Mastering the Tabby Cat Eye: A Beginner-Friendly Colored Pencil Tutorial Using the Learn My Craft Practice Journal

Sema Martin | 06th November 2024

Practicing your art regularly is the best way to grow as an artist, and sometimes all you need is a little guidance to get started. That’s exactly where the Learn My Craft Practice Journal Pet Portrait Edition comes in—it’s designed to inspire and guide you, offering a curated collection of reference images that allow you to open a page and begin creating right away. No endless searching for inspiration, no hesitation—just a fun, structured way to practice and improve.

This hour-long tutorial focuses on drawing a stunning tabby cat eye using the Practice Journal. It’s the perfect project for beginner artists looking to build confidence and hone their colored pencil skills. And if you’re ready to dive even deeper into mastering colored pencil techniques or learning how to become a pet portrait artist, consider joining the Animal Art Membership. It’s packed with tutorials, resources, and a supportive community to help you take your art to the next level.

Let’s get started and discover how this tutorial can elevate your art and deepen your love for pet portraiture!

Why Focus on the Tabby Cat Eye?

Eyes are the windows to the soul, and for artists, mastering the art of drawing them is a crucial skill. A tabby cat’s eye offers a beautiful mix of colors, textures, and depth, making it the perfect subject for practice. The shimmering greens and golden hues of the iris, the striking reflections, and the fine fur around the eye provide an opportunity to develop essential techniques like layering, blending, and creating texture.

By focusing on this single feature, you’ll practice and refine the foundational skills you’ll use in all your pet portraits. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build confidence in your art, this tutorial is the perfect stepping stone.

What You’ll Need for This Tabby Cat Eye Tutorial

Before we dive in, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Colored Pencils:

Caran d’Ache Luminance: Sepia 10%, Sepia, Ultramarine Blue, Brown Ochre 10%, Brown Ochre, Black
Caran d’Ache Pablo: Canary Yellow, Fast Orange, Moss Green
Faber-Castell Polychromos: Burnt Umber, Terracotta

Tools & Equipment:

Paper: Strathmore Bristol 500 Series Paper (ideal for smooth blending and fine details)
Brush: Faber-Castell Dusting Brush (to keep your work clean and smudge-free)
Slice Tool: Slice Tool by Slice (perfect for creating fine fur details)

With these tools and the Learn My Craft Practice Journal Pet Portrait Edition for your reference image, you’re ready to get started!

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing the Tabby Cat Eye

Step 1: Begin with a Light Outline

Start by lightly sketching the outline of the cat’s eye using the reference image from the Practice Journal. Pay close attention to the shape of the iris, pupil, and the patterns of fur around the eye. Use a light pencil, such as Caran d’Ache Luminance Sepia 10%, to ensure the outline won’t interfere with your colored layers later.

Pro Tip: Avoid using graphite pencils, as they can smudge and dull your colors.

Step 2: Add Base Layers to the Iris

Begin by blocking in the base colors of the iris. For a tabby cat, this will include light layers of Canary Yellow and Fast Orange from the Caran d’Ache Pablo range. Use light, even strokes, building up the colors gradually to ensure smooth transitions.

Pro Tip: Work in small sections, blending as you go to create an even, seamless look.

Step 3: Deepen the Pupil and Iris

Next, focus on the pupil. Use the Caran d’Ache Luminance Black pencil to fill in the area, ensuring sharp, clean edges. For the iris, start adding mid-tones with Moss Green and Burnt Umber to create depth. Layer darker tones, such as Sepia and Ultramarine Blue, in areas where shadows naturally fall.

Pro Tip: To make the eye look round, darken the edges of the iris while keeping the center lighter.

Step 4: Add Highlights

Reflections are what bring an eye to life. Use a white gel pen or a sharpened white colored pencil to add highlights based on the reference image. These highlights should align with the light source in the image, giving the eye a glossy, realistic appearance.

Pro Tip: Less is more—keep your highlights minimal and well-placed for maximum effect.

Step 5: Texture the Surrounding Fur

Now, turn your attention to the fur around the eye. Start with the lighter shades, such as Brown Ochre 10%, and build up darker layers with Terracotta and Burnt Umber. Use the Slice Tool to create fine lines and add realistic texture. Pay attention to the direction of the fur—it radiates outward from the eye in short, controlled strokes.

Pro Tip: Work in layers, gradually darkening and refining the fur for a realistic look.

Why the Learn My Craft Practice Journal is Perfect for This Tutorial

The Learn My Craft Practice Journal is the ultimate resource for artists who want to make practice both fun and productive. Here’s why this journal is a must-have:

Convenience: No more searching for reference images. Simply open the journal, choose a subject, and get started immediately.
Variety: With 100 stunning reference images, including animals, flowers, and wildlife, there’s always something new to inspire you.
Beginner-Friendly: The journal is designed to help artists of all skill levels feel confident and guided in their practice.

Completing this tabby cat eye tutorial is just one way the journal can help you develop your skills while enjoying the process.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Even with clear guidance, beginner artists often face challenges. Here are a few common hurdles and tips to overcome them:

Blending Colors Smoothly:
- Use light pressure and circular motions when layering colors.
- A blending pencil or cotton bud can help soften transitions.
Capturing Realistic Fur:
- Work in short, controlled strokes that follow the fur’s direction.
- Use sharp pencils and layer multiple colors for depth.
Achieving Lifelike Highlights:
- Keep the surrounding areas dark to make highlights stand out.
- Use a slice tool sparingly for precision.

Remember, practice makes progress! Each challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.

Take the Next Step: Join the Animal Art Membership

If you loved this tutorial and want to dive deeper into mastering colored pencil techniques, consider joining the Animal Art Membership. This membership offers:

In-depth tutorials on a variety of animal art techniques.
Guidance on how to build a successful pet portrait business.
Access to a supportive community of like-minded artists.

Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a professional pet portrait artist or simply want to improve your skills, the Animal Art Membership is the perfect next step.