St. Francis of Assisi Drawing: Fun & Easy Kids Art Guide

Saint Francis of Assisi, the beloved patron saint of animals and the environment, is an inspiring figure for children to learn about. Born in Italy in the 12th century, Francis left behind a legacy of simplicity, peace, and love for all living things. Learning to draw Francis can be a fun and engaging way for kids to connect with this fascinating saint. Let's dive in and discover how to create your own Saint Francis of Assisi drawing for kids.

Before we start, it's essential to understand a bit about Saint Francis and his symbol. Francis is often depicted with a cloak, a tunic with a hood, and a beard. He is typically seen with his hands together in prayer, and he's often accompanied by birds or other animals. The symbol of the stigmata, which are the marks of Christ's wounds on his hands, feet, and side, may also be present in some depictions.

Gathering Your Materials

To create a drawing of Saint Francis of Assisi for kids, you'll need a few simple supplies. Here's a list to get you started:

• Pencil and eraser (itional colors for shading and details are optional)
• Paper or a sketchbook
• optionally, colored pencils or markers for colored drawings

Starting with an Outline

Begin by sketching a simple outline of Saint Francis. You can start with a basic stick figure to represent the shape of his body. A simple circle for the head, a smaller circle for the face, and two curved lines for the torso and legs will do. Add basic arm and leg shapes as well.

Once you have the basic form, draw a simple tunic and hood over the body. Add a beard and a simple cross to the tunic. At this stage, don't worry about making it look perfect. The goal is to establish the basic shapes and proportion of the figure.

Adding Detail to Your Saint Francis Drawing

Now that you have a basic outline, it's time to add details to your Saint Francis of Assisi drawing. Start by drawing his beard and hair. Francis is typically depicted with a full beard and short, curly hair. You can use short, curved lines to show the texture of the hair and the beard.

Next, draw the stigmata on Francis's hands. You can represent these as small, curved lines on the palms of his hands. Also, don't forget to draw the openings of his cloak and tunic, and give him a simple staff to hold.

Adding Animals and Symbols

No Saint Francis of Assisi drawing for kids would be complete without some of his beloved animal friends. Start by drawing a few simple birds perched on Francis's shoulders or staff. Remember, Francis is known for his love of all creatures, so feel free to add as many animals as you like!

Another perfect symbol to add to your drawing is a simple oak tree. Francis had a deep respect for nature, and he often retreated to a small hill near Assisi to pray. This hill was known as Monte Alverno, and a simple oak tree is a great way to represent this important place in Francis's life.

Shading and Coloring Your Saint Francis Drawing

Once you have the basic shapes and details in place, it's time to add some depth and dimension to your drawing with shading. Use a pencil to lightly shade the areas of Francis's body that would be in shadow. This will help to give your drawing a more realistic look.

If you're using colored pencils or markers, now's the time to add color to your drawing. Remember, Francis typically wears brown robes, so start with a light brown color for his tunic and cloak. You can use different shades of brown to show where the clothing is folded or wrinkled. Don't forget to add color to his skin, beard, and hair as well.

Final Touches

Before you sign your name to your Saint Francis of Assisi drawing for kids, take a moment to look it over and make any final adjustments. Remember, drawings are always meant to be a representation of reality, not an exact copy. So don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to your creation!

Now that you've finished your drawing, why not share it with others? You could share it with your friends, family, or even hang it up in your classroom. Who knows, maybe your Saint Francis of Assisi drawing will inspire others to learn more about this fascinating saint!

And there you have it – a simple guide to help you create your own Saint Francis of Assisi drawing for kids. Whether you're using it for a school project, a fun activity, or just to learn more about this inspiring saint, we hope you enjoy your drawing journey. Happy creating!