← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

Print this handout using your browser’s Print / Save as PDF. Student instructions and practice print; the teacher notes stay on screen.

GRADES 3–5 · Hair · Cartoon Portraits

Draw Coils and Texture: Make a Cartoon

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

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

Shared feature reference for Hair
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

Texture can be suggested without drawing every hair. 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. Observe the silhouette and hairline.
  3. Make light and dark groups that follow the hairstyle.
  4. Add short curved marks in selected places; keep some areas quiet.
  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: Observe the silhouette and hairline. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Did you preserve the observed shape instead of filling everything with marks? 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.

Draw Coils and Texture: 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: Did you preserve the observed shape instead of filling everything with marks? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________