On the third Monday of January each year, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr during MLK Day of Service. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and a call to action for equality and justice. In honor of this remarkable leader, we can pay tribute by learning how to draw a portrait of Dr Martin Luther King.

Materials You Will Need

To start this tutorial, gather the following materials:

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Eraser
  • Black pen or fine-point marker (optional)

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful portrait of Dr Martin Luther King:

Step 1: Outline the Head

Begin by drawing a large oval shape to form the outline of Dr Martin Luther King's head. Take your time to ensure it is proportionate and well-defined. Remember to use light, gentle lines when sketching.

Step 2: Add Facial Features

Moving on, draw two horizontal lines across the head to guide the placement of the facial features. Use these lines as reference points for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Dr Martin Luther King is known for his distinctive mustache, so be sure to incorporate that into your drawing.

Step 3: Detail the Eyes and Eyebrows

Focus on the eyes next. Draw almond-shaped eyes slightly above the horizontal line. Add a small curve for the eyebrows, giving them a thoughtful and determined expression.

Step 4: Sketch the Nose

Move down to the nose, which should be placed between the eyes. Dr Martin Luther King had a prominent nose, so make it slightly larger and more pronounced.

Step 5: Draw the Mouth and Mustache

Pay attention to the mouth and mustache, which both played a significant role in defining Dr Martin Luther King's facial features. Draw a curved line for the mouth and carefully craft his iconic mustache just above it.

Step 6: Add the Hair

Move on to the hair. Draw short, curly lines around the outline of the head to capture Dr Martin Luther King's unique hairstyle.

Step 7: Refine and Erase

Take a step back and assess your drawing. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure accuracy and symmetry. Once you are satisfied, go ahead and erase any unwanted pencil lines.

Step 8: Ink it (optional)

If you prefer a bolder and more defined look, take a black pen or fine-point marker and go over the pencil lines. Be careful not to smudge the ink as you work.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a portrait of Dr Martin Luther King. By engaging in this creative process and learning about his life, you are honoring his legacy and contributions to the civil rights movement. MLK Day of Service is not only a day of reflection but also a day to take action and make a positive impact in our communities. Get involved and continue Dr Martin Luther King's work towards equality and justice for all.

Remember, every small act of kindness can create meaningful change, just like each stroke of your pencil can bring a powerful image to life.