How to Draw Mother Teresa: Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Capture the gentle spirit of Mother Teresa with this approachable portrait tutorial. Designed for ages 8+, this lesson focuses on facial proportions and expressive line work. You will need a pencil, an eraser, and a black marker to bring this historical figure to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Completed portrait of Mother Teresa in a simple, clean drawing style.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyes

Close-up sketch of Mother Teresa's eyes showing almond shapes and pupil shading.

Start by drawing two almond-shaped outlines for the eyes. Add small circles inside for the pupils and shade them in. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light here so you can easily adjust the symmetry if needed.

Step 2: Defining Brows and Nose

Drawing the eyebrows and nose bridge for the Mother Teresa portrait.

Add thick, expressive eyebrows above the eyes to show character. Use a simple curved line to define the bridge of the nose. Teacher's Tip: Use short, quick strokes to mimic the natural texture of eyebrows.

Step 3: Face Shape and Smile

Outlining the face shape and adding a gentle smile to the portrait.

Draw a long, soft curve for the jawline. Add a gentle, smiling mouth and small dimples. Teacher's Tip: A slight curve upward at the corners of the mouth creates a warm, compassionate expression.

Step 4: Adding the Headscarf

Sketching the headscarf framing the face of Mother Teresa.

Sketch the iconic headscarf using long, flowing lines that frame the face and cover the ears. Teacher's Tip: Think of the scarf as a soft fabric draped over the head; keep your lines rounded, not sharp.

Step 5: Drawing the Sari

Adding the sari garment lines around the neck and shoulders.

Extend the scarf down to the shoulders and draw the neckline of the sari. Teacher's Tip: Use a single continuous line for the drape to make the fabric look natural and flowing.

Step 6: Adding Fabric Detail

Adding parallel lines to the headscarf to represent fabric folds.

Draw parallel lines along the edge of the scarf to show the folds of the fabric. Teacher's Tip: Keep these lines spaced evenly to create a clean, professional look.

Step 7: The Signature Stripes

Drawing the signature blue stripes on the headscarf and shoulder.

Add the iconic blue stripes to the headscarf and shoulder. Teacher's Tip: These three lines are a historical detail—take your time to keep them parallel.

Step 8: Refining Features

Adding subtle contour lines to the chin and lips for realistic detail.

Use small, light curved lines to contour the lips and chin. Teacher's Tip: Less is more! A few subtle lines suggest age and wisdom without over-complicating the drawing.

Step 9: Final Contours

Finalizing the facial contours around the eyes and cheeks.

Add soft lines around the eyes and cheeks to complete the facial structure. Teacher's Tip: Use a very sharp pencil for these final details to keep the lines crisp.

Step 10: Adding Color

Finished Mother Teresa drawing with blue stripes and soft shading.

Time to color! Use white for the sari and a deep, vibrant blue for the stripes. Teacher's Tip: Use a light grey pencil to add soft shadows in the folds of the white fabric to give it depth.