How to Draw Helen Keller: Easy 9-Step Portrait Guide

Bring history to life with this step-by-step portrait guide, perfect for students ages 8 and up. You will need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to capture Helen Keller’s likeness. This lesson focuses on facial proportions and expressive features, helping you build confidence in drawing historical figures.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Close-up sketch of Helen Keller's eyes showing two almond-shaped outlines with pupils and irises.

Draw two curved lines that don't quite meet at the corners to form the eye shape. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light here; if you make a mistake, it will be much easier to erase without leaving marks on your paper.

Step 2: Adding Brows and Lashes

Detailed sketch of eyes with added thick eyebrows and fine eyelashes.

Sketch thick, slightly arched eyebrows above the eyes, then add delicate curved lines for the eyelids and short strokes for eyelashes. Teacher's Tip: Use short, flicking motions with your pencil to make the eyelashes look natural rather than stiff.

Step 3: Defining the Nose and Mouth

Sketch showing the placement of the nose and a smiling mouth below the eyes.

Draw the tip of the nose using a soft curve, then sketch a gentle, smiling mouth. Teacher's Tip: Add tiny lines at the corners of the mouth to give her a warm, realistic expression.

Step 4: Shaping the Face and Hairline

The outline of the face shape and initial hair sketch added to the facial features.

Outline the jawline with two smooth curves and begin sketching the hair framing the face. Teacher's Tip: Focus on the curve of the chin to ensure the face looks balanced.

Step 5: Adding Ears and Hair Volume

Sketch showing the addition of an ear and more volume to the hairstyle.

Draw the ear visible on the side of the head and continue the hair with long, flowing curved lines. Teacher's Tip: Use a small 'C' shape inside the ear to give it depth and realism.

Step 6: Drawing the Neck and Shoulders

The neck and shoulder lines are drawn, connecting the head to the torso.

Extend long, smooth lines from the chin and ear to form the neck and shoulders. Teacher's Tip: Make sure the neck isn't too thin; it should support the head naturally.

Step 7: Designing the Garment

A scalloped collar is added to the neck area of the drawing.

Add a scalloped line across the neck to represent the collar of her garment. Teacher's Tip: Scalloped lines look like a soft lace edge—take your time to make them even.

Step 8: Adding Clothing Details

Clothing details including sleeves and buttons are added to the portrait.

Contour the sleeves and add two round buttons near the collar. Teacher's Tip: Adding small details like buttons makes your historical portrait look much more authentic.

Step 9: Final Texturing

Final sketch with added hair texture lines to complete the portrait.

Add curved lines throughout the hair to create texture and movement. Teacher's Tip: Follow the natural flow of the hair to make it look soft and realistic.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

Completed Helen Keller portrait with color applied to the hair and clothing.

Your outline is complete! Use shades of brown or black for her hair to finish your portrait. Teacher's Tip: Use light, circular motions when coloring to keep the texture smooth and professional.