forget to comment, fav, and vote for me too! Keep an eye out for more tuts from me. I will have "How to Sketch" a bird, lion, and tiger tutorials coming soon. Luv you all so much! *blowkiss* *tight hug*