How to draw a photo realistic cat in graphite | Tips for drawing fur

In this tutorial, I'll show how to draw a photo realistic cat in graphite. When drawing realistic fur in graphite the layering process, pencil technique and contrast are really important. Each play a role in bringing depth to the drawing which helps in creating that three dimensional, realistic portrait. Like dogs, cats have different coat lengths so it's important to replicate the right textures through adjusting how we use the pencils. The soft, ruffled fur on the chest really required the use of softening and blending techniques and this in combination with pencil and eraser layers all compliment each other at various stages.
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Pastel, Acrylic, Graphite & Tutorials:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/zaratomsart
Would you like to see what tutorials I have on Patreon? If so, the link to the library is below :)
petportraitsan...
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Links:
Tips for drawing fur in graphite: • Tips for drawing fur i...
How to draw a cat eye in graphite: • How to draw a cat eye ...
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Social media:
Facebook page: Zara.Toms.Artist
Instagram: zaratomsart
Website & blog: www.petportraitsandwildlifeart.co.uk
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Materials used:
8" x 10"
Strathmore paper
Derwent graphic pencils
Reference photo: Amber Kipp on Unsplash

[@thelittlewizardcat]

These are incredible! I love how you show the process, explain it verbally, and give detailed reasoning behind it. Your teaching methodology is honestly more thorough than half of my drawing professors from university. Definitely going to be following along for more videos :)

[@zaratomsart]

@@thelittlewizardcat Thank you so much ❤️. That's so kind 🥰. So pleased you're finding them helpful.

[@yahairatorres2381]

really enjoyed this video! got me motivated to draw a cat!

[@zaratomsart]

@@yahairatorres2381 so pleased to hear that 😃

[@atomizedart411]

Your work and tutorials are beyond fantastic. It looks like this fur on the cat could be brushed with a comb. I really enjoy your postings and just want to say thank you for sharing your talent. Truely a highlight of inspiration for me.

[@zaratomsart]

Wow, thank you so much. That's so kind ❤️. So pleased you're finding my tutorials helpful 🥰

[@jakoblogan777]

Just about to finish my first commission, you were a massive guide and inspiration, thanks!

[@zaratomsart]

So pleased to hear the video was helpful =)

[@fuzzydragons]

awww so cute and fluffy!! that fur texture looks so soft

[@zaratomsart]

Very soft looking cat. Lovely photo to work from =)

[@-yi9mu]

Amazing fur.

[@zaratomsart]

Thank you =)

[@MercyUrumeese]

Can u tell what pencils tp use for this drawing and how to use them in such parts of the fur bcoz

[@zaratomsart]

@MercyUrumeese I'm using Derwent Graphic pencils. It really depends on what section of fur, how long it is, the direction etc that varies how to use the pencils and layer. I cover all of that in the real time tutorial on Patreon though.

[@dianaherring6386]

Absolutely brilliant. May I ask what pencils you use? Would they be 2H and 2B? This is what I find difficult knowing which pencils to use.

[@zaratomsart]

On this one, I used a range of pencils from a 7H to something the equivalent of a 9B for the darkest sections. But I don't use every pencil so from a 7H I then used a 2H and then a HB. I don't necessarily then use the 6H, 5H etc

[@dianaherring6386]

@@zaratomsart many thanks for the information. Do you use graphite powder, or do you make your own?

[@zaratomsart]

@@dianaherring6386 I tend to make my own. I have a Dalmatian ear study tutorial on Patreon that shows just how different graphite powders can make a huge difference to what the pencils on top can do. I didn't realise this until I bought new graphite powder and now I have gone back to making my own.

[@dianaherring6386]

.@@zaratomsart Okay, looks as tho' I need to make some. I believe it's made just by rubbing the pencil on some sandpaper, is that correct. Would I use a 9B or similar?

[@BarbaraAnne51]

Where do you get your graphite powder please?

[@zaratomsart]

@@BarbaraAnne51 I usually make my own =)

[@BarbaraAnne51]

@ stupid question but can you tell me how to make some please?

[@zaratomsart]

@@BarbaraAnne51 I sand down a graphite pencil on a piece of fine grit sand paper. IT does need to be fine grit to avoid larger chunks of graphite but I have a video here on KZbin showing how I do that. I'll pop a link to it here for you =) kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX3VZYSJprN1qtE

[@BarbaraAnne51]

@@zaratomsart thank you very much.

[@BarbaraAnne51]

Also the things you use to blend, are they eye shadow applicators?