Easy Mountain Lion Drawing for Kids: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Have you ever admired the wild beauty of a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, while gazing at pictures in a book or on a screen? Now, imagine being able to draw one of these magnificent creatures yourself! Today, we're going to show you how to draw a mountain lion in an easy step-by-step process that's perfect for kids. So, grab your drawing materials, and let's get started!

Did you know that mountain lions are the largest felines in North and South America? They have powerful bodies, strong legs, and long tails that help them climb rocks with ease. Drawing a mountain lion lets you capture some of the magic of these incredible big cats. Let's break down the process into simple, kid-friendly steps.

Understanding the Basic Shape

Before we start drawing, it's essential to understand the basic shape of a mountain lion. Think of an S-curve when visualizing the body's pose. Mountain lions have a distinctive walk, so capturing this curve will make your drawing more lifelike.

The head is round and proportionate to the body. The legs are long and muscular, with paws that are larger than those of smaller cats. The tail is also long, nearly as long as the rest of the body, and tapers to a point at the end.

Start with a Simple Outline

Using a pencil, begin by drawing the S-curve for the body. The head should be at one end, and the tail at the other. Don't worry about proportions at this stage – focus on capturing the flow of the curve.

Next, draw the legs. The front legs should start from the top of the S-curve, and the back legs from near the tail. Mountain lions have strong hindquarters, so their back legs are usually more prominent than their front legs. Sketch themroughly for now; we'll refine them later.

Add the Details

Now it's time to add some key details to your mountain lion. Start with the facial features. Mountain lions have round, expressive eyes, a small, black nose, and a mouth that's generally closed. Draw these features on your head, ensuring they're proportionate to the size of the head.

Next, draw the distinctive tufts of hair at the end of the mountain lion's tail and behind its ears. These tufts are often brown, but the cat's tip may have lighter colored markings. Also, draw the distinctive spots that mountain lions have along their bodies.

sharkstop ToCOLoRing Your Mountain Lion

Once you've finished the outline, it's time to add some color to your mountain lion. Mountain lions typically have a tawny or light brown coat, with a lighter underbelly. Don't forget to add some darker spots and shades to make your drawing more realistic.

If you'd like, you can also add some simple backgrounds. Mountain lions live in a variety of habitats, such as forests, deserts, and mountains. Draw some basic trees, rocks, or other elements that would suit your chosen environment.

Coloring the Body

Start by coloring the main body and tail of your mountain lion with a light brown or tawny color. Remember to add some darker shades and spots here and there to give your drawing depth and dimension.

Next, use a lighter color to fill in the underbelly and any other areas where the light would hit more directly. You can also add some shading to the legs and other areas to make them stand out.

Finishing Touches

Using a smaller brush or colored pencils, add some final details. Darken the spots on the body, and don't forget to color the tufts of hair at the end of the tail and behind the ears. You can also add some subtle shading to the facial features to make them stand out.

Finally, take a step back and admire your beautiful mountain lion! If you're happy with your drawing, you can frame it or use it as a bookmark. If not, try again – practice makes perfect!

Drawing a mountain lion can be a rewarding and fun experience. We hope this step-by-step guide has helped you create a fantastic big cat masterpiece. Why not try drawing other animals inspired by your mountain lion creation? Maybe a deer or a bear? Keep exploring and creating! Happy drawing!