How to Draw Shere Khan
Fans of The Jungle Book will definitely appreciate this tutorial, as we will show you how to draw Shere Khan in his characteristic style.
The Jungle Book was written many years ago by one of the most talented writers of his time, and even in those years there were many illustrations of this and other characters.
Since the rise of animation, numerous animated interpretations of Shere Khan and the other characters have also been created.
For this tutorial, however, we decided to use the Disney style, the most recognizable version. In the same style, we previously showed you how to draw Kaa from the same film.
This style is characterized by slightly angular forms and the classic Disney approach of exaggeration and simplification.
How to draw Shere Khan step by step
Step 1: Sketch Shere Khan’s body framework
Sketch the “skeleton” of Shere Khan. Using a circle, draw the outline of the head. Then, using a long curved line, draw the spine that extends into the tail. Use ovals to sketch the rib cage and pelvis. Draw the limbs as simple smooth lines. Use light lines during the first steps of the sketch.
Step 2: Add volume to Shere Khan’s body
Draw the horizontal eye line of Shere Kand sketch the snout as shown in our example. Using a cylinder, draw the neck of the cartoon tiger. Connect the rib cage and pelvis to form the torso. Thicken the tail. Sketch the shapes of Shere Khan’s limbs using similar smooth, light lines. At this stage, you should have the main outlines of Shere Khan.
Step 3: Draw the face of Shere Khan
Using the established basic forms as a framework, begin sketching the facial features and head of the cartoon character without focusing on details yet. Use very light, general lines and shapes. Indicate the eye as well as the ear on the upper part of the head. Draw the nose and mouth of Shere Khan, and add the outline of the fur on the cheek below the ear.
Step 4: Refine Shere Khan’s head and face
Since the main forms and outlines have been established as a foundational framework and the facial features have been indicated, it is now time to give the drawing a finished appearance. Start with the head, gradually refining the shapes, outlining the details, and erasing the unnecessary construction lines. Give Shere Khan’s face a finished and recognizable look, constantly comparing it with the reference.
Step 5: Refine the front body and limbs
Moving from the head toward the tail, continue detailing the front part of the body, specifically the shoulder area and the front limbs. Using the same smooth, clean lines, outline the contours of the neck and shoulders, then continue refining the limbs with clear lines. Carefully erase all remaining construction lines from the front part of the body.
Step 6: Refine the torso, hind legs, and tail
Continue the lines from the front part of the body to define the upper and lower edges of the torso. Then carefully refine the outlines of the hind limbs, drawing the toes in a characteristic slightly angular style. As you refine and complete the drawing, erase the construction lines. Give the tail a clean and finished appearance.
Step 7: Draw stripes on the body of Shere Khan
To give the Shere Khan drawing a finished cartoon look, trace it with clean, dark lines. You can make the lower edges of each form slightly thicker, as well as the curved areas, to create a more interesting effect. Then draw the tiger fur pattern using stripes that widen in the center and taper toward the ends.
Principles of drawing in The Jungle Book style
As part of an animated film, Shere Khan is designed in a style that matches the overall visual language of the work.
Following the characteristic traditions of classic animation, the character features simplified forms and shapes with noticeable exaggeration and stylization.
When looking at him, we immediately understand that he is both a tiger and a cartoon character because the artist uses the appropriate artistic techniques.
At the same time, he behaves almost like a human, and his facial expressions are highly anthropomorphic. This is another very important principle that has always been used in animation and should also be kept in mind when drawing such characters.
At the same time, if you pay close attention, the artists of The Jungle Book approached the portrayal of the characters with great subtlety and elegance.
Despite the simplicity and stylization, all the creatures, as well as the main character, look highly authentic and dimensional. The absence of complex shadows and highlights does not diminish this effect.
Therefore, when drawing Shere Khan or other characters from this work, try not to overly complicate or oversimplify the design if you want to recreate this style.
In our cartoon category, we regularly discuss these principles and also show how to depict various animals and characters in similar styles.
