So typically, there's just so many ways to draw fighting big cats, specifically lions. In this tip, I show you two common attacks. It's extremely important that you watch various lion fighting videos or observe references of two enraged big cats. 1.) A typical slash of the claws attack, notice how the indent of detail in the paw, and how tense and noticeable it is. This is because the paw has retracted it's claws fully to grapple onto its victim. The small dents of detail above the tip of the claw of each toe adds definition and depth. Now, when any type of animal attacks with claws, you will see streaks of wounds stream from the claws themselves. They don't necessarily go in a STRAIGHT angle, unless the victim is perfectly still, but even then. When two animals are fighting, there is never a perfect wound. Wounds will flow in various of directions, depending on the intensity of the fight. 2.) Uses the same principle as 1) but in this case, we have a lion cupping its mouth onto a victim. Having no remaining indication of open mouth, intensifies this attack, as it appears that the mouth is totally latched onto the flesh, with teeth fully sunken in.
Step 2.
Now, it's important that you know the focal points of paws, since they are the main weapons of battle for lions. Typically, the two middle paw toes are the largest toes on the entire paw. The claws will be similar in size though. Another thing is that, when paws are spanned upon a surface, their toes will flesh out, and become box-like. Here I sort of exaggerated the boxy look, just because that's part of cartooning, and it also intensifies the feel, unlike realism. I would recommend studying and observing as much as you can, as it will seriously aid you in the future. References are your friends, use them at your leisure.
Step 3.
Here's differences between two types of paws. As you can see, a relaxed paw has a softness to it (appearing relaxed and calm), and it doesn't have the exaggerated detailing as the tense paw. This is because, when in stressful situations, 'stress' will cause tension and therefore, lots of detailing to accentuate that feeling. So generally, using lots of detailing to a stressful or villainous character will signify something isn't 'right'.
Step 4.
If you're a big TLK fan, and you adore the style, this should show you a few pointers on drawing LK styled lions in battling positions. As I recall watching the battle between Simba and Scar, Zira and Nala, I've noticed a few things about the style that triggers a bit of tension the same way I labeled previously. In this drawing, I went ahead and used the previous lion battling drawing, and styled it differently. Notice how most of the features have been exaggerated and become more prominent than the semi-realistic lion duel. The lion to the left has an exaggerated mouth, having a bigger gap between the upper and lower jaw. Notice the detailing framing the mouth. The mane for the male lion is also simplified, and appearing as a larger shape. The bodies of these two cats are also more slender and less detailed. The tails become fluent with more of a 'flow'. If you're going to draw in a LK style, I'd advise you to again, study the various references of the characters.
Step 5.
So this step is basically going to show you when drawing the inner detailing for the mane, legs, torso, etc, that you should use 'thin line weights' for those smaller details. Keep the outer lines more prominently thick than the lines that detail most of the semi-important features, thin. This will stray away confusion of viewing the piece as a whole.
Step 6.
We must first begin by drawing the two body shapes of the dueling lions. Notice the flow of the lion to the right, and how much of fluent curve it has. The lion to the left has a scrunched and humped curve. With that being said, these curves are basically 'lines of motion' which depicts the overall flow of the pose. anyways, quickly draw these guides and we'll move to the next step.
Step 7.
Let's start drawing the heads, I would prefer from working left to right, but if you're right handed, go to right to left. Keep the faces in equal sizes to signify that the lions are two adult males and not an adolescent and an adult (which would also make a deadly combo).
Step 8.
Then, we'll start drawing the manes. I would suggest to draw the beginning starting point of the mane (which is at the forehead) and then work your way to the ending point (underneath the jaw). Take your time, and try not to stress yourself out too much.
Step 9.
Next, start sketching in the important details of the face, keeping the proportions in check. Again, take your time. Don't forget to use light, thin lines for the inner detailing!
Step 10.
We'll go ahead and take a breath before we start drawing the body of the lion to the left. Take your time, because I know this looks pretty complex so far. Start by drawing the curve that lines the stomach, and then quickly sketch the humped curve for the leg. Once you get those two points drawn, it will be easier to draw the rest of the body in order.
Step 11.
Using our guidelines, we'll start sketching the right lion and use quick strokes to jot down the form. I find it much easier to quickly sketch lines to form my figures. Work your way from upwards to downward, so things will look proportionate when you're finished.
Step 12.
Finish by signifying the noticeable bodily features like indication of ribs, leg muscles, paws, etc. Use thin lines for these details as well!
Step 13.
Now that you're finished, you should have something similar to this (with inking and finishing touches of course!). I hope you guys enjoyed this lesson, I have 8 more others to go! Thanks so much for viewing, and stay tuned for more tutorials. I've got a few requested tuts to squeeze out ;)
Description:
Hey guys, Dawn here with another helpful lesson aimed in your direction! I got really inspired and creative last night and decided to go ahead and sketch a ton load of fighting animals...lots of blood and violence was involved ;). Anyways, this new tutorial will give you tips and techniques on 'how to draw lions fighting', step by step. I loved working on the background, and would have spent more time on it if it weren't for the other 9 tuts I'm going to be submitting tonight. Hopefully you guys will enjoy, and let me know what you think of this tut or if it has taught you anything! For awesome references, checkout this site for lion references.
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