6 Easy Techniques to Draw Leaves - A Beginner's Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 11 July 2023 6 min read

Have you ever marveled at the intricate beauty of leaves and wished you could capture that on paper? Well, you're in luck! This blog presents six easy techniques to help beginners draw leaves accurately and artistically. Let's dive into this world of greenery and explore how you can easily draw leaves with a few simple steps.

1. Observe Real Leaves

Before you pick up that pencil, let's start with the basics - observing real leaves. Nature is the best teacher, and the more closely you study the real thing, the better you'll be able to replicate it. So, head outdoors, or even just take a look at a houseplant, and take note of the different characteristics of leaves.

Types of Leaves

Did you know there are over 60,000 species of trees worldwide? Each species has its unique leaf shape, size, and texture. Some leaves are as small as a fingernail, like the leaves of the Bonsai tree, while others like the Rafflesia's leaves can grow up to 3 feet in diameter! The key to an easy draw leaves experience is to start with simple shapes. Try sketching the heart-shaped leaves of the Linden tree or the star-shaped leaves of the Maple tree.

Leaf Shape and Size

Leaves can be long and narrow, like eucalyptus leaves, or they can be round and broad, like those of a lily pad. Some leaves have smooth edges, while others are jagged or lobed. When you're just beginning to draw leaves, it's helpful to classify them into basic shapes: oval, round, triangular, heart-shaped, and so on. This helps simplify the sketching process and makes it easier to capture the leaf's essence.

Leaf Texture

Ever touched a leaf and noticed how its texture differs from one species to another? Some leaves are smooth and glossy - like the Rubber tree's leaves, while others, like the Silver Birch, have a rough, almost rugged surface. Taking note of these textures can add a touch of realism to your leaf drawings. So, next time you're out for a walk, remember to feel the leaves — not just look at them!

2. Sketching

Now that you've done some fieldwork and observed different types of leaves, it's time to put pencil to paper! Sketching is the foundation of any good drawing. So, let's get started with your easy draw leaves journey.

Outlining the Leaf

Begin with a light sketch of the leaf's basic shape. Remember, there's no need to get it perfect on the first try. It's okay to make mistakes — that's what erasers are for! Keep your hand loose and your lines light. As you gain confidence, you can refine the shape, adding more details and correcting any inaccuracies.

Adding Details

Once you're happy with your basic outline, start adding more details. Pay attention to the leaf's veins, the serrations on its edges, or any unique markings. These small details can make your drawing more realistic and interesting. Remember, the devil is in the details!

Eraser Techniques

Did you know that an eraser is not just for correcting mistakes? In drawing, you can use erasers to create highlights, add texture, or even refine your outlines. A handy tip: use a kneaded eraser. It can be molded into any shape, making it perfect for erasing small areas without disturbing the rest of your drawing. So, go ahead and experiment with your eraser — it's not just a mistake fixer!

3. Shading and Texturing

With the sketching phase complete, it's time to move on to the next step in our easy draw leaves guide: shading and texturing. This stage will bring your leaf to life, giving it depth and a realistic appearance.

Creating Depth

Shading is all about creating depth. A flat drawing can be transformed into a 3D object with the right shading techniques. Start by identifying your light source. The parts of the leaf that face the light will be lighter, while those in the shadow will be darker. Use a range of pencil grades to achieve this effect. HB pencils work great for lighter areas, while 4B or 6B pencils are ideal for darker shades. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Adding Realism

Texturing is your ticket to a realistic leaf drawing. Look closely at a leaf, and you'll notice it's not perfectly smooth. It has veins, tiny lines, and sometimes even spots. Use fine lines to replicate these textures on your drawing. Try different pencil strokes — hatching, cross-hatching, or stippling — and see which one works best for your leaf. When done right, it'll look so realistic, you'll want to reach out and touch it!

4. Coloring Your Leaf

Now that your leaf has taken shape and looks realistic, it's time for the fun part — adding some color! This phase will allow you to create vibrant, eye-catching leaf drawings that bring the beauty of nature onto your page.

Selecting the Right Colors

When coloring, it's not about simply grabbing a green pencil and filling in the leaf. Real leaves are a symphony of colors — various shades of green, yellow, and sometimes even red or brown. Look closely at the leaf you're drawing, and try to identify these colors. Use colored pencils that match them as closely as possible. Remember, lighter colors are used for the areas that catch light, while darker colors are for the shaded areas.

Color Blending Techniques

Blending colors can give your leaf drawing a rich, natural look. Start by lightly layering your colors, rather than heavily applying a single color. Then, gently blend them together using a colorless blender pencil or a white colored pencil. This can help you achieve smooth transitions between different colors and shades, making your leaf drawing look more realistic. And trust us, once you get the hang of it, you'll feel like a leaf-coloring maestro!

5. Finalizing Your Drawing

Great job — you're almost there! Now it's time to put the finishing touches on your leaf drawing. These final steps help to really bring your drawing to life and give it that polished, professional look.

Adding Final Touches

Think of this stage as the makeup artist of your leaf drawing. It's where you add the final details and adjustments that make your leaf pop off the page. You might add some more shading in the darker areas, or brighten up the highlights with a white pencil. You could even use a fine liner to outline your leaf and make it stand out. This is your chance to add those small touches that make a big difference — so go for it!

Reviewing Your Work

Once you've added your final touches, take a step back and look at your drawing. Do the colors look vibrant? Does the leaf look three-dimensional? Is there anything you'd like to change? Don't be afraid to tweak your drawing until you're completely satisfied. After all, the aim here isn't just to easy draw leaves, it's to create a leaf drawing you can be proud of!

6. Practicing and Improving

Bravo! You've completed your leaf drawing. Yet, the journey to perfect your skills doesn't stop here. Like any other skill, drawing leaves gets better with practice. So, let's explore some strategies to help you continue improving.

Drawing Different Species

Just as you won't learn to cook by making the same dish every day, you won't master drawing by sketching the same leaf over and over. The world offers a vast array of leaf types, each with its own unique shape, texture, and color. So, try drawing maple leaves, oak leaves, or even the intricate fern leaves. The more variety you introduce in your practice, the more adept you'll become at capturing those little details that make each leaf unique.

Experimenting with Different Mediums

Who said you have to stick to pencil and paper? You can easy draw leaves using charcoal, pastels, or even digital tools. Each medium will give your leaf a different look and feel. For instance, charcoal can help you achieve deep, rich blacks for your shadows, while pastels can give your leaf vibrant and luminous colors. Experimenting with different mediums will not only keep your practice interesting but also expand your drawing skills.

Drawing in Different Environments

Finally, why not take your sketchbook outside and draw in nature? Drawing in a different environment can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Plus, being in nature will provide you with plenty of inspiration. You can even try drawing leaves in different seasons to capture the changing colors and textures. Remember, the key here is to keep experimenting, keep practicing, and most importantly — enjoy the journey!

If you're eager to expand your drawing skills beyond leaves, consider exploring the workshop 'Drawing with Ease and Accuracy' by Yazmin Moktan. This workshop will equip you with the techniques and confidence you need to create stunning artwork with precision and ease, making it the perfect next step for beginners who want to improve their drawing abilities.