how to draw a realistic looking cow
Drawing a realistic looking cow isn’t as difficult as it seems. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a beautiful, lifelike portrait of a majestic bovine in no time.
Start with the Body and Head
The cow is a marvelous creature, and it deserves an appropriately majestic body. Start your drawing with the ribcage and spine, adding in the limbs and making sure that your cow looks robust and powerful. Next, turn your attention to the head, sketching in the features such as the eyes, ears and nose, before working your way down to the muzzle.
Explore the Details
Once your cow’s body and head are in place, it’s time to add in the details. We recommend starting with the tail, as this can help to give a more lifelike feel to your drawing. Pay attention to the curves and angles, using your eraser to add and subtract as necessary. From there, start adding the hairs, making sure to focus on the hooves and the horns.
Attention to the Colors
Now that you have your cow’s shape and details all in place, it’s time to focus on the colors. Make sure you pick the right nuances to truly bring your drawing to life. There are literally hundreds of shades to choose from, and you’re free to experiment as much as you like. For a more realistic look, use a combination of light and dark hues, focusing on the spots and the unique color patterns around the eyes.
Final Process
Once you’re satisfied with the overall look and the colors, it’s time to give your cow a final polish. This includes a close examination of the various shapes and detailing, as well as a thorough check of all the elements for consistency. When you’re finished, stand back and admire your work and see how you’ve managed to create a lifelike portrait of a noble bovine!
Make it Move!
If you really want to bring your cow drawing to life, you can invest a little more time and give it motion. Start by studying some pictures of cows in motion, and try to recreate the same poses and movements. This will require some additional finesse, and you’ll need to pay particular attention to the positions of the muscles and hooves. Once you’re comfortable with the look, start drawing your cow in motion so it can live and breathe in your art!
