How do you draw realistic fur or hair in animal or portrait drawings?

There are different ways in which you can draw fur or hairs in pencil. If using pencil or Watercolor start from the light tone first progressively moving towards darker shades. And if using Acrylic or Oil it's better to do visa versa. Draw or paint one stroke at a time without any hurry in the direction in which the hair or fur is flowing. Also paint only one small part at a time,when done with one part move onto another, it will take time to pop out. Remember, that fur or hairs are never a straight stroke, they are always drawn thick at the scalp to thin at the end. Start from one point and when ending that stoke of hair start lifting up your brush or pencil gently. This will create a thiner line at the end. For accuracy in color premix the paint on pallette and match it with reference before using it on painting. read less