How to Draw Cleopatra: Easy 10-Step Historical Portrait

Bring history to life with this step-by-step Cleopatra portrait, perfect for young artists ages 7 and up. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and your favorite coloring markers to complete this royal figure. Follow along to master the iconic Egyptian headdress and regal profile.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Profile

Begin by drawing the bridge of the nose and the brow line. Add a thick, bold line for the eyebrow and a classic winged eyeliner shape. Tip: Draw the pupil as a small, shaded oval to give her a focused, regal gaze.

Step 2: Defining the Face

Drawing the lower face, lips, and neck contour of Cleopatra.

Connect the nose to the upper and lower lips, then curve the line down to form the chin and neck. Tip: Keep the chin line smooth and rounded to give her a graceful, youthful appearance.

Step 3: Framing the Hair

Outlining the rectangular shape of Cleopatra's hair around her face.

Use long, sweeping curved lines to sketch the rectangular shape of her iconic bob-style hair. Tip: Make sure the lines are symmetrical on both sides of the face for a balanced look.

Step 4: The Royal Headdress

Adding the bird figurine detail to the top of Cleopatra's headdress.

Draw the base of the headdress using straight lines. Above it, sketch the body of a bird figurine. Tip: Use a small circle for the bird's eye to make it look alert and detailed.

Step 5: Adding Wing Details

Detailing the bird wing feathers on the headdress with parallel lines.

Create the bird's wing pattern using parallel lines. Add rectangular shapes for the feathers. Tip: Keep your spacing consistent to make the wing look organized and professional.

Step 6: Wing and Tail Feathers

Adding tail feathers and wing ovals to the headdress design.

Draw ovals along the wing and add the tail feathers at the back using 'U' shaped lines. Tip: Imagine the tail is like a ponytail being held by a band to help you place the lines correctly.

Step 7: The Cobra Symbol

Drawing the cobra symbol on the front of the headdress.

Add texture to the bird with wavy lines, then draw a cobra above it. Enclose a teardrop shape for the snake's hood. Tip: The cobra is a symbol of Egyptian royalty, so take your time to make it look proud and upright.

Step 8: Finalizing the Headdress

Adding side snake details and finishing the hair outline.

Draw two more snake heads on either side of the first one. Extend a long curved line from the back to complete the hair. Tip: Use small, dark dots for the snake eyes to make them stand out.

Step 9: Drawing the Torso

Sketching the shoulders and garment details of Cleopatra.

Use soft, curved lines to draw the queen's shoulders and torso. Add simple lines to suggest the folds of her garment. Tip: Keep these lines light to represent the flow of fabric.

Step 10: Adding Color

Fully colored illustration of Cleopatra with gold, blue, and black accents.

Your outline is ready! Use deep blacks for the hair and vibrant gold for the headdress. Add touches of blue to the garments for a royal Egyptian finish. Tip: Use a light yellow under the gold to make it pop!