Tiger Sketch #1

The tiger sketch below was made as a study for an ink drawing. I have made and sold many tiger drawings and they always begin with a simple sketch. Most of my animal sketches are made in pencil as this is the most convenient thing to carry but it is up to you what medium you use.

Any cat drawing has one thing in common with all others. The basic features are very similar across all species. Your cat sketches will benefit from learning how to quickly draw these features. It frees your mind up to concentrate on other details. This comes with practice.

1. I break the cat into two areas. A large rectangle that will hold the body and a rounded head which I divide horizontally and vertically to give me an eye line and a centre line.

2. I place the basic features using these guidelines and then indicate where the animal's stomach will be.

3. Study the legs. they are very simple. A series of straight and curved lines.

4. I use more curves for the heavy shoulder area, rear and tail.

5. I add lines and flecks to begin defining the head.

6. Same for the rear of our tiger.

7. I work over the tiger sketch indicating fur and muscle until happy.

1. I use the same technique for another cat. I start with the head, then move onto the body. I use curves and ovals for the back leg and shoulder. then straightish lines for the foreleg.

2. I add the basic facial features.

3. I use the guide lines for the front leg.

4. The spine and tail. It's important to get the spine right so always take time over it.

5. I draw the back leg and then I work on the head again.

6. Now I add details to the head including long whiskers and the markings on the face and forehead. I work on the shoulder markings.

7. Finally I add all the rest of the stripes.

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