Welcome to this step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a Shih Tzu! Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out, this guide will help you capture the adorable charm of these fluffy dogs. Shih Tzus are known for their long, flowing hair and distinctive facial features, making them a fun and challenging subject to draw. So grab your sketchbook and let’s get started!
Materials Required
Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials on hand:
- Pencil: A basic HB pencil is sufficient for sketching.
- Paper: Use a smooth, heavyweight paper that can handle shading and erasing.
- Eraser: A kneaded eraser is ideal for removing any unwanted lines or smudges.
- Fine-tip Pens: You may want to use pens in various thicknesses for outlining.
- Colored Pencils or Markers: These are optional but can add depth and texture to your drawing.
Now that you have your materials ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of drawing a Shih Tzu!
Step 1: Rough Sketch
Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes that form the Shih Tzu’s head and body. Begin with a circle for the head, and then add an oval shape underneath for the body. This will serve as the foundation of your drawing.
Step 2: Facial Guidelines
Inside the circle, draw two intersecting lines. These will act as guidelines for placing the Shih Tzu’s facial features accurately. The horizontal line should be slightly lower than the center of the circle.
Step 3: Eyes and Nose
Using the facial guidelines, draw the Shih Tzu’s eyes. They are round and slightly protruding, giving them a cute and expressive look. Add a small, triangular-shaped nose just below the horizontal guideline.
Step 4: Mouth and Tongue
Beneath the nose, sketch a curved line for the mouth. Shih Tzus typically have a slightly upturned mouth, giving them a sweet smile. You can also add a small, curved line for the tongue sticking out if you’d like.
Step 5: Ears
Shih Tzus have large, floppy ears that cascade down the sides of their heads. Draw two curved lines starting from the top of the head and flowing into long, feather-like shapes. These ears give the Shih Tzu its signature look.
Step 6: Fur Details
Now it’s time to add some furry details to your drawing. Start by lightly sketching small, curved lines along the Shih Tzu’s face, following the direction of the hair. Shih Tzus have long, flowing hair, so be sure to emphasize the softness and texture in your drawing.
Step 7: Body and Legs
Using the oval shape as a guide, add the outline of the Shih Tzu’s body and legs. Keep in mind that Shih Tzus have compact bodies, so be sure to depict their small, sturdy frames accurately.
Step 8: Tail
Draw a fluffy tail extending from the back of the Shih Tzu’s body. Shih Tzu tails are typically plumed and rest over their backs.
Step 9: Refine the Outline
Using a finer pen or pencil, go over your rough sketch and refine the outline of the Shih Tzu. Add more details to the face, such as the eyelashes and eyebrows. Pay attention to the flow of the hair and add more definition to the fur.
Step 10: Shading and Texture
Now comes the fun part! Start shading the different areas of your drawing to create depth and texture. Use light, horizontal strokes to depict the soft fur. Darken areas that are in shadows, such as under the chin and around the eyes.
Step 11: Add Color (Optional)
If you prefer a colored drawing, you can use colored pencils or markers to add a touch of vibrancy to your artwork. Carefully layer the colors to create depth and dimension.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve successfully drawn a Shih Tzu! These adorable and lively dogs make for great companions, both in real life and as subjects for your artwork. By following this step-by-step tutorial, you’ve learned how to capture their unique features and showcase their endearing personalities on paper.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your skills and experiment with different styles and techniques. Don’t be afraid to add your own artistic flair to your drawings. We hope you had fun and enjoyed this tutorial on drawing a Shih Tzu!
