A must-have inclusion in any Scottish drama, the humble Highland cow is a fascinating creature, with plenty to learn about and enjoy. In just a few short steps, we will learn how to begin our very own herd – let’s get started!
Tutorial Video
Step-By-Step Images and Instructions
1.
Start with a gray pencil, and add a “tuft” shape around halfway down your page, just to the right of center. Then, draw six or seven “fingers” descending from this to create your first shape.
2.
Just underneath this “tuft” – the shaggy forelock of your Highland cow – add a “heart” shape, and then add two dots and a curved line inside this, to create the nose of your cow.
3.
Add two small circles poking out from the forelock, to give your cow some eyes.
4.
Now, add two shapes emerging from either side of the forelock – this should be a shape with a curved top and flat bottom to create the ears. Add a series of “bumps” inside this.
5.
Now, draw a long, wavy line emerging up from just above the right ear, at a 45 degree angle. Add another line parallel to this, and join the two together at the top in a point to create a horn.
6.
Repeat this on the other side, giving your Highland their two trademark horns.
7.
Now bring a line out from the left hand ear, curving across to the left and down to create the back of the animal.
8.
Bring another line down from the right hand side, just below the ear, and curve this inwards. Add a horizontal line at the bottom, and bring another curve up and towards the top left hand corner. Add two “spikes” to the bottom of this for a hoof.
9.
Now repeat this shape three more times, to create the four legs of your cow, and connect the back leg to the curve you drew earlier with a point. Add a tail beneath this.
10.
Next, extend the top of the tail upwards to give your Highland cow a fluffy, slightly jagged tail.
11.
Now grab a black liner, and use this to go over the outlines of your animal.
12.
Use the black liner to add a series of details and small, wavy lines to the body of your cow, using the lines to create thick, textured fur.
13.
Then, use the black liner to fill in the inner section of the ears…
14.
And complete the look of the face.
15.
Take an eraser, and use this to clean the pencil marks, leaving you with a crisp, clear outline.
16.
Use the black liner to add a series of short, horizontal lines to the horns, helping to create a realistic texture.
17.
Use the black liner to add detailing to the forelock, once again making short, slight marks.
18.
Now grab a yellow pencil, and use this to add color to the horns.
19.
With an orange pencil, fill in the forelock with the shade…
20.
And then use a brown pencil to add color to the ears and face of the cow.
21.
Take a pale orange pencil, and add light shading to the nose of the animal…
22.
Before returning to the brown pencil to add detail to the front of the coat, and the belly, just below the second leg.
23.
Take the orange pencil, and use this to carefully shade in the rest of the coat with a bright, vibrant shade.
And just like that, you have fully brought your very own Highland cow to life with just a few simple steps. Why not take the chance to learn a little more about these creatures, and expand your understanding of their likes, dislikes and nature – they are interesting animals with plenty to offer!
