How To Draw The Panthers
Drawing panthers is an exciting yet rewarding task, and with a few simple steps you can take your drawings from a rough sketch to a detailed masterpiece. The trick to a great panther drawing is to start simple, but be prepared to be patient as you work through the more complex details.
To get started, use a pencil to outline the basic shape of the panther. Start with the main body, making sure to draw the hind legs just a bit longer than the front for the classic panther look. Once you have the main shape drawn in, add details like the ears and face. Don’t forget the tail!
When you’re happy with the shape and proportions, it’s time to start adding the details. Panthers come in a variety of colours and patterns, so use a good reference image to help you choose the right colours and patterns for your panther. Make sure to draw long, sleek stripes down the back of your panther, and then carefully draw in the spots and markings carefully paying attention to the direction of the fur. Panthers also have a distinctive muzzle and eyes that are set wide apart, so remember to draw those in too.
The next stage is to start shading. Panthers love the shadows, so dust your panther with lots of subtle shadows in its fur to give it a sense of volume. Also add in some lighter areas of fur to provide contrast and bring your panther to life. Be sure to pay close attention to the direction of the fur when you’re shading.
The last step is to add the finishing touches. Panthers have sleek fur and an almost liquid like quality to the way they move, so be sure to give your panther plenty of lines and stripes to convey this sense of flow. Also consider adding a few tufts of fur around the face and eyes to give your panther an extra bit of realism. Finally, use a highlighter to add highlights to your panther drawing and make it really stand out.
Colours and Patterns
Panthers have an array of incredible colours and patterns to choose from, so it’s important to take time to get the right look. Wild panthers usually have black or deep brown fur, but captive panthers can have stunning markings of gold or tawny. Consider adding some cool colour variations to your panther’s fur, including cheetah-like spots and mesmerizing lines with subtle shadings.
For your panther’s pattern, there are many other choices as well. The iconic tiger-like stripes rendered in black and white are a timeless classic, but if you’re looking for something a little different, consider applying jaguar-like spots or rosettes to your panther portrait.
Take time to look at other examples of panther drawings and observe the types and directions of the stripes. As you practice, experiment with different shapes and shades of lines and shapes to create your own unique pattern.
Proportions and Balance
When it comes to getting the proportions and balance just right, start by getting the basic structure in place. Draw the body with the main lines that cut through the figure, such as the arms and legs. Then, use shapes and forms to add the mass and volume of the body to create believable proportions.
Carefully draw the ribcage and the hindquarters as two distinct parts and add details like the face, eyes, and ears. As a finishing touch, use a ruler to maintain the same proportions across the panther drawing.
Expressions
Expressions play an important role in creating believable panthers, and can really make your artwork stand out. Consider using expressive lines to capture the attitude of your target panther. Are they stoic and majestic or playful and energetic?
Put life into your panther through their eyes and facial expression. Craft different eye shapes to show surprise, disdain, curiosity and other emotions. Adding a bit of fur around the face could also make your panther drawing more expressive.
Texture
A panther’s fur is an essential element to have right in your drawing. Panthers have a beautiful, soft texture, so use light and shadow to create believable fur in your drawing. Consider adding overlapping lines to mimic the individual strands of fur, and layer light and dark lines to define the contours of your panther.
Think about variations in the texture of your panther’s fur, including short whiskers around the nostrils, peach-fuzz across the back, and a fluffy lion-like mane around the face and neck. With a bit of practice and perseverance, you can create a stunning panther drawing worthy of your walls!
