How To Draw A Lion Easy: A Step-By-Step Guide

Drawing a lion can be an enjoyable and rewarding artistic endeavor. Known as the “king of the jungle,” a lion’s majestic mane and powerful features make it a popular subject for artists of all skill levels. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to draw a lion easy and recognizable lion drawing, perfect for beginners.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, gather your drawing materials. You’ll need a pencil, eraser, paper, and optionally, colored pencils or markers for finishing touches. A good eraser is essential for correcting mistakes and refining your drawing.

2. Draw the Basic Shapes

Start by sketching the basic shapes that will form the lion’s head. Draw a large circle for the head and a smaller circle for the snout. Position the snout circle slightly lower than the larger circle. This will help you establish the proportions of the lion’s face.

3. Add Guidelines for Features

Next, add guidelines to help position the facial features. Draw a vertical line down the center of the head circle and a horizontal line across the middle. These lines will guide you in placing the eyes, nose, and mouth symmetrically.

4. Sketch the Eyes and Nose

Using the guidelines, draw the lion’s eyes just above the horizontal line. Make them almond-shaped for a fierce look. Next, sketch a small triangle for the nose at the bottom of the snout circle, centered on the vertical line.

5. Outline the Mouth

From the bottom of the nose, draw two curved lines that extend downwards to create the mouth. You can make the mouth slightly open to give the lion a more dynamic appearance. Add a small curve at each end for the corners of the mouth.

6. Create the Mane

Now it’s time to add the lion’s iconic mane. Start around the head circle, drawing wavy lines that extend outward. Vary the shapes and sizes of the mane to make it look more natural and wild. The mane should frame the face and can be more voluminous around the top and sides.

7. Refine the Features

Go back to the facial features and refine them. Add details to the eyes, such as pupils and eyelids, to give them life. You can also add whisker spots on either side of the snout. Erase any unnecessary guidelines to clean up your drawing.

8. Add Ears

Draw the lion’s ears on either side of the head. These can be semi-circular shapes that peek out from the mane. Don’t forget to add some inner ear details by drawing another curved line inside each ear.

9. Finalize Your Drawing

Now that you have the basic shape and details, go over your lines with a darker pencil or ink to make them stand out. If you want to add depth, consider shading areas like the mane and the face to create contrast.

10. Color Your Lion

If you’re using colored pencils or markers, add color to your lion. Typical colors include golden yellows, browns, and hints of orange for the mane. Don’t forget to shade to enhance the three-dimensional look.

Also Read: How To Draw A Bicycle: Step-By-Step For Kids