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How to Draw Cats with Pastel Pencils

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 42 ratings
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Colin Bradley School of Art

In my 30+ Years of Teaching Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

In this course you will learn how to use a range of pastel pencils to create 4 stunning pictures.

  • Black Cat

  • Long-haired cat

  • Tabby Kitten

  • Siamese Cat

I believe these 4 subjects are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing cats. You will learn how to draw a variety of different cats - from Tabby's to Siamese.

Read more

In my 30+ Years of Teaching Experience I have found that Pastel Pencils is the by far the easiest art medium to pick up and learn.

In this course you will learn how to use a range of pastel pencils to create 4 stunning pictures.

  • Black Cat

  • Long-haired cat

  • Tabby Kitten

  • Siamese Cat

I believe these 4 subjects are a great combination of learning techniques for drawing cats. You will learn how to draw a variety of different cats - from Tabby's to Siamese.

There are elements in all 4 pictures that I feel a student will learn so much from and be able to apply the same techniques to their own work.

For all pictures I use Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, this is a great neutral tone and works so well for all kinds of subjects. It is ideal for someone fairly new to pastel pencil work as you can erase so easily on the paper. I also use Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils and refer to these throughout the course. You can of course use any materials that you wish to use.

I would recommend this course for intermediate level artists. Perhaps you have tried my free courses and want to venture into the next level up or have already used Pastel Pencils before.

If you are just starting out with pastel pencils let me not discourage you from giving this subject a go, you will certainly learn a lot from the lessons and hopefully enjoy it as you do.

I provide you with an outline drawing for each subject so that you do not have to draw free hand. Trace this through to your paper or print it straight out using your printer.

I walk you through step by step with Video instruction how to draw each stage. You'll learn techniques behind drawing cats and create pictures you can be proud of.

I have broken the course down into bitesize chunks that you can follow and return to with ease.

If you love drawing and want to discover easy techniques to create stunning art that you can transfer to your own pictures then this course is for you.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

Please see the Article for the introduction to the pencils and materials recommended for this course.

In this general introduction video I talk about the basic materials - the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, colour shaper, double ended eraser and sharpening your pencils.

I show the Fabriano Ingres Paper that is used for the courses.

I also show how to transfer our line drawing onto your pastel paper using a Tracedown Carbon.

Read more

In this video I show you the brands of pencils and paper that I work with. In this course we only use the Ingres and the Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils.

We are not allowed to provide direct links to purchase the materials however you can find the materials on either our store ("Colin Bradley Art Store") or Amazon.

This is Part 1 of the course. I have included the outline drawing and my finished picture in the resources section (indicated by the folder icon if viewing on a computer). There is a PDF and JPG version of the outline drawing.

This is Part 2 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 3 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 4 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 5 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 6 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 7 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 11, the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 8 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 9 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 10 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 11 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

We hope that you have enjoyed this course and have learnt pastel pencil techniques that you can translate to your own pictures and artwork.

If you would like to share your artwork with us or get in touch please drop us a message in the Q & A section or via the Udemy messaging tools. We would love to hear from you.

This is Part 12, the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 12 of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

This is Part 13, the final part of the course. If you have any questions please let us know.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down the drawing process into manageable steps, which allows learners to easily follow along and build confidence in their artistic abilities
Uses Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, which are widely available and known for their quality, making them a practical choice for students
Emphasizes the use of Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, which is known for its forgiving nature and ease of erasing, which is beneficial for beginners
Provides outline drawings for each subject, which eliminates the need for freehand drawing and allows students to focus on mastering pastel pencil techniques
Recommends specific brands of pencils and paper, which may limit students who prefer to use other materials or have budget constraints
Focuses on drawing cats, which may not appeal to students interested in drawing other subjects or expanding their artistic skills in different areas

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Reviews summary

Drawing cats with pastel pencils

According to learners, this course offers clear, step-by-step instruction on drawing cats using pastel pencils. Many students appreciate the detailed demonstrations provided for each project, allowing them to follow along easily. The course includes outlines for each of the four cat subjects, which reviewers find very helpful for getting started quickly. While the course is recommended for intermediates, students note that beginners who are willing to work hard can also achieve good results, although they might need to pause and rewatch sections. The focus is on specific cat portraits, teaching techniques applicable to drawing various cat breeds.
Specific materials are recommended and used in demos.
"The instructor uses specific Faber-Castell Pitt pencils throughout."
"You can use other materials, but following along exactly is easier with the recommended ones."
"Good overview of the basic materials needed for pastel pencil work."
Best suited for those with some prior drawing experience.
"As an intermediate artist, I found this course perfectly challenging yet manageable."
"It's definitely geared towards those who have used pastels before."
"Beginners might find the pace a bit fast without prior experience."
Starting projects is easier with pre-drawn outlines.
"Providing the outlines made it so much easier to start the drawings."
"I really appreciate not having to worry about the initial sketch."
"Using the traced outline helped me focus on the pastel techniques."
Students report satisfaction with their finished artwork.
"I was so proud of the finished black cat drawing!"
"My long-haired cat picture turned out better than I expected."
"I feel like I learned techniques that allowed me to create stunning art."
Instruction is easy to follow for each project.
"The step-by-step videos were incredibly clear and easy to follow."
"I loved the way each stage was broken down into simple steps."
"Following along with the instructor made drawing the cats achievable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Draw Cats with Pastel Pencils with these activities:
Practice Basic Sketching Techniques
Reviewing fundamental sketching techniques will help you create better underdrawings for your pastel pencil work.
Browse courses on Sketching
Show steps
  • Practice drawing basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles.
  • Experiment with different line weights and shading techniques.
  • Sketch simple objects from observation to improve accuracy.
Read 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'
Reading this book will help you develop your observational skills and improve your drawing accuracy.
View Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and complete the drawing exercises.
  • Focus on the techniques for perceiving edges, spaces, and relationships.
Practice Blending Pastel Pencils
Practicing blending techniques will help you achieve smooth transitions and realistic fur textures in your cat drawings.
Show steps
  • Apply layers of pastel pencil to paper.
  • Use a blending stump or your finger to gently blend the colors together.
  • Experiment with different blending pressures and techniques.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Color Chart for Your Pastel Pencils
Creating a color chart will help you understand the range of colors available and how they blend together.
Show steps
  • Gather all of your pastel pencils.
  • Create a grid on a piece of paper.
  • Fill each square with a different color, labeling it with the pencil number.
  • Create a section to show how colors blend together.
Explore 'The Art of Animal Drawing'
Studying animal anatomy will help you create more realistic and expressive cat drawings.
View The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Study the skeletal and muscular structure of cats.
  • Practice drawing cats in different poses and actions.
Draw a Cat Portrait from a Reference Photo
Working on a full portrait will allow you to apply all the techniques you've learned in the course and further develop your skills.
Show steps
  • Select a high-quality reference photo of a cat.
  • Create a detailed underdrawing on your pastel paper.
  • Apply layers of pastel pencil, paying attention to color and value.
  • Blend the colors to create smooth transitions and realistic textures.
  • Add final details and highlights to complete the portrait.
Create a Time-Lapse Video of Your Drawing Process
Creating a time-lapse video will help you analyze your drawing process and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Set up a camera to record your drawing process.
  • Draw a cat portrait using pastel pencils.
  • Edit the footage to create a time-lapse video.
  • Share your video online and get feedback from other artists.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Draw Cats with Pastel Pencils will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Hobby Artist
A Hobby Artist engages in art creation as a leisure activity, making art for personal enjoyment and relaxation. This course, focused on drawing cats with pastel pencils, is perfectly suited for hobby artists who love cats and want to improve their drawing skills. The course's step-by-step instructions and techniques for drawing various cat breeds will provide a fun and rewarding artistic outlet. The course emphasizes pastel pencils, helping any hobby artist develop an expertise in creating their own art. Everyone will benefit from trying out artwork.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hobby Artist
Pet Portrait Artist
A career as a Pet Portrait Artist involves capturing the unique personality and likeness of animals through various art mediums. This course, focusing on drawing cats with pastel pencils, directly translates to the skills needed for creating stunning pet portraits. The course's step-by-step video instruction and techniques for drawing different cat breeds, such as tabbies and Siamese, provides a strong foundation for anyone looking to specialize in feline portraits. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on pastel pencil techniques and the use of specific materials like Fabriano Ingres paper are directly applicable to this career. A pet portrait artist will benefit especially from the course's lessons on creating realistic depictions of a variety of cats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pet Portrait Artist
Animal Illustrator
An Animal Illustrator specializes in creating artwork featuring animals for books, magazines, and other publications. This course, focused on drawing cats with pastel pencils, directly equips you with the necessary skills to excel in this field. The course emphasizes step-by-step techniques and provides instruction for drawing various cat breeds, helping you create realistic and expressive animal illustrations. The focus on pastel pencils is directly applicable to this career. An Animal Illustrator will benefit especially from the course's lessons on creating realistic depictions of a variety of cats.
See salaries and explore the career path for Animal Illustrator
Freelance Artist
As a Freelance Artist, you would create art on a contractual basis for a variety of clients. This course, which focuses on drawing cats with pastel pencils, immediately translates to a valuable skill in creating animal portraits and illustrations. The course's emphasis on step-by-step instruction and techniques for drawing different cat breeds will help you deliver high-quality work to clients seeking feline-themed art. Furthermore, the course's focus on pastel pencils increases your skill with this particular art medium. This particular set of skills may be valuable to a Freelance Artist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Artist
Custom Pet Product Designer
A Custom Pet Product Designer creates unique and personalized items featuring pets, such as mugs, phone cases, and apparel. This course, focused on drawing cats with pastel pencils, will equip you with the skills to create custom artwork for these products. The course's emphasis on drawing different cat breeds and capturing their likenesses helps you design personalized items. A good drawing may be useful in designing products. This course will teach product designers various drawing and art skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Custom Pet Product Designer
Greeting Card Designer
A Greeting Card Designer creates images and layouts for greeting cards. This course, focused on drawing cats with pastel pencils, directly translates to the creation of charming and personalized greeting cards. The course's emphasis on drawing different cat breeds and capturing their likenesses helps create unique card designs. A designer benefits especially from the practical skills taught in the course. Any guide to designing cards is helpful for a Greeting Card Designer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Greeting Card Designer
Art teacher
An Art Teacher instructs students in various art techniques and concepts. This course, which teaches how to draw cats with pastel pencils, provides art teachers with a practical skill to teach their students. The course's step-by-step approach and focus on pastel pencil may be useful for an art teacher. Art teachers can appreciate the course's focus on specific materials and techniques. This course is particularly useful for teaching a particular skill. All students will enjoy having the knowledge of an art teacher who understands pastel pencils.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher
Illustrator
An Illustrator creates images for various media, including books, magazines, and websites. This course, teaching how to draw cats with pastel pencils, may be useful for illustrators looking to expand their skills in animal illustration or specialize in feline subjects. The course's focus on step-by-step drawing techniques and creating different cat breeds helps build a foundation for creating detailed and expressive illustrations. Moreover, the expertise in pastel pencils, as highlighted in the course, is a valuable skill for illustrators. This course may be very helpful for an illustrator who wishes to create animal art or illustrations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Illustrator
Fine Artist
A Fine Artist creates original artwork for exhibition and sale. With its focus on drawing cats with pastel pencils, this course helps fine artists develop representational skills and explore animal subjects. The course's emphasis on step-by-step instruction and techniques, may allow a fine artist to translate their skills into unique pieces. Artists can benefit from the course's exploration of pastel pencils and the use of specific materials, further developing their aesthetic skills. Fine Artists will be grateful for any guide or course that increases their skill with pastels.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fine Artist
Content Creator
A Content Creator develops engaging material for online platforms. This course on drawing cats with pastel pencils helps content creators who want to produce art-related content. The step-by-step approach, as well as the focus on creating images of different cat breeds may be useful for creating tutorials, demonstrations, or showcases of artwork. By taking this course, Content Creators may learn more about pastel pencils and different drawing techniques. The course's clear structure makes it easier to present information to an audience. Every content creator would prefer to bring the most informative guide to their audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Art Director
An Art Director oversees the visual style and images for various projects, such as magazines, advertising campaigns, and film sets. This course on drawing cats with pastel pencils may help art directors develop a deeper understanding of artistic techniques. This course may be useful for honing their artistic eye. Art Directors can develop an appreciation for the finer details involved in creating realistic animal drawings with pastel pencils. This allows them to better direct artists working on projects with similar themes. Every Art Director will prefer to have a solid grasp of all art skills.
See salaries and explore the career path for Art Director
Graphic Designer
A Graphic Designer creates visual concepts for various media, including websites, logos, and marketing materials. While not directly related, this course on drawing cats with pastel pencils may help graphic designers broaden their skills and explore a different artistic style. Although graphic designers may not typically use pastel drawings, understanding the techniques involved in creating detailed animal illustrations may enhance their overall artistic understanding. A graphic designer will benefit from gaining a fresh perspective on visual art. A graphic designer can broaden their artistic knowledge by taking this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Graphic Designer
Muralist
A Muralist creates large-scale paintings on walls or other surfaces. This course on drawing cats with pastel pencils may help muralists looking to incorporate animal themes into murals. The course's lessons on pastel pencil drawing provide a foundation for creating detailed animal depictions on a larger scale. Muralists can improve their technique and explore animal art by taking this course. Many Muralists would love an opportunity to improve their skill, one way or another.
See salaries and explore the career path for Muralist
Textile Designer
A Textile Designer creates patterns and designs for fabrics and other textiles. This course on drawing cats with pastel pencils may help textile designers looking to expand their repertoire of motifs. The course's lessons on creating images of different cat breeds may be useful for generating unique patterns. Textile Designers can develop the skills to incorporate animal themes into their fabric designs. Textile designers can create images to use by taking this course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer
Concept Artist
A Concept Artist creates visual representations of ideas for various media, including video games and movies. While not directly related, this course on drawing cats with pastel pencils may help concept artists broaden their skills in animal art. Concept artists can expand their artistic capabilities by taking this course. Concept artists will appreciate any means of generating new ideas or refining old ones. This may be one of the most useful courses to take.
See salaries and explore the career path for Concept Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to Draw Cats with Pastel Pencils.
Cover image
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Save
Teaches you how to draw what you actually see, rather than what you think you see. It emphasizes perceptual skills crucial for realistic drawing. The exercises in this book can significantly improve your ability to accurately represent subjects, which is essential for pastel pencil drawing. It widely used and respected resource for artists of all levels.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Paperback
Check
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Art of Animal Drawing
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to drawing animals, focusing on anatomy, construction, and movement. It offers valuable insights into animal forms and how to capture their essence in your drawings. While not specific to cats or pastel pencils, the principles taught in this book are universally applicable to animal art. It great resource for understanding animal anatomy and creating dynamic compositions.
The Art of Animal Drawing: Construction, Action...
Paperback
$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
12 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Colin Bradley School of Art
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Breaks down the drawing process into manageable steps, which allows learners to easily follow along and build confidence in their artistic abilities
Uses Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils, which are widely available and known for their quality, making them a practical choice for students
Emphasizes the use of Sand Coloured Fabriano Ingres Paper, which is known for its forgiving nature and ease of erasing, which is beneficial for beginners
Provides outline drawings for each subject, which eliminates the need for freehand drawing and allows students to focus on mastering pastel pencil techniques
Recommends specific brands of pencils and paper, which may limit students who prefer to use other materials or have budget constraints
Focuses on drawing cats, which may not appeal to students interested in drawing other subjects or expanding their artistic skills in different areas
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