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GRADES 3–5 · Expressions · Cartoon Portraits

Show a Surprised Face: Make a Cartoon

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Create three cartoon design trials and two consistent drawings of your chosen design, focusing on show a surprised face. Use the subject steps as practice before making this final pair or set.

Shared feature reference for Expressions
Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Change feature shapes while keeping the same character. Invent an original cartoon interpretation. Exaggerate a drawing choice rather than mocking a real person or a group.

  1. Start from the observed shape. Choose one feature to enlarge, shorten, widen, or curve more strongly; sketch three tiny options.
  2. Draw a familiar face lightly.
  3. Lift the brows and change the eye and mouth openings.
  4. Make a small-surprise and big-surprise version without changing the head shape.
  5. Pick one option and redraw it clearly. Keep it consistent in a second pose or expression. Use bold, selective lines instead of realistic shading.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Adding small details before the main shapes and placement are clear.

Repair: Return to the first subject step: Draw a familiar face lightly. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Does it still look like the same person? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

Show a Surprised Face: Make a Cartoon · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Observe and plan
2 · First drawing
3 · Change one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Does it still look like the same person? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________