How to Draw Amelia Earhart: Easy 10-Step Portrait Guide

Celebrate aviation history by drawing the legendary Amelia Earhart. This tutorial is perfect for ages 8+ and requires only a pencil, eraser, and paper. Follow these steps to capture her iconic flying gear and adventurous spirit in a fun, approachable portrait style.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Final colored illustration of Amelia Earhart wearing her aviator cap and goggles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Close-up pencil sketch of Amelia Earhart's almond-shaped eyes with detailed pupils.

Draw two almond-shaped eyes using soft, curved lines. Inside each, add two smaller circles and shade the center one for the pupil. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the symmetry later.

Step 2: Defining Facial Features

Pencil drawing showing the addition of eyebrows and the bridge of the nose.

Add curved lines for the eyebrows, eyelids, and the bridge of the nose. Teacher's Tip: Use very light, feathery strokes for the nose bridge to keep the face looking soft and natural.

Step 3: Adding the Smile

Pencil sketch focusing on the nose and a smiling mouth.

Contour the tip of the nose and draw a gentle, smiling mouth. Teacher's Tip: A slight upward curve at the corners of the mouth gives her a friendly, determined expression.

Step 4: Shaping the Face and Cap

Drawing showing the outline of the face and the start of the leather flying cap.

Outline the face with a long, smooth curve and add lines on the sides for the base of her flying cap. Teacher's Tip: Ensure the face shape is rounded at the chin for a balanced look.

Step 5: Drawing the Goggles

Pencil sketch adding the iconic aviator goggles over the forehead.

Draw the top of the cap and two irregular ovals above the eyes for the goggles. Teacher's Tip: Make the goggles slightly wider than the eyes to give them a realistic, vintage feel.

Step 6: Detailing the Goggles

Drawing showing the detailed straps and frames of the aviator goggles.

Connect the lenses with curved lines and outline the top and bottom of the goggles. Teacher's Tip: Use a steady hand here to ensure the lines look like sturdy leather straps.

Step 7: Adding the Neck and Collar

Pencil sketch showing the neck and the start of the jacket collar.

Draw a center line on the cap, then sketch the neck and the collar of her jacket. Teacher's Tip: The collar should be wide to emphasize the heavy material of a pilot's jacket.

Step 8: Drawing the Shoulders

Drawing showing the shoulders and jacket structure.

Complete the jacket collar and add the shoulders. Teacher's Tip: Use slightly curved lines for the shoulders to give the jacket a natural, draped appearance.

Step 9: Final Details

Pencil sketch adding final details like buttons and the shirt collar.

Add the shirt collar beneath the jacket and draw small ovals for the buttons. Teacher's Tip: Keep the buttons aligned to make the jacket look neat and professional.

Step 10: Coloring Your Portrait

Finished, colored portrait of Amelia Earhart in her aviator gear.

Bring your drawing to life! Use brown for the leather jacket and cap. Amelia was known for her blond hair and gray eyes. Teacher's Tip: Use light shading on the jacket to show texture.