How to Draw Cartoon People Sitting Down

Seated cartoon people

Cartoon people are usually easy to draw, but drawing them in a seated position may be more difficult than you imagine. Although cartoons are usually easier to draw than realistic representations of people, using actual people as models can greatly enhance your cartoon drawings. Before beginning a drawing of a cartoon person, try drawing several live subjects to develop a sense of the proportions of the body and how those proportions may be exaggerated or used to your advantage. When drawing a person in this position, don't be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. Allow your mistakes to become learning experiences that will improve future drawings.

Instructions

1. Choose which type of seated position you will be drawing. You may choose to draw the figure from the side or from the front. Bear in mind that each type has advantages and drawbacks. For example, a figure seated from the side may look too flat or stiff, while a figure seated from the front might have foreshortened features that may be difficult to depict. A figure seated from the side will require the chair to be drawn, as well, where as a figure seated from the front will cover up much of the chair.

2. Draw the basic shapes of the body, as represented by circles and ovals. From the side, a seated figure will be comprised of an oval for the body attached to a series of ovals representing the thigh, calf and foot, and a series of ovals for the neck and head. From the front, a seated figure will have an oval or circle for the body attached to the calf/foot (thighs will not be very visible because of foreshortening) and a series of ovals for the neck and head.

3. Outline the series of shapes you drew in Step 2. Use a confident, unbroken line---not sketchy lines. Cartoons are graphic in nature, not sketchy.

4. Add details as necessary. Most cartoon figures will include exaggerated features such as large noses, goofy grins, wacky hair, big eyes and plump bodies.

References

• Tearain Tripod: How to Draw People
• How to Draw: A Girl Sitting Down