How to Draw Martin Luther King for Kids

Drawing is a wonderful way for children to express themselves and learn about important figures in history. Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most influential figures in American history, and his message of peace, equality, and justice continues to inspire people around the world. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to draw Martin Luther King for kids, making it easy and fun for them to create their own artistic representation of this remarkable leader.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary materials. You will need a piece of paper, a pencil, an eraser, and some colored pencils or markers. If you prefer, you can also use crayons or watercolors.

Step 2: Outline the Head

Begin by drawing a circle for Martin Luther King Jr.’s head. Make sure the circle is not too large, as it should represent a face rather than a head. This will help maintain a realistic proportion for the rest of the drawing.

Step 3: Draw the Eyes

Next, draw two small circles inside the head to represent Martin Luther King Jr.’s eyes. Make sure the eyes are slightly larger than the head to maintain the correct proportion. You can add a small line below each eye to represent the eyebrows.

Step 4: Add the Nose and Mouth

Draw a small, curved line for the nose, just below the eyes. Then, draw a wide, smiling mouth with two separate lines for the lips. Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his friendly and approachable smile, so make sure to emphasize this feature.

Step 5: Outline the Face

Using a light pencil, outline the face, paying attention to the shape of the head and the features you have already drawn. This will help you see the overall structure of the face and make it easier to add details later.

Step 6: Draw the Hair

Martin Luther King Jr. had a distinctive hairstyle, characterized by his close-cropped hair and sideburns. Begin by drawing a straight line for the hairline, then add a series of short, straight lines to represent the hair. Pay attention to the texture and direction of the hair, as this will add depth to your drawing.

Step 7: Add the Ears

Draw two small, curved lines on either side of the head to represent Martin Luther King Jr.’s ears. Make sure the ears are not too large, as they should blend in with the head.

Step 8: Outline the Neck and Shirt

Draw a thin, curved line for the neck, connecting the head to the body. Then, draw a simple shirt with a collar and sleeves. Martin Luther King Jr. was often seen wearing a suit, so you can choose to draw a jacket or a simple shirt, depending on the style you prefer.

Step 9: Add the Hands and Arms

Draw two small, rounded shapes for the hands, with fingers extending from the bottom. Then, draw two thin, curved lines for the arms, connecting the hands to the body. Make sure the arms are long enough to reach the shoulders.

Step 10: Color Your Drawing

Finally, it’s time to color your drawing. Use a variety of colors to bring Martin Luther King Jr.’s face and clothing to life. You can choose to use realistic colors or get creative with your own interpretation.

Drawing Martin Luther King Jr. for kids is a great way to teach them about his life and legacy. By following these simple steps, children can create their own unique representation of this inspiring leader, while also honing their artistic skills.