How to Draw the Virgin Mary: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

This guided drawing tutorial is perfect for children and beginners looking to create a respectful portrait of the Virgin Mary. You will only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. Follow these simple steps to build confidence in your portrait sketching skills while creating a beautiful, meaningful piece of art.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, colored portrait of the Virgin Mary, serving as the featured guide image.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Face Shape

Pencil sketch showing the initial U-shaped jawline and hairline for the Virgin Mary portrait.

Begin by sketching the maiden's face. Use a soft, curved line to create a wide 'U' shaped jaw and an inverted 'V' for the hairline. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape if it looks a bit lopsided.

Step 2: Outlining the Headscarf

Drawing the draped headscarf around the face with lines indicating fabric folds.

Extend a long, curved line from the hair to frame the face, then draw a second parallel line to represent the headscarf. Add a few smaller curved lines to suggest the natural folds of the fabric. Tip: Think of these as soft, flowing ribbons of cloth.

Step 3: Completing the Head Covering

Adding the final curved lines to complete the draped headscarf over the head.

Bring the headscarf lines together at the top of the head to form a point. From there, draw a long, sweeping curve down to the cheek to complete the drape. Tip: Use a fluid motion with your wrist to get a smooth, natural-looking curve.

Step 4: Drawing the Neckline

Sketching the neck and the collar of the garment below the chin.

Draw two short, curved lines beneath the chin to form the neck. Enclose these with a parallel line to create the collar of the garment. Tip: Keep the neck narrow to maintain the proportions of the portrait.

Step 5: Sketching the Bodice

Adding lines to define the bodice and connect the garment to the headscarf.

Connect the neck of the garment to the headscarf using curved lines. Use overlapping strokes to suggest the bodice of the dress. Tip: Overlapping lines help create a sense of depth and fabric texture.

Step 6: Adding the Sash

Drawing a sash with zigzag details around the waist area of the garment.

Draw a horizontal curved line across the bodice and connect it with short vertical lines. Add small zigzag lines on the sides to represent the sash or belt. Tip: Zigzags are a great way to show where fabric is bunched or tied.

Step 7: Adding Facial Features

Adding hair texture and arched eyebrows to the face.

Complete the hair with a short line meeting the scarf, then add texture with various curved lines. Draw two thick, curved lines for the eyebrows. Tip: Eyebrows define the expression, so keep them gentle and arched.

Step 8: Drawing the Eyes

Detailed drawing of the eyes using nested circles for pupils and irises.

For the eyes, draw three nested circles. Shade the smallest center circle to create the pupil. Tip: If you want the eyes to look bright, leave a tiny white dot unshaded in the pupil to represent a light reflection.

Step 9: Final Facial Details

Adding the final nose and mouth details using simple curved lines.

Use small 'U' shaped lines to define the nose and mouth. Keep these lines very subtle to maintain a soft, peaceful expression. Tip: Less is more when drawing a nose; a simple curve is often enough.

Step 10: Adding Color

The completed and colored portrait of the Virgin Mary.

Bring your drawing to life with color! Use soft blues for the headscarf and neutral tones for the garment. Tip: Use colored pencils and layer your colors lightly to create a smooth, blended look.