How to Draw a Lion

Begin by drawing a small circle.

Extend a slightly curved, rectangular shape from the circle.

Use a series of curved lines to outline the detail of the lion's snout, nose, and mouth within the rectangle.

Erase the guide lines formed by the rectangle.

Draw two small, curved lines within the circle to form the ear. Each of the lines will form a nearly enclosed, irregular shape.

Draw a series of curved lines below the ear, meeting in jagged points. This will begin to form the lion's mane. Beneath the jagged mane, draw a curving, loosely "S" shaped line.

Draw the mane extending above the ear using curved lines of various lengths that connect in jagged points.

Enclose the shape of the mane by extending a series of curved lines from the top portion of the mane to the bottom portion. Allow the lines to overlap and meet in jagged points.

Erase the guide lines formed by the original circle.

Draw a circle overlapping the mane. Draw a second circle to the right of the first circle.

Connect the top of the circles using a single curved line. Connect the bottom of the circles using a series of curved lines that meet in jagged points.

Erase the guide lines formed by the circles.

Draw a curved line extending from below the mane. Parallel to this line, draw a series of curved lines that meet in jagged points. Draw a third, similar line behind the second.

To draw the back legs, begin by extending an "S" shaped line from the stomach area. From the right of the figure, extend a series of curved lines in an "S" shape, and allow the lines to overlap and meet in jagged points. Extend two more roughly parallel, loosely "S" shaped lines diagonally from the rear of the figure.

Draw a foot at the end of each set of leg lines. To enclose the foot, draw one or two curved lines at the end of each set of lines. For the near feet, allow the curved lines to meet in two "U" shapes, forming toes.

Draw the tail using two long, "U" shaped curved lines.

Erase the guide lines from the legs.

Add detail to the face. Draw a "U" shaped line to form the eye, and shade the pupil. Draw a curved line above the eye and use another for the nose. Draw several dots above the mouth and extend nearly straight lines to form whiskers.

Use a series of curved lines, meeting in a sharp point, to draw the tuft of fur at the tip of the tail. Draw curved lines meeting in jagged points to add detail to the mane and shoulder.

Color your lion. Most lions are sandy or tan in color, but some are white or cream. Mane colors range from brown to blonde to red.

For more great Safari Animals drawing tutorials, see the 31 Cute Safari Animals Designs post.