Harriet Tubman is one of the most iconic figures in American history, celebrated for her bravery, compassion, and leadership in the fight against slavery. As more educators and parents look for creative ways to teach children about historical heroes, easy drawings of Harriet Tubman have become a popular tool. These simple illustrations help make history more accessible to young learners while also encouraging artistic expression. Creating an easy drawing of Harriet Tubman not only introduces her story but also helps children engage with important social values like courage, freedom, and equality through visual art.
Why Draw Harriet Tubman?
Making History Tangible
Many children find history easier to understand when they can visualize it. Drawing Harriet Tubman allows young artists to connect with her story on a personal level. By illustrating her face, clothing, and surroundings, students begin to internalize the courage and determination she showed during her life.
Celebrating Black History
Creating art related to Harriet Tubman can be a valuable part of Black History Month or social studies lessons. An easy drawing project can spark conversations about the Underground Railroad, slavery, civil rights, and the power of individual action in the face of injustice.
Preparing for the Drawing
Materials You’ll Need
- Pencil and eraser
- Black marker or pen (for outlines)
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers (optional for coloring)
- Blank paper
Before starting, it’s helpful to look at historical photos or portraits of Harriet Tubman. Most depict her with a serious, determined expression, often wearing a headscarf or shawl. These visual details will help guide the drawing process while maintaining historical respect.
Understanding Key Features
For a basic yet respectful drawing of Harriet Tubman, focus on the following features:
- Strong facial features (brows, eyes, and lips)
- A headscarf tied around her head
- Modest 19th-century clothing such as a shawl or dress
Keeping the drawing simple ensures that even beginner artists or younger children can participate. It also allows room for creativity in how they portray her background or pose.
Step-by-Step: Easy Drawing of Harriet Tubman
Step 1: Sketch the Head Shape
Start by drawing an oval or rounded shape to represent Harriet Tubman’s head. Make sure it’s placed toward the top of the page, leaving room for the body below.
Step 2: Draw Facial Guidelines
Lightly sketch a vertical line down the middle of the face and a horizontal line across the center. These lines will help place the eyes, nose, and mouth in the right proportions.
Step 3: Add the Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
- Place the eyes along the horizontal guideline, evenly spaced on either side of the vertical line.
- Add small curved lines for the eyebrows just above the eyes.
- Draw the nose using a soft L shape with rounded nostrils underneath.
- For the mouth, draw a simple curved line below the nose. Harriet Tubman is often shown with a calm or serious expression.
Step 4: Outline the Headscarf
Using the head shape as a guide, draw a curved band around the top of the head to form the scarf. Add some folds or creases to show texture. On one side, you can draw the ends of the scarf tied into a small knot or tucked in neatly.
Step 5: Draw the Body and Clothes
- From the head, draw two lines going down and outward to form the shoulders.
- Sketch a shawl draped over her shoulders, with a few folds to show fabric detail.
- Add a simple dress or coat underneath. Use soft curves for the sleeves and a straight line down the middle for the front seam.
Step 6: Add Background Elements (Optional)
If you want to add context, include trees, a lantern, stars, or railroad tracks in the background. These symbols can represent the Underground Railroad and Tubman’s nighttime journeys to guide enslaved people to freedom.
Step 7: Ink and Color
Once you’re happy with your pencil sketch, trace over the lines using a black marker or pen. Erase any extra pencil marks. Add color if desired common colors might include a dark brown for skin tone, muted blues or grays for clothing, and earth tones for the background.
Tips for Educators and Parents
Encourage Respectful Representation
When guiding children through a Harriet Tubman drawing activity, emphasize the importance of treating the subject with respect. Explain her role in history and why she is honored today. This helps ensure that the drawing is seen as a tribute rather than just a fun exercise.
Use Drawing as a Teaching Tool
- Pair the drawing with a reading about Harriet Tubman’s life.
- Watch age-appropriate documentaries or animated videos about her contributions.
- Create a mini-exhibit where students display their artwork alongside a short paragraph about what they learned.
Adapt the Lesson to Different Ages
For younger children, simplify the drawing steps by focusing on basic shapes and skipping complex details. For older students, introduce more realistic shading and historical accuracy in clothing and features. The activity can be adapted to meet a range of skill levels.
Why Art Matters in Historical Learning
Engaging Different Learning Styles
Not all students learn best through reading or lectures. Artistic activities help visual and kinesthetic learners connect with historical content in meaningful ways. A drawing of Harriet Tubman can make abstract ideas about slavery, justice, and heroism more real and personal.
Building Empathy and Curiosity
As children create images of historical figures like Tubman, they often become more curious about their lives. This curiosity leads to deeper research, more questions, and a greater sense of empathy for the struggles and achievements of people in the past.
An easy drawing of Harriet Tubman is more than just a sketch it’s a doorway into history, values, and creativity. Whether used in classrooms or at home, this activity encourages young learners to explore the past through their own hands. With simple steps and thoughtful guidance, children can create an image that honors a woman who stood for freedom, bravery, and justice. Through art, they not only learn about Harriet Tubman they remember her.