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GRADES 3–5 · Hair · Cartoon Portraits

Draw Hair in Big Shapes: 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 hair in big shapes. 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

Hair is a mass before it is individual strands. 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 light head shape and locate the hairline.
  3. Draw the outside silhouette with volume beyond the skull.
  4. Add a few long direction lines in groups, leaving light spaces.
  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 light head shape and locate the hairline. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Does the hair have volume rather than sticking flat to the head? 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 Hair in Big Shapes: 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 the hair have volume rather than sticking flat to the head? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________