How to Draw a Falling Leaf
Drawing leaves requires a close observation of the shape and form of the leaf. There are many kinds of leaves, and each one, even from the same plant or tree, will have its own shape. It is important to capture this individuality in a drawing or a sketch, as it will make your leaf drawing unique. Drawing a leaf in midair during its fall creates a dreamy and poetic sketch.
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Things You'll Need
- Drawing board
- Drawing paper
- Standard pencil
- Eraser
- Cotton swabs
- Sharpener or sharpening knife
- Adhesive
- Leaf
Instructions
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1
Study the leaf carefully to get familiar with its shape, texture and tones. Does it have smooth rounded outer lines or is it jagged and pointed? Does it have a smooth face (surface) with the veins and lines clearly visible or is it grainy and rough on the surface? Is it many shades of green or a few? Look closely at these details as they will accentuate your drawing.
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2
Observe the falling leaf's light, floating movement. See what shape and direction it takes when in midair. Take a picture to preserve the movement. It will help in your drawing.
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3
Attach the drawing paper to the drawing board with the adhesive so you have a firm surface to draw on. Position your drawing of the leaf in the middle of the drawing paper to give the effect of the leaf in midair. Begin drawing the outline of the leaf with a sharpened pencil. Make soft, gentle outlines of its outer shape and its inner veins and lines.
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4
Fill the outlined shape of the leaf with stronger, sharper, bolder strokes of the pencil. Fill in the intricate veins on its surface with the tip of your sharpened pencil. Make your lines as continuous and unbroken as possible to give a smooth look to your drawing. Rub the bolder outer outline inward with the cotton swab to blend in the shade and make the leaf stand out.
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5
Draw identical loose, soft, long and curved strokes with the flat length of your pencil nib, keeping it almost parallel to the paper, to give the effect of air around the leaf. Make no more than four of these long wavy lines from the top of the paper to the leaf itself, almost touching the outline of the leaf. Blend these lines into the paper with the swab similar to Step 4 above. These will accentuate the appearance of a falling leaf.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid placing your hand or arm on the paper, because doing so may cause smudges and marks.
Use soft strokes of the pencil that can be erased if needed. This will help keep your drawing neat and clean of smudges.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
