How to Draw a Running Lion

Step 1: Big soft face

Near the top left draw a big soft face, wider than tall, with round cheeks.

Tip Leave room all round it for the mane.

Step 2: Round ears

On each top corner of the face draw a round ear with a curve inside. The left ear is smaller.

Step 3: Big eyes

Above the middle of the face, a little to the left, draw 2 oval eyes with black dots.

Tip Leave a tiny white shine in each eye.

Step 4: Snout and smile

Under the eyes draw an oval snout. From its black nose, draw down into a w smile.

Step 5: Shaggy mane

Start beside the left ear. Draw big cloud bumps all the way round the face and both ears.

Tip The mane is thicker on the right and under the chin.

Step 6: Long back

Start on the right of the mane. Draw a long flat back, curve round the rump and stop.

Tip The back stays almost flat: the lion is stretched out.

Step 7: Reaching front leg

Draw the ground. From under the mane draw a leg reaching forward to a paw, then up to the elbow.

Tip The leg gets thinner near the paw and bends at the elbow.

Step 8: Tummy and back leg

From the elbow draw the tummy. Then draw a back leg stretching out behind, up to the rump.

Tip The back leg bends at the heel and pushes off the ground.

Step 9: Far legs

Draw 2 more legs peeking out: one reaching forward under the mane, one kicking out behind the back leg.

Step 10: Streaming tail

Start on the rump. Draw a thin tail flying out behind, with a teardrop tuft on its end.

Step 11: Toes

Draw 2 short toe lines on each big paw and 1 on each small paw.

Step 12: Cream and peach

Colour the snout cream and the inside of each ear peach.

Step 13: Yellow fur

Colour the face, ears, body, legs and tail yellow, around the snout. Leave the eyes and mane white.

Step 14: Brown mane

Colour the shaggy mane and the tail tuft brown. Your running lion is done!