How to Create Cat Characters

Once worshiped in Egypt and, more recently, lauded on Broadway, cats have universal appeal. They are mischievous, wild, cuddly, and a good subject for any artist, if only for their great variety and whimsical traits. Novice artists and experts can use their imaginations to create cat characters, starting with a few basic shapes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pencil with eraser
• Coloring tools such as crayons or paint

1. Think about the cat character you want to create and the personality you want it to portray. It might be calm with a wicked glint in its eyes or always in motion and getting into trouble.

2. Draw a circle for the cat's head. It's OK if it's not a perfect circle. After that, draw an oval underneath the circle for the cat's body.

3. Pencil in small triangles for ears and lines or small rectangles for legs. Small circles at the base of these shapes become feet. Top off your basic cat drawing with an "S"-shaped tail.

4. Now that you have its basic shape, play around with your cat. Create a distinctive personality with clothing if you want, and give it whiskers and eyes. The eyes are usually outlined in black and have a dramatic slant.

5. Observe the cats around you and color your cat accordingly, using your favorite color combinations and fur lengths. Give your cat some distinctive markings.

6. Try drawing your cat character in various stages of activity. Stretch and angle the legs and thin out the oval of the body to show the cat in motion.