How to Draw a Harriet Tubman

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Learn how to draw Harriet Tubman as a simple cartoon figure holding a lantern. This drawing for beginners practices a wrapped head covering, clothing, and small accessories.

Preview of Harriet Tubman drawing
Preview of Harriet Tubman drawing

This easy drawing tutorial breaks the shapes into six manageable stages. Follow the step by step drawing at your own pace.

What You Will Need

  • Drawing paper
  • A pencil and eraser
  • Colored pencils or crayons, if desired

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Time needed:

12 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Outline the Head and Covering

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman drawing begins with a rounded face, scalloped hairline, and wrapped head covering.

Draw a rounded face beneath a scalloped hairline with a central part. Add a domed head covering, a sweeping front band, and a short fold.

Pro Tip: Leave a generous open area inside the face for features.

Step 2: Add the Facial Features

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman gains ears, expressive eyes, eyebrows, a small nose, and a smile.

Draw two ears with inner curves beside the face. Add highlighted eyes, eyelashes, arched eyebrows, a tiny curved nose, and a smile.

Pro Tip: Keep the eyes at a similar height across the face.

Step 3: Draw the Scarf and Arms

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman gains a knotted neck scarf, two sleeves, and rounded hands.

Draw a neck scarf with a central knot, pointed ends, and fold lines. Extend sloping sleeves outward and add a rounded hand at each cuff.

Pro Tip: Place the scarf knot directly beneath the chin.

Step 4: Shape the Dress and Apron

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman gains a fitted bodice, waistband, flared dress, and apron.

Draw the bodice sides and a narrow curved waistband. Extend a flared skirt below, then add a smaller apron panel inside.

Pro Tip: Keep the apron hem above the dress hem.

Step 5: Add the Lantern

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman gains a hanging lantern with a window, flame, frame, and base.

Draw a loop handle hanging below the hand on the left. Add a rounded lantern frame, inner window, flame with crossing support lines, and stacked base.

Pro Tip: Leave a little space between the lantern and skirt.

Step 6: Finish the Cane and Shoes

how to draw a harriet tubman - Harriet Tubman is completed with a hooked cane and two rounded shoes.

Draw a long narrow cane beneath the hand on the right. Add its curved top and two small rounded shoes below the skirt.

Pro Tip: Extend the cane slightly lower than the dress hem.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

how to draw a harriet tubman - Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

  • This Harriet Tubman drawing uses a large head and small body for a simplified cartoon style.
  • The lantern and cane create different silhouettes on either side of the Harriet Tubman figure.

Pin it now, Draw later!

how to draw a harriet tubman pinterest pin

Your Harriet Tubman drawing now includes a wrapped head covering, scarf, dress, lantern, and cane. Add gentle colors and keep the small accessory details easy to see. Try drawing Harriet Tubman again to practice the clothing curves.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

Printable Harriet Tubman Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Harriet Tubman Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Harriet Tubman drawing a realistic portrait?

It is a simplified cartoon interpretation, with large facial features and a small body.

How can I simplify Harriet Tubman’s lantern?

Keep the outer frame, handle, and flame clear before adding the thin support lines.

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