st francis of assisi easy drawing

St. Francis of Assisi Easy Drawing Tutorial

By Mark ClarkDecember 10, 2025

Do you want to explore your artistic side while learning about a remarkable saint? Drawing St. Francis of Assisi is not only a fun activity but also a great way to honor this beloved saint. With simple step-by-step guides, even beginners can create beautiful drawings of St. Francis. Let's dive into this creative and spiritual journey!

Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, is remembered for his love for nature and animals. His feast day, celebrated on October 4th, is a wonderful opportunity to honor him through art. Let's start our drawing adventure by learning about his life and why he's so beloved.

The Life and Legacy of St. Francis of Assisi

Birht in Assisi, Italy, around 1181 or 1182, St. Francis came from a wealthy family. However, he renounced his inheritance and embraced a life of poverty and preaching. Francis' love for God and nature inspired him to found the Franciscan Order. Today, countless institutions, places, and even a city bear his name, testifying to his enduring impact.

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jesus is the good shepherd coloring page for kids and adults to color in with his hands

a coloring page with an image of the saint francisco holding a bird and two baby animals

His love for animals is nurturance, with numerous folktales and stories illustrating this aspect. One famous story tells of Francis taming a raven, which is now one of his most recognized symbols. Drawing St. Francis alongside his feathered friends is a wonderful way to pay tribute to his love for all creatures.

St. Francis' Outfit and Attributive Symbols

Start by understanding St. Francis' traditional depictions. He's often portrayed as a tonsured friar wearing a simple, rough robe with a cincture (a rope belt). In some depictions, his robe is in the habit of the Franciscan Order – a brown, hooded cloak with a rope belt.

jesus sitting on the ground surrounded by birds in black and white coloring book style illustration

Artistic Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi Stock Vector - Illustration of italy, basilica: 65521685

an image of jesus surrounded by animals and plants

Next, consider the symbols typically associated with him. apart from the raven, other common symbols are the wolf (from the story of the Wolf of Gubbio), a dove (representing peace), and flowers (symbolizing his love for nature). Incorporating these symbols into your drawing will help convey the essence of St. Francis.

Drawing St. Francis of Assisi step-by-step

Now that you understand the base of his appearance, let's dive into a simple drawing guide:

1. Sketch a simple humanoid figure, starting with a circle for the head and vertical lines for the body. Add basic shapes for clothes.

jesus holding the cross with his hand and pointing at it, in black and white

a man with a bird on his hand and the image of jesus is shown in brown

a black and white drawing of a man holding a knife

a drawing of jesus holding the cross with two birds on it and another bird sitting in front of him

2. Refine the outline, adding details like the tonsure, robe folds, and cincture. Make sure to include St. Francis'ishes and tunic.

3. Begin shading, starting with the darkest areas. Remember to use light and shadow to create dimension.

4. Add symbols like a raven, dove, or flowers, placing them in relation to St. Francis to create a harmonious composition.

a man with a bird and a dog in front of him is holding a bird

a man holding a white dove in his hands and wearing a brown coat with a cross on it

Inspirational Depictions of St. Francis

Throughout history, many masterful artists have depicted St. Francis. Familiarizing yourself with these works can inspire your own drawings.

Giovanni Bellini's "St. Francis in the Desert" and Caravaggio's "St. Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy" are notable examples. However, don't limit yourself to medieval and Renaissance art. Contemporary artists also create breathtaking pieces celebrating St. Francis, like "A Destiny of Wings" by Mark Lprono and "Building Francis" by Australian artist Colleen Hughson.

Embrace the opportunity to connect with St. Francis through art. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, drawing St. Francis is a rewarding way to honor his life and legacy. Who knows? Perhaps you'll create a masterpiece that inspires others to appreciate this wonderful saint!