St Francis of Assisi Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Simply in 6 Easy Steps

Saint Francis of Assisi, renowned for his love of nature and simple living, is a popular subject for artists and sketch enthusiasts alike. His serene and humble demeanor provides an excellent starting point for those learning to draw. If you're interested in illustrating this beloved saint, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of Francis of Assisi, exploring his life, iconic trademarks, and provide a step-by-step process to help you capture his spirit in your artwork.

Before we dive into the drawing process, let's briefly explore the fascinating life of Saint Francis. Born in 1182 in Assisi, Italy, Francesco di Bernardone, as he was originally known, renounced his wealthy upbringing and founded the Franciscan Order. His commitment to poverty, chastity, and obedience, along with his love for all creatures, has inspired generations of artists and outliers. His most recognizable symbol, the Brown Robe, embodies his rejection of worldly possessions and dedication to a humble life.

Understanding Saint Francis of Assisi's Appearance

To capture Saint Francis in your drawings, you should acquaint yourself with his physical appearance. Historically, he is depicted as a man with a humble demeanor, often depicted with a tonsure (a circular patch where the hair has been shaved), reflecting his dedication to religious life. His most distinctive feature is his beard, often represented as long, unkempt, and pointing downwards, symbolizing his ascetic lifestyle. His eyes are frequently portrayed as thoughtful and introspective, reflecting his deep spirituality and connection with nature.

Saint Francis' clothing serves as another significant aspect in his representation. As the founder of the Franciscan Order, he adopted the brown robe, or "habit," as a symbol of his poverty and humility. This habit features a hood, a long tunic, and sometimes a scapular, a piece of clothing worn over the habit. The habit also has a cincture, a rope belt tied around the waist, signifying chastity.

Brief History of Saint Francis of Assisi in Art

Throughout the centuries, Saint Francis has been a beloved subject in art, with numerous masterpieces depicting his life and teachings. Giotto's famous series in the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi and Cimabue's Crucifixion with Saint Francis at Santa Croce are notable examples. These works, along with many others, provide valuable insights into the visual representation of Saint Francis and can serve as inspiration for your drawings.

Modern interpretations of Saint Francis also offer unique takes on the saint's image. From expressively styled drawings to minimalist interpretations, exploring contemporary artwork can help you infuse freshness and individuality into your own depictions of Saint Francis.

Materials and Reference Photos

Before you start sketching, gather your materials. For beginners, a simple pencil and paper are sufficient. As you advance, you may want to explore other mediums like charcoal, watercolor, or digital art. Having a good reference photo is essential. Look for high-quality images of Francis that capture his humble demeanor, and ensure they're well-lit to clearly see the details.

You can find various reference photos online. Websites like Pinterest, Unsplash, and Wikimedia Commons offer a wealth of images. When selecting a reference, choose one that captures the spirit of Saint Francis, and avoid images that are heavily stylized or depict him in unrealistic ways.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Saint Francis of Assisi

Now that we're familiar with Saint Francis' life and appearance, let's delve into the step-by-step process of drawing him. This process assumes you have a basic understanding of drawing fundamentals like proportion and shading. We'll start with a simple portrait and gradually build complexity.

Remember, drawing is an ongoing learning process. Don't strive for perfection right away; instead, focus on understanding the underlying structure and proportions. With practice, your skill will improve, and you'll develop your unique style.

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Outline

Begin by lightly sketching the outline of Saint Francis' head and shoulders. Using a standard 3:4 or 4:5 head-to-body proportion, sketch a circle for the head and a larger oval for the shoulders. Position the shoulders at the halfway point of the figure. For the face, imagine a horizontal line dividing it into three equal parts, with the bottom third serving as the chin and the upper two-thirds as the rest of the face.

Draw a simple cross shape inside the circle to mark the placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth. These lines should divide the face into equal quadrants, with the vertical line running through the middle and the horizontal line just below the midpoint of the head. Adjust the size and position of these lines to accommodate the specific look of Saint Francis you're aiming to capture.

Step 2: Refine the Features

Once you have a basic outline in place, start refining Saint Francis' features. Begin with the eyes, drawing almond-shaped structures with a slightly mournful cast, reflecting his deeply spiritual nature. Place the eyes midway between the top of the head and the chin, with the irises (the colored part of the eye) positioned about one third of the way from the inner corner. Shade the eyes lightly, adding depth and dimension.

Next, draw the nose and mouth. Francis' nose is typically portrayed as aquiline,Projection. Place the base of the nose directly below the halfway point of the vertical line, and make it slightly wider than the eyes. The mouth should be positioned one third of the way down the face. To capture his thoughtful expression, draw the lips relaxed and slightly parted, with a hint of a wry smile.

Step 3: Add the Beard and Tonsure

Saint Francis' most recognizable feature is his long, unkempt beard. Starting at the chin, draw a series of lines radiating downwards, tapering as they reach the bottom of the page. To suggest the texture of the beard, vary the thickness and spacing of the lines. For the tonsure, simply draw a circular area of scalp, exposing the skin beneath the hairline. To avoid making the head look misshapen, maintain the overall roundness of the head as you draw the tonsure.

Before moving on, take a moment to refine the overall proportions of the face. Make adjustments to the size of the features and their placement relative to one another. This will help ensure that your drawing is balanced and accurate.

Step 4: Draw the Habit

Saint Francis' habit should be depicted as a simple, loose-fitting tunic, with a hood that partially covers his tonsure and falls to his shoulders. Draw two curved lines from the top of the head, following the contour of the face and joining at the chin to form the bottom of the hood. The tunic should be depicted with a smooth, flowy line that defines the edge of the fabric, with a slight crease somewhere along the middle to suggest the width of the habit. Add a rope belt tied at the waist to signify chastity.

To add depth and dimension, lightly indicate the fold where the tunic tucks into the rope belt. Finally, add some simple pleats around the neck and shoulders where the cloth lies flat against the body.

Step 5: Shading and Refining

Once you're satisfied with the basic shapes and proportions, begin shading your drawing. Start with the eyes, adding a layer of tone to the irises and a gentle gradation to the whites, focusing on the highlights and catchlights that give the eyes their spark. Use a light touch, as it's easier to build up shading than it is to remove it. For the beard, create a subtle sense of texture by lightly hatching lines to suggest the direction of the hair growth and the way the light catches its surface.

As you move on to the habit, use shading to suggest the form and texture of the fabric. Observe how the light catches the cloth, highlighting the curves of the body and the folds of the material. Use hatching and cross-hatching to build up the tone, varying the direction and density of the lines to create a sense of depth. Remember to leave some areas unshaded to preserve the brightness and vitality of your drawing.

Step 6: Final Touches

With the basic shading complete, take a moment to step back and assess your drawing. Look for any areas that require further development or refinement, and make any necessary adjustments. Use a kneaded eraser to lift out highlights and bring back any bright areas that have been lost in the shading process. Finally, darken any areas that still feel too light, ensuring the full range of your medium is represented in your drawing.

Don't be disheartened if your first few attempts at drawing Saint Francis don't meet your expectations. Drawing is a skill that improves with practice, and each attempt is an opportunity to learn and grow. Keep refining your techniques, and don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and approaches.

As you develop your skills and gain confidence in your ability to capture the essence of Saint Francis, you may find that your artwork begins to reflect your unique perspective on the saint's life and legacy. Embrace this individuality, and let your love for Saint Francis inspire you to create unique, captivating artwork that pays homage to this remarkable figure.

Happy drawing, and may Saint Francis of Assisi serve as a constant source of inspiration and guidance in your artistic journey!