How to paint a photo realistic Lion in acrylics | Painting fur in acrylics

In this tutorial I'll show how to paint a realistic Lion in acrylics. I loved painting this because of the different fur textures. Painting realistic fur in acrylics relies on a few factors which I speak about in this video. Layering, what brushes to use, paint mixture and contrast all work together to build up depth and realism. Painting a Lions mane can be quite overwhelming so breaking it up into sections and layers makes it much easier to approach.
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Pastel, Acrylic, Graphite & Tutorials:
Patreon: www.patreon.com/zaratomsart
Would you like to see what tutorials I have on Patreon? If so, the link to the library is below :)
petportraitsan...
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Links:
Tips for painting fur in acrylics: • HOW TO PAINT FUR IN AC...
How to glaze with acrylics: • How to glaze with acry...
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Social media:
Facebook page: Zara.Toms.Artist
Instagram: zaratomsart
Website & blog: www.petportraitsandwildlifeart.co.uk
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Materials used:
10" x 12" acrylic painting on canvas board
Liquitex Basics paint
Reference photo: Reference photo: Birger Strahl on Unsplash

[@fredericbryla6412]

Superb creation, thank you. I adore. 🎨👍

[@zaratomsart]

@fredericbryla6412 thank you so much 💓

[@zaratomsart]

@@fredericbryla6412 so kind, thank you 😊

[@mimisart]

I love how you’ve captured the movement of the mane. I’ve only painted one lion so far, which I enjoyed especially the different details. But…I foresee more lion paintings in the future. And I love how you said ‘I can ADJUST the colour with a glaze.’ I try to refrain from calling it colour correction which would indicate a mistake.

[@zaratomsart]

@mimisart I love painting this Lion so I'd happily paint more 😅. I don't mind mistakes. That's what makes us better artists. Learning how to work around it or fix them improves our painting/drawing skills. But glazes are wonderful because it takes the stress away from worrying about mixing the exact colour at every layer. Lovely way of working to break down the process a little more 🥰

[@nicksan7263]

Che meraviglia.

[@user-qk5ow6st3l]

I am left handed so things the way you do it I struggle sometime with the angles

[@mimisart]

Maybe try turning your canvas. Being right handed I struggle with certain angles that a leftie wouldn’t struggle with.
Another thing you could do is mirror the image/reference photo. So the lion would be facing to your right instead of the left.

[@RAMI263]

☺️What paper do you draw on?

[@mimisart]

The description states that it is a canvas board.

[@zaratomsart]

@@RAMI263 its a canvas board =)