In this free art lesson, you'll learn how to draw the portrait/head detail of a snow leopard 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 snow leopard 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 snow leopard'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: On the lower left side of the circle, 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. The left edge of this shape should be longer than the top and bottom. Don't draw the muzzle too high. The bottom corner of the rectangular shape should be below the edge of the head circle.

Step 3: Draw a long diagonal line across the entire head. This is a construction line that will help you place the facial features. This line should cut the muzzle in half. On the top left side of the head, draw a small circle as a guide for the eye. The eye should be small. Draw the eye close to the top edge of the muzzle.

Step 4: Inside the muzzle draw an angled line as a guide for the nose. This line should create a triangular shape in conjunction with the front of the muzzle. On top of the head draw two arcs as guides for the ears. Make the arc on the right bigger than the arc on the left. Most of the arc on the right should be inside the head.

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

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 and tiny cricle inside the eye for the pupil and a highlight. 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.

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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: Use the arcs on top of the head as guides to draw the big cat's ears. Darken the guides but make the sides rounder. Add a series of short strokes around the arc on the right for the base of the ear, the inside of the ear and the back of the ear. The back of the ear should extend far to the right of the head.

Step 8: Use the big circle as a guide to draw the rest of the head. Use a series of short strokes as you draw the shape of the head to create a furry texture. Draw the lower, right side of the head a long curved shape that's made up of short strokes.

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 dark value to create the spots on the fur. Make the spots different sizes and don't add spots on the top part of the muzzle. Add a medium value for the main part of the fur. 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 ose. 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. Add the value very lightly at first, and then gradually build up to the level of darkness that you want. 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 stroke 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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