How to draw a sitting cat from the side? - briefly
To depict a sitting cat from the side, start by sketching an oval for the head and an elongated oval for the body. Add the ears, eyes, and nose on the head, and then draw the front and back legs bent at the joints to show the sitting position.
How to draw a sitting cat from the side? - in detail
Drawing a sitting cat from the side requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of feline anatomy. Begin by gathering your materials: a pencil, eraser, paper, and optionally, a reference photo of a sitting cat from the side. This will help you capture the cat's posture and proportions accurately.
Start with a light sketch to outline the basic shape of the cat. Draw an oval for the cat's head, and beneath it, sketch an elongated oval or bean shape for the body. The body should be slightly tilted to one side to indicate the sitting position. Next, draw two lines descending from the body to represent the front legs. These lines should be slightly bent at the elbows to show the cat's relaxed posture. The hind legs will be more visible from this angle, so draw them extending backward and slightly downward from the body. Ensure the hind legs are bent at the knees to support the cat's weight.
Now, focus on the head. Draw two triangles on either side of the head for the ears. Cats' ears are triangular and pointy, so make sure to capture this shape accurately. Below the ears, sketch two almond-shaped eyes. The eyes should be positioned slightly above the middle of the head. Draw a small, triangular nose at the tip of the muzzle, and add a curved line for the mouth. Cats have a distinctive whisker pad, so include a small, rounded shape on either side of the nose.
Add details to the body. Draw the cat's tail extending from the rear end of the body. The tail should be slightly curved and tapered at the end. Next, sketch the paws. The front paws should be rounded and slightly flattened, while the hind paws will be more elongated and defined. Add fur texture by drawing short, curved lines along the body, head, and tail. Pay attention to the direction of the fur to make it look natural.
Refine your sketch by darkening the lines that form the final outline of the cat. Erase any unnecessary guidelines and add final details such as whiskers, which should extend from the whisker pads on either side of the nose. Whiskers are typically about as long as the cat's head. Add any additional fur details or shading to give the cat a more three-dimensional appearance.
Finally, review your drawing to ensure all proportions and details are accurate. Make any necessary adjustments and add shading to enhance the depth and realism of your cat. Use hatching or cross-hatching techniques to create shadows and highlights, focusing on areas where the light would naturally fall and cast shadows. This will bring your sitting cat drawing to life, capturing the grace and elegance of feline form.