How to Draw a Cheetah

Use photos of cheetahs to guide your drawing

The cheetah is a member of the Felidae family, similar to other types of cats such as the panther and the tiger. The tan coat with black spots gives the cheetah a familiar look, recognizable just by the pattern. A picture of this animal positioned in the way desired can assist you in drawing a cheetah.

Things You'll Need

• Drawing pad
• Pencil
• Pen
• Eraser
• Pictures of cheetahs

Instructions

1. Browse through a selection of cheetah photos until you find one that suits the needs of the drawing you wish to create. Whether you are trying to draw a realistic or cartoon-like image of a cheetah, the picture will assist you in how the body is shaped and how all of the animal's limbs move when active.

2. Sketch out the head of the cheetah by drawing a large circle with light pencil marks. Draw a smaller circle toward the bottom of the larger one to begin shaping the snout of the cheetah. Keep using light pencil marks with the head until you have a basic shape as comparable to the picture you are using as a reference.

3. Sketch the body of the cheetah as it is positioned in the picture. Take note of all the crevices and lines that the body uses to form the basic shape of the cheetah. Continue using light pencil marks throughout this point in the drawing.

4. Look at the sketched animal you have just drawn and focus on the light pencil marks and how they flow as compared with the picture of the cheetah. Trace the basic shape of the animal using a slightly darker pencil mark to define what you have drawn. Erase any pencil marks that are not needed at this time.

5. Add detail to the cheetah's face until the basic look starts to appear. Take note of how the individual spots and fur flow with the cheetah. Draw small sections of this animal at a time to avoid any mistakes or disproportional features. Use light pencil marks throughout each section until you are confident to define certain areas.

6. Trace everything that you have just drawn with an ink pen to give your drawing a bolder look. Erase any pencil marks after you have darkened everything with the pen. If you wish to create a more realistic look, use your pencil to add shading to the cheetah. Check the picture for any tips on creating this shading from a single light source.

References

• Cheetah.org: General Cheetah Information
• Ross Warner: Cheetah Pictures