Drawing tropical leaves is an easy way to bring a little bit of the beach getaway into your own home. Whether used in a stunning wall mural or as part of an illustration, tropical leaves can add an exotic flair to any space. All you need is a little creativity, some basic drawing skills, and a few supplies. Read on to learn how to draw tropical leaves in a few simple steps.
Choose the Type of Leaf You’re Drawing
If you plan to draw multiple tropical leaves, you’ll need to decide which species you’ll use. There are lots to choose from and the type you pick will bring variety to your finished artwork. Some popular tropical varieties include the fiddle-leaf fig, the bird of paradise, the alocasia, and the banana leaf. Each type of leaf has its own unique shape, so it’s worth taking some time to compare your options.
Once you’ve decided which leaf you’d like to draw, find a reference photo. A helpful reference will show you the exact shape and size of the leaves as well as where they attach to the stem. Avoid tracing a detailed photo and use it instead to help you draw in free form.
Gather Your Supplies
Start by gathering all the necessary supplies. Gather up paper and drawing materials such as watercolors, colored pencils, charcoal or pastels. You can also use any combination of materials or a blend of different tools for a unique, one-of-a-kind look.
Before you start, make sure all your supplies are within easy reach. This will minimize the disruption when you want to swap out a pencil or switch up a color. This will result in more efficient work and help you stay focused.
Draw Your Tropical Leaves
Now it’s time to draw. Start with a light pencil sketch, as this will allow you to adjust the shape if needed before adding color. When sketching, take note of the leaf’s asymmetric shape, fringed edges and prominent veins. The specific markings you want to include will depend on the type of leaf you’re drawing.
Once you’re happy with the shape, it’s time add color. Start by filling in the whole leaf and don’t worry too much about mixing the hues perfectly. The idea is to create an overall pattern, so it doesn’t have to be perfect. When adding color, you can use a single hue or mix and combine different shades for added depth.
Add Finishing Touches
Now you need to add some final touches. Start by adding shadows to give the leaf a 3D effect. You can also add some highlights for a realistic look. If you’re drawing on a bigger scale, add as many details as you like. For small-scale drawings, though, try to simplify the elements to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
When you’re done, carefully remove the pencil lines. This will make your art look much more professional. Now you can set your masterpiece aside to admire your work and show off your amazing drawing skills.
