10 Steps to Draw Rapunzel

Embark on an enchanting artistic journey as we delve into the whimsical world of Disney’s beloved princess, Rapunzel. With her cascading golden locks and infectious spirit, Rapunzel has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of drawing Rapunzel, empowering you to bring this iconic character to life on paper.

Begin by sketching the foundation of Rapunzel’s face, paying meticulous attention to the oval shape and the delicate features that define her gentle nature. Let your pencil dance along the contours of her eyes, capturing the wide-eyed innocence that has made her so endearing. As you progress, add depth and dimension to her nose and mouth, ensuring they harmoniously complement her overall expression. Remember, it is in the details that the true essence of Rapunzel’s character shines through.

Next, turn your focus to Rapunzel’s signature golden locks. These tresses are a testament to her adventurous spirit and unwavering determination. With a flowing, organic approach, depict the movement and texture of her hair, allowing it to cascade over her shoulders in a mesmerizing waterfall of golden strands. As you render each individual curl and wave, strive to convey the vibrancy and vitality that have become synonymous with Rapunzel’s appearance. Each stroke of your pencil should contribute to the illusion of her hair flowing effortlessly in the gentle breeze.

Creating the Face

To begin sketching Rapunzel’s face, start by creating an oval circle as the base shape. Make sure the circle is slightly tilted to give it a natural look.

Next, draw two small circles inside the larger oval to represent the eyes. Position these circles towards the upper third of the face, and make them slightly tilted upwards to give Rapunzel a charming and playful expression.

Below the eyes, draw a small, curved line to create the nose. Shade the inner portion of the nose with soft pencil strokes to give it depth. Below the nose, draw a curved line for the mouth, slightly upturned at the corners to convey a cheerful expression. Add a small dash within the mouth to represent the lower lip.

To enhance the eyes, draw small ovals inside the circles to create the irises. Fill in the ovals with color or add a small highlight to give them a realistic appearance. Outline the eyes with a thin line to define their shape and add eyelashes. Use short, curved strokes to create the upper eyelashes and longer, downward-facing strokes for the lower eyelashes.

Drawing the Hair

Rapunzel’s hair is one of the most iconic features, so it’s important to get it right. Start by drawing a long, flowing line from the top of her head to the bottom of the page. Then, add waves and curls to give her hair some volume and movement. You can also add some highlights and lowlights to give her hair some depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Draw a long, flowing line from the top of her head to the bottom of the page. Start with a light touch, then gradually increase the pressure to create a thicker line.
Add waves and curls to give her hair some volume and movement. To create a wave, draw a curved line that starts at the top of the hair and curves down to the bottom. To create a curl, draw a curved line that starts at the bottom of the hair and curves up to the top.

Add some highlights and lowlights to give her hair some depth. To create a highlight, draw a thin, light-colored line along the top of the hair. To create a lowlight, draw a thin, dark-colored line along the bottom of the hair.

Shaping the Eyes

Rapunzel has large, expressive eyes, so it’s important to get this step right. Start by drawing two oval circles for the eyes, making sure to overlap them slightly. Use a light pencil to sketch in the outline, as you’ll need to erase it later. Once the basic shape is drawn, it’s time to add the details.

Start by adding the upper lash line, which should be curved and slightly arched. The lower lash line should be straighter and shorter. Make sure to add a few lashes to both the upper and lower lash lines to give the eyes a natural look.

Shading and Detail

Once the outline is complete, it’s time to add some shading and detail to give the eyes depth. Use a soft pencil to gently shade the upper eyelid, making it darker at the crease. Add a lighter shade to the lower eyelid, and blend the two shades together to create a smooth transition. To add even more detail, you can add a few highlights to the eyes using a white gel pen or a white colored pencil. Finally, don’t forget to add the pupils and irises to complete the look.

Eye Detail	Description
Upper lash line	Curved and slightly arched
Lower lash line	Straighter and shorter
Lashes	Add a few lashes to both the upper and lower lash lines
Shading	Shade the upper eyelid darker at the crease, and add a lighter shade to the lower eyelid
Highlights	Add a few highlights to the eyes using a white gel pen or a white colored pencil
Pupils and irises	Add the pupils and irises to complete the look

Sketching the Nose and Mouth

Begin sketching the nose by drawing a vertical line curved downward at the bottom to form the bridge. Extend curved lines from the bottom of the bridge to create the nostrils, slightly flared at the sides. Add a small, curved line above the bridge for the tip of the nose.

For the mouth, start with a straight line slightly curved down in the center for the upper lip. Draw a similar line for the lower lip, positioned below and slightly curved up at the sides. Enhance the shape by adding subtle curves and details to suggest the fullness of the lips.

To create a more natural and three-dimensional effect, shade the lips and nose lightly. Use darker shading under the nostrils and on the lower lip to add depth. Highlighting the tip of the nose and the upper lip with a lighter shade will accentuate the curvature.

Feature	Tips
Nose	– Use a curved line for the bridge – Flare the nostrils slightly – Add a small curve for the tip
Mouth	– Draw a curved line for each lip – Connect the lines to form a mouth opening – Add subtle curves for fullness
Shading	– Shade under the nostrils and on the lower lip – Highlight the tip of the nose and upper lip

Capturing the Body

The grace and agility of Rapunzel are captured in her body’s proportions. Begin with a light sketch, outlining her oval head, slender neck, and gently sloping shoulders. Her torso should be elongated, with a slightly arched spine. Draw her limbs as follows:

1. Arms: Her arms begin at her sloping shoulders, extending downwards with delicate curves. Draw her elbows at a slight bend, and the hands should be slightly larger in proportion to her face.

2. Legs: Rapunzel’s legs emerge from her hips, curving subtly along their length. The thighs should be slightly thicker than the calves, with the knees gently bent. The feet should be small and pointed, with arched toes.

3. Fingers and Toes: Pay attention to the details of Rapunzel’s fingers and toes. Her fingers should be long and slender, each with a small, curved nail. Her toes, in contrast, should be shorter and more rounded.

4. Hair: Rapunzel’s hair is her most striking feature. Start by drawing a curving strand that flows from the crown of her head. Add layers of hair, cascading down in flowing waves. Depict the strands as long, thick, and lustrous, with a distinct glow.

5. Facial Features: Capture Rapunzel’s delicate features with precision. Her eyes are large and expressive, with a gentle curve to the eyelids. The nose is small and pointed, while the mouth is slightly parted, revealing a subtle smile.

Head Proportions	Body Proportions
Head: Oval, slightly elongated	Torso: Elongated, slightly arched
Forehead: High and rounded	Hips: Narrow, slightly wider than the shoulders
Chin: Pointed and delicate	Legs: Long and slender

Adding the Dress

Now it’s time to dress Rapunzel in her iconic purple gown. Start by drawing a straight line from the waist of the bodice to just below her knees. This will be the outline of the skirt.

Next, draw two curved lines from the sides of the bodice down to the hem of the skirt. These lines will create the shape of the skirt flares. Draw a horizontal line at the bottom of the skirt to create the hem.

Add a belt around her waist to define her silhouette. Draw a thin oval on her chest to represent her neckline. For the sleeves, draw two curved lines from the shoulders to the elbows, and then connect them with a straight line to create the armholes.

Finish the sleeves by drawing two curved lines from the elbows to the wrists and adding cuffs at the ends. Don’t forget to erase any unnecessary lines as you go.

Finally, draw the lace detailing on the collar, bodice, and hem. Use short, curved lines to create a delicate and intricate pattern. And there you have it—Rapunzel’s dress, ready to enchant!

Lace Detailing Guide

Area	Pattern
Collar	Small, scalloped curves
Bodice	Intricate floral designs
Hem	Larger, decorative swirls

Enhancing the Details

Once the basic structure is done, it’s time to enhance the details to bring Rapunzel to life. Here are some tips to refine your drawing:

Hair

Add texture and volume to Rapunzel’s hair by using fine, wavy lines. Pay attention to the direction of her hair flow, and create varying strands of different thicknesses to give depth. Braid her hair into one or two plats, and use shading techniques to indicate the shadows and highlights within the braids.

Face

Define Rapunzel’s facial features by drawing her eyes, nose, mouth, and eyebrows. Use curved lines for her eyes, a small dot for her nose, and a curved line for her mouth. Add eyebrows above her eyes, and use shading to create shadow areas.

Clothing

Dress Rapunzel in her signature pink gown. Add ruffles and folds to the fabric to give it a realistic texture. Use different shades of pink to create depth and dimension. Don’t forget her accessories, such as her purple satchel and golden circlet.

Flowers

Incorporate flowers into the drawing to create a whimsical touch. Draw various types of flowers around Rapunzel’s hair, clothing, and feet. Use different colors and shapes to convey a sense of beauty and nature.

Background

Consider adding a background to enhance the overall composition. Draw a simple landscape, such as a meadow or forest, to create a sense of place. Use light strokes and blending techniques to create a pleasing aesthetic.

Shading and Highlights

Use shading and highlights to create depth and realism. Use a darker pencil or charcoal to add shadows in areas where light is blocked, and use a lighter pencil to create highlights in areas where light hits. Blend the transitions smoothly to create a natural effect.

Table: Drawing Enhancement Tips

Detail	Tips
Hair	Add texture and volume with wavy lines; braid her hair
Face	Use curved lines for eyes, small dot for nose, curved line for mouth; add eyebrows and shading
Clothing	Add ruffles and folds; use different shades of pink
Flowers	Draw various types of flowers; use different colors and shapes
Background	Create a simple landscape; use blending techniques
Shading and Highlights	Use darker pencils for shadows, lighter pencils for highlights; blend transitions

Finishing the Tower

Now that the basic structure of the tower is complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Start by drawing a series of arched windows along the sides of the tower. These windows can be any size or shape you like, as long as they’re consistent with the style of the tower.

Next, draw a conical roof on top of the tower. The roof should be tall and pointed, with a slight curve at the top. To give the roof a more realistic look, add a series of shingles or tiles to the surface.

Finally, add some decorative details to the tower. This could include things like ivy growing up the sides, a weather vane on top of the roof, or a flag flying from a flagpole. These small details will help to bring your tower to life and make it a unique work of art.

Drawing the Windows

To draw the windows, start by sketching out a simple rectangle. Then, add a curved line at the top of the rectangle to create the arch. You can make the arch as wide or narrow as you like, depending on the desired look. Once you’re happy with the shape of the window, add a few more lines to represent the glass panes. You can also add a small crossbar in the center of the window for added detail.

Step	Description
1	Sketch out a rectangle for the window.
2	Add a curved line at the top of the rectangle to create the arch.
3	Add a few more lines to represent the glass panes.
4	Add a small crossbar in the center of the window for added detail (optional).

Enhancing the Background

To add depth and interest to your Rapunzel drawing, consider enhancing the background with the following elements:

Forests and Trees

Create a dense forest scene behind Rapunzel using a variety of tree shapes and sizes. Use dark greens and browns for the trunks and branches, and add splashes of lighter greens for the leaves. Vary the tree heights and placement to create a sense of depth and texture.

Mountains

Incorporate distant mountains into the background to create a sense of scale and grandeur. Use light blues and purples for the distant peaks, and add some shading to indicate depth. Vary the mountain shapes and sizes to add interest and realism.

Water Elements

If desired, include water elements such as a river or pond in the background. Use blue and green hues for the water, and create ripples and reflections to add movement and realism. Place aquatic plants and vegetation around the water to enhance the natural environment.

Weather Effects

Consider adding weather effects such as clouds, rain, or lightning to create a dynamic background. Use light blues and grays for clouds, and add shading and highlights to indicate their shape and texture. For rain, use slanted lines and varying shades of blue to create the impression of falling droplets. Lightning can be depicted using jagged lines and bright yellow or white hues.

Architectural Elements

Incorporate architectural elements such as towers, bridges, or castles into the background to create a sense of history and grandeur. Use gray or brown tones for the structures, and add windows, doors, and other details to enhance their realism.

Animals and Wildlife

Add animals and wildlife to the background to create a sense of life and movement. Draw birds flying in the sky, squirrels scampering through the trees, or deer grazing in the meadow. Use appropriate colors and shading to make the animals look realistic.

Lighting and Shading

To create a sense of depth and realism, pay attention to lighting and shading in the background. Use lighter hues for areas closer to the light source and darker hues for areas in shadow. Gradually transition between light and dark areas to create a smooth and natural effect.

Color Palette

Choose a limited color palette for the background to create a cohesive and harmonious look. Use a mix of warm and cool tones, and consider using complementary colors to create contrast. Experiment with different color combinations to find the palette that best suits the mood and atmosphere you want to convey.

Perspective

Pay attention to perspective when drawing the background elements. Objects closer to the viewer should appear larger and more detailed, while objects in the distance should appear smaller and less defined. Use overlapping and foreshortening techniques to create a sense of depth and realism.

Adding Color and Texture

Once your Rapunzel drawing is complete, it’s time to add some life and vibrancy with color and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Base Colors

Use a light golden yellow for Rapunzel’s hair, a soft peach for her skin, and a deep purple for her dress.

2. Hair Shadows and Highlights

Use a darker orange-yellow to add shadows to Rapunzel’s hair, focusing on the roots and under layers. For highlights, use a pale yellow or cream color.

3. Dress Highlights and Shadows

Add highlights to Rapunzel’s dress using a lighter shade of purple, and shadows using a darker shade. Pay attention to the folds and creases in the fabric.

4. Skin Highlights and Shadows

Use a soft pink or peach to add highlights to Rapunzel’s skin, such as on her cheeks and forehead. For shadows, use a slightly darker shade of peach or a light brown.

5. Eye and Lip Color

Use a light blue or green for Rapunzel’s eyes, and a soft pink or peach for her lips.

6. Texture in Hair

Use a pencil or fine brush to add individual strands of hair to Rapunzel’s braid. This will create a realistic, flowing effect.

7. Dress Texture

Use a cross-hatching technique to add texture to Rapunzel’s dress. Draw short, intersecting lines to create the illusion of wrinkles and folds.

8. Skin Texture

Use a light stippling technique to add a delicate texture to Rapunzel’s skin. Make small, closely spaced dots to create the appearance of pores and fine lines.

9. Chameleon Texture

If you’re drawing the chameleon, Pascal, use a light green base color and add a splatter of various shades of green, yellow, and orange to create his vibrant camouflage.

10. Final Details

To complete your Rapunzel drawing, add any additional details such as a flower in her hair, a crown, or a backdrop. Use colored pencils, markers, or paint to bring your drawing to life.

How to Draw Rapunzel

Rapunzel is a beautiful princess with long, flowing hair. She is often depicted in fairy tales and other works of fiction. Drawing Rapunzel can be a fun and challenging project, but it is also a great way to improve your drawing skills. Here are some tips on how to draw Rapunzel:

1. Start with a sketch of the head and body.
2. Draw in the facial features.
3. Add the hair.
4. Draw in the clothing.
5. Add details such as jewelry and accessories.
6. Color in the drawing.