Drawing the face and head of a lion can be a challenging task. However, with this comprehensive tutorial, you’ll learn how to transform a basic sketch into a detailed and captivating line drawing.
Note: If you plan on using pencil and paper, remember to start with light lines for easy erasing during the initial stages.
Step 1 – Outline the Major Shapes of the Lion’s Face & Head
To begin, break down the lion’s face into basic shapes. This approach simplifies the drawing process and lays a strong foundation.
- Start by drawing a straight vertical line through the middle of your drawing area.
- Follow it with an intersecting horizontal line towards the upper end of the first line.
- Create a circle around the intersection to define the width and shape of the upper part of the head.
- Use two smaller circles to depict the ears’ size and position.
- Add two more circles along the bottom end of the large face circle to represent the snout’s end.
- Sketch a half circle below the two “snout” circles to outline the bottom jaw.
- Connect the large face circle to the bottom jaw with construction lines.
- Draw construction lines in a curved manner, starting from slightly below the horizontal line towards the “snout end,” to guide the snout’s shape.
- Finally, draw the outer shape of the mane using sets of curves.
Step 2 – Add Facial Features
Now, add the basic shapes of the lion’s major facial features, erasing unnecessary construction lines along the way.
- Begin by drawing cheekbone shapes on the sides, curving inward from the outer corners of the eyes towards the nose.
- Develop more details in the snout area, starting with small curves around the nose and gradually progressing to larger curves that go inward and then outward around the eyes.
- Position the eyes directly above the horizontal line from step one, ensuring that the inner corner slightly extends below the line.
- Refer to the example for the appropriate eye shape.
- Sketch the shape of the nose, taking inspiration from the provided visual reference.
Step 3 – Refine the Shape of the Face
Refine the outer construction lines of the lion’s face from step one, shaping them into a more precise representation of the lion’s head.
Step 4 – Add Smaller Facial Details
Focus on the smaller details of the lion’s face:
- Add the inner curves of the ears, following the outer curves.
- Sketch the bottom part of the mouth, allowing the outer corners to hang down.
- Fine-tune the eyes by drawing the pupil, reflection area, and shaping the upper and lower eyelids using the provided example.
- Incorporate the tiny “split” towards the nose’s bottom, as portrayed in the accompanying image.
Step 5 – Basic Fill and Shading
Start filling and shading areas such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use the provided visual reference as a guide. Additionally, begin solidifying your sketch by going over your initial light lines with a more defined stroke.
Step 6 – Draw the Inner Mane and Chin Fur
Focus on drawing the inner mane fur and the fur on the lion’s chin:
- Indicate each fur clump with one or two lines, making sure to create slight variations in shape, size, and length for a more natural appearance.
Step 7 – Finalize the Mane
Complete the drawing by adding the remaining details of the lion’s mane. Typically, fur clumps are larger at the bottom and smaller at the top.
Step 8 – Add Whiskers
Lastly, incorporate the whiskers to give your drawing its final touch:
- Begin by drawing tiny black dots above the mouth, which indicate the base of the whiskers.
- Extend the whiskers from these dots, ensuring that they are thicker towards the base and taper towards the tips.
- Vary their length and direction slightly for a more realistic look.
With these steps, you’ll have a finished line drawing of a lion’s head.
Conclusion
Drawing the face and head of a lion can be a complex endeavor. However, by breaking it down into basic shapes and gradually refining it, you can create a stunning representation. If you’re interested in drawing the full body of a lion or exploring other similar tutorials, check out the recommended resources below:
