Maneki Neko

About

You Will Need (1 thing)

Steps (6 steps, 20 minutes)

1. 1

   I use an H pencil to draw a sphere for the head, a bean for the body and rounded triangles for the ears.

2. 2

   Now I refine the forms and delineate the limbs. Next I add the curved facial guideline, the oval coin hanging down from the collar and other details.

3. 3

   Using the guideline, I block in eyes; then I draw the nose and mouth. Next I add the spots and define the toes.

4. 4

   I continue adding details, such as the triangular claws, round pupils and lettering on the coin. Then I indicate some of the darker areas.

5. 5

   I start shading, filling in the spots, ears and pupils. Note that I leave highlights in the pupils.

   I darken the outline of the cat to make it look more like a statue; then I add tone to the claws, collar and coin. I also suggest the cast shadow.

6. 6

   As usual, I darken the lines and shading with a B pencil. I use heavy pressure on the spots and pupils to make them look shiny and painted. Finally, I draw the dark whiskers.

   Tip: Shadows add interest to your drawing.