In the year 2023, cartoon drawing of former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, or FDR, is still a popular art form. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting out in cartooning, drawing a portrait of FDR can be a challenge. It’s important to carefully consider the details of the president’s face and look for inspiration from other cartoonists to create a unique, powerful cartoon that captures his legacy.
FDR's Facial Features
One of the most important aspects of drawing FDR is accuracy. It’s essential to capture the details of his face and features accurately, as this will be the foundation of your cartoon. To begin, examine photographs of FDR closely. Notice his square jaw, high cheekbones, and prominent eyebrows. Also, note the shape of his mouth and the distance between his eyes. All of these features will need to be accurately captured in your cartoon.
Clothing and Accessories
Once you have created a realistic portrait of FDR, you can start adding his clothing and accessories. FDR was known for wearing a navy blue suit and a bow tie. You can also add details such as a pocket watch, a pocket square, or a pocket handkerchief. Additionally, you can add a hat or a pair of glasses to your portrait. All of these items will help make your portrait unique and will add to the realism of the drawing.
Backgrounds and Props
Adding a background to your cartoon can help bring the portrait to life. Consider the era in which FDR lived and the events that were happening during his lifetime. You can add elements such as a desk, a chair, a globe, or a bookcase to represent the president’s political career. Additionally, you can add props to help tell a story such as a newspaper, a radio, or a telephone.
Colors and Textures
The colors and textures you choose for your cartoon can also help to bring the portrait to life. Consider the colors of the era, such as beiges, browns, and greens. Additionally, you can add texture to your cartoon by using a variety of shading techniques. Experiment with different techniques such as crosshatching or stippling to create a unique and interesting look.
Inspiration from Other Cartoonists
Finally, it’s important to look for inspiration from other cartoonists when creating your cartoon of FDR. Look for cartoonists who have drawn similar cartoon portraits of the president and learn from their techniques. Additionally, look at cartoons of other political figures from the same era and consider how you can apply the same techniques to your own cartoon.
Creating Your Cartoon
Creating a cartoon of FDR can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Take your time to carefully consider the details of the president’s face and look for inspiration from other cartoonists. Once you have a good understanding of the details and techniques involved, you can start creating your own unique, powerful cartoon.
