In this free art lesson, you'll learn how to draw the portrait/head detail of a Lion step-by-step.

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All of the tutorials on How2DrawAnimals.com are good drawing tutorials for beginners and experienced artists alike. The online tutorials are easy to follow; they teach you the how to draw basics while showing you how to draw animals step by step. Each animal has a video drawing tutorial option, as well as step-by-step photos and written text to follow.

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To draw this Lion head step by step, follow along with the video tutorial below and pause the video after each step to draw at your own pace. You may find it easier to follow the step-by-step drawings below the video. The new lines in each step are shown in red, so you'll know exactly what to draw next. You may want to open the video in a new tab and use both drawing methods. Take your time and draw at your own pace.

Below you can watch a Narrated step-by-step video tutorial:

For the first few steps, don't press down too hard with your pencil. Use light, smooth strokes to begin so that it's easy to erase if you make a mistake.

Step 1: Draw a big circle as a guide for the Lion's head. First make four small marks to indicate the circle's height and width. Then connect the marks using curved lines. Sketch lightly at first so that it's easy to erase if you make a mistake. If you're struggling to draw the circle, trace the outer rim of a glass, a bowl or any other object with a circular edge. For a more detailed guide on the different ways to draw a circle check out this tutorial: Four simple ways to draw a circle.

Step 2: Add a long, sloping line across to split the circle in half. Extend the line on the bottom, left side so that it's outside of the circle. This is a construction line that will help you place the facial features later. On the lower left side, draw a rectangular shape as a guide for the muzzle. Pay close attention to the size and position of this rectangular shape in relation to the circle. Don't draw the muzzle too high. The bottom corner of the rectangular shape should be below the edge of the head circle. These new construction lines should be similar to the letter E.

Step 3: On the top left side of the head, draw a small circle as a guide for the eye. The eye should be very small in relation to the head. Draw the eye close to the top edge of the muzzle. Inside the muzzle, add a couple of short lines to create a triangular shape as a guide for the nose. On the top, right side of the head, draw a small arc as a guide for the ear. The bottom tip of this arc should touch the sloping construction line.

Step 4: Draw a long, curved line around the head as a guide for the lion's mane. Curve the line above the head, then angle it down so that it slopes below the head. Bend the bottom of the line so that it ends under the muzzle. The bottom of the guide should be pointy.

That's it for the guidelines! From this point on, press down harder with your pencil for a more defined drawing of a Lion.

Step 5: Use the small circle inside the head as a guide to draw the eye. The shape of the eye should be similar to a greater-tha sign (>). Draw a big dot inside the eye for the pupil. Draw a few short lines on the lower, left side of the eye for the corner of the eye. Darken the basic shape of the triangle inside the muzzle to create the nose. Make the shape of the nose wavier than the guide. Add a big curved shape on the right side for the nostril. Darken the arc on top of the head to create the shape of the ear. Add a few long, curved strokes along the bottom and inside of the shape for fur.

Step 6: Darken the basic rectangular shape on the lower left side of the head to create the muzzle. Make the edges of the muzzle rounder than the guide. Under the nose, draw a line that curves to the right for the mouth. Use a series of short strokes as you draw these lines to create a furry texture.

Step 7: Draw the top part of the head along the path of the initial circle. Make the head flatter than the circle. Below the ear, draw a big, curved shape that's made up of long, curved strokes for the first part of the mane. Draw these lines under the shape of the ear and down toward the lower jaw. The chunk of mane should and at a point along the guide lines below the head.

Step 8: Use a series of short strokes and angles lines along the path of the guide that's around the head to create the outer edge of the mane. Curve lines so that they follow the flow of the hair on the mane. Change the orientation of the strokes on te right side to that they rotate upside-down along the bottom of the mane.

Step 9: For a cleaner look, erase as much as you can of the initial guide lines. Don't worry about erasing all of the guides. It's okay to leave some behind. Re-draw any final sketch lines you may have accidentally erased.

Final Step: Add some shading to your drawing for extra detail. Use a medium value across the head and mane. Use a dark value to create shadows and a light value for highlights. Shadows and highlights will give the head more dimension and volume. Add the values very lightly at first, and then gradually build up to the level of darkness that you want. Vary the pressure on your pencil to get different degrees of tonal value. Use short strokes as you add the value to emphasize the fur-like texture. These strokes should go in the general direction of the fur. They should radiate outward from the nose. For a more detailed guide on how to shade, check out this tutorial: How to shade.

Add a dark value to the nostril, the back of the ear and the mouth. Draw rows of dots to the right of the nose for the base of the whiskers. The bottom part of the head is white but add a light value for shadows. Separate each individual stroke a bit so that the white of the paper comes through and emphasizes the fur-like texture. Add longer strokes along the muzzle for whiskers. Shading can be a very slow process, so be patient and take breaks. Continue adding value a little at a time until you're happy with the result. It's always a good idea to use reference for a more accurate drawing.

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