Whether you identify yourself as Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, pagan, or anything else, you can express yourself with these easy religious drawing tutorials for kids and beginners.
Many of the pictures on our list are regarded as symbols of Christianity. Others, like the menorah and Buddha, are associated with specific religions. However, there are many similarities between the beliefs depicted here.
For example, Catholics use rosary beads when they pray, but strings of beads are also used in Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The cross predates Christian use and can be found in a number of polytheistic religions.
Likewise, adherents of most religions today bury their dead in cemeteries. Both the graveyard itself, including the tombstones, as well as the yet-to-be-buried casket can be found here.
The Tree of Life is also a concept in many religions. Christians, Muslims, and Jews will recognize it from the creation account in the book of Genesis. But Norse paganism, ancient Egyptian religion, Buddhism, and African, Turkish, and Celtic cultures all have their own versions of it.
No matter what religion you are, or if you don't claim a religion at all, it is important to respect the religious beliefs of others. You can learn about other religions while exploring these easy, step-by-step religious drawing guides.
26 Easy Religious Drawing Ideas
Tthe Virgin Mary
Mary was the mother of Jesus. She probably dressed like most women in her culture, wearing a robe-like garment and covering her head. Here she also wears a smile.
Buddha
You may be most familiar with the chubby, laughing Buddha, but depicted here is the thoughtful, meditative one. The circles on the hair are snails protecting the Buddha from the heat of the sun.
Cross with a Rose
Many regard the cross as a symbol of Jesus. The rose can represent the crown of thorns placed on his head or simply a memorial to him.
Jesus on the Cross
Many churches have a crucifix - a statue of Jesus nailed to a cross. Some people wear a small crucifix on a necklace.
Rosary
Rosaries are strings of beads. Catholic rosaries have 59 beads - six for the Our Father prayer and the rest for the Hail Mary prayer.
Church
This simple line drawing creates a classic Christian church. It has crosses on top as well as a steeple and narrow arched windows, which hearken back to earlier, pre-Christian symbols.
Bells
Many churches have had a bell tower with bells that were used to announce that church was in session.
Tombstone
Tombstones mark a gravesite where someone is buried. This one has the letters "RIP," standing for "Rest in Peace."
Praying Hands
Prayer is an integral component of most religions, and placing the hands together is a common gesture of prayer. The gesture is also used when making a plea to another person, so it makes sense to use it when asking something of God.
3D Cross
From tiny necklaces to large roadside displays, you can see three-dimensional crosses everywhere. This one is made using just a few straight lines.
Coffin
A coffin is a box that a dead person is buried in. This one has a cross on it, indicating the beliefs of the person inside. The wide part accommodates the person's shoulders.
The Tree of Life
The tree of life has a tangle of branches and roots. Like a family tree, it often symbolizes connection. Can you find the heart shape in its roots?
Fallen Angel
Angels "fall" when they leave heaven and do bad things. This one looks ashamed of what it has done. In Christianity, fallen angels are referred to as demons.
Menorah
The menorah is a special candlestick used during special celebrations in Judaism. The branched design of the menorah was described in the Old Testament of the Bible.
The Sagrada Familia Church
The Holy Family church in Barcelona, Spain has very intricate architecture, so much so that it has taken more than 100 years to build and it is still not finished.
Celtic Cross
This cross has branches containing knotted ropes and a round halo around its center.
Jesus
Much medieval European art depicted Jesus as thin, beardless, and with a halo of light around his head.
King Tut
This sarcophagus protected the body of Tutankhamun, a pharaoh of ancient Egypt. The pharaohs were worshiped as gods.
Graveyard
Did you draw the tombstone above? This cemetery has many, including one with the letters "RIP" in the foreground.
Jesus' Face
Compare this image of Jesus to the one above. It is more historically accurate, showing him with the type of beard common in his time and culture.
Mosque
Mosques are places of worship in Muslim communities. This one has elaborate spires and domed roofs.
Pyramid
Ancient Egyptian kings built huge tombs called pyramids. They put many items inside that they hoped to use in the afterlife.
The Notre Dame Cathedral
This church is located in Paris, France. Construction on it began in the 1100s and took several hundred years to complete.
Cross with Wings
Have you ever seen a cross with angel wings on someone's vehicle? Many people use this symbol to memorialize someone who has died.
Cross: Easy Step-by-Step Cross Drawing Tutorial for Beginners
Many churches have stained glass windows. This one uses rectangles, triangles, and other shapes to create the image of a cross.
See a Google Web Story of this Religious Drawing Ideas Blog Post.