So i have been thinking about Primal's a lot lately. I really love that this game has included some large cats from beyond the grave. But that got me thinking about CAVE LIONS. So i just had to try my hand at making one.

Now there are a few different types of prehistoric lions to work with however the most well known are the Eurasian cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea) and the American lion (Panthera leo Atrox).

Below we can see the lions mentioned above next to a human, neat!


So let me show you guys my process. remember when drawing animals it's always a good idea to use skeletons and ref pictures. so let's begin!




So far so good. i'm no in love with this one. Let's try again!


I like this a lot better. Time for fur!


OK! we've got a base. As for colors, cave lions have been drawn with some interesting face markings on caves by humans long gone. Here's a picture of that.


Here is my rendition of a Cave lion.


Let me know what you think about this all in the comments.
Do you like this idea of a prehistoric lion among the residences of Lioden?

Edit 1.

I feel the need to provide the references involved beyond the cave paintings. I have had very little formal training beyond a few base college courses for graphic design and am by no means an expert.

the skeleton i referenced is of Panthera leo atrox. the colors i referenced in my drawing are also for Panthera leo atrox. I used visual and written references.

A skeleton retrieved at La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles.


Live reconstruction.


A profile of a jaguar.


Better look at their pattern.


Another artist's rendition used for inspiration.