How to Draw Cartoon Donald Trump
Ever since Donald Trump's political ascendancy, his distinctive features have become a familiar sight in cartoon form. From late-night talk shows to political satire, cartoonists have been drawing Trump with remarkable consistency. Now, you can master the art of drawing him too, with this comprehensive guide.
Before you dive in, gather your materials: a pencil, eraser, paper, and reference images. You'll also want a tablet or scanner for digitalzing your work, if desired.
Understanding Trump's Facial Features
Trump's facial features are distinct and exaggerated, making him recognizable even in simple line drawings. Here are two key traits to focus on.
Hair and Likeness
Trump's hair is perhaps his most recognizable feature. It's a distinctive, swept-back style that you can simplify into a few curved lines. His face is round, with a double chin and heavy jowls.
Don't try to capture a perfect likeness initially. Instead, focus on getting the proportions and basic shapes right. You can build details from there.
Expressive Mouth
Trump's mouth is often drawn in a distinctive 'O' shape, reflecting his speaking style and emotional expressions. Practice drawing this shape with varying line thickness and curves to capture different tones.
A trick used by many cartoonists is to draw the 'O' first, then build the rest of the face around it. This helps maintain consistency in his expression.
Drawing the Basic Head Shape
Start with a simple oval to capture Trump's round face shape. Divide this oval into three horizontal sections: the top for the hair, the middle for the eyes and nose, and the bottom for the mouth.
Defining the Hairline
Trump's hairline is high and distinct, swooping up at the temples. Use a series of curved lines to capture this shape, starting at the forehead and rounding back over the top of the head.
Don't be afraid to exaggerate and simplify. Remember, you're drawing a cartoon, not a photograph.
Adding Facial Features
From the middle section of the face, draw two horizontal lines for the eyes. Centered between these, draw a small upside-down triangle for the nose. Underneath the nose, sketch a curved 'O' for the mouth.
Given Trump's expressive style, consider playing with eye and mouth shapes to convey different emotions. For a starting point, try mimicking common expressions from reference images.
Refining Your Drawing
With the basic features sketched out, it's time to add details and refine your drawing. Start by solidifying the hairline with heavier, darker lines.
Defining the Eyes and Brows
Trump's eyes are small and usually depicted with a surprised or serious expression. For the eyes, use two small circles on your horizontal lines. Then, draw squiggly lines above them for eyebrows.
For a more presidential look, you can also draw glasses over the eyes, with a simple frame and lenses.
Shading and Details
Use cross-hatching or stippling techniques to shade the hair, face, and clothes. Remember, a light source is crucial for cartoon shading. It helps create depth and dimension.
Finally, add any remaining details, such as Trump's signature tie or a hand gesture. Don't forget to lightly sketch Trump's distinctive ear shape as well.
Congratulations, you've just drawn Donald Trump in cartoon form! Practice makes perfect, so keep drawing and refining your skills. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be sketching the next big political cartoon.