How to draw a leaf
A single leaf is the gentlest way into watercolor: one shape, one pale wash and a few darker details. The stages tell you when to wait for the paint to dry.
- Watercolor
- Beginner
- 10 min
- 4 stages
Draw on paper with any pencil or pen. Compare each stage with the guide before you move on.
Stage by stage
Leaf shape
Lightly sketch one long tilted oval with a straight line running from the base to the tip.
Check before you move on: Is the oval about twice as long as it is wide?
Outline and veins
Draw the leaf outline with a pointed tip and a short stem, then add the center vein and a few side veins in pale pencil.
Check before you move on: Does the leaf end in a clear point, with veins branching from the center line?
First wash
Paint one pale green wash over the whole leaf and keep the paper around it clean. Let it dry for a few minutes before you continue.
Check before you move on: Is the wash even, with no dry gaps inside the outline?
Dark details
When the wash is dry, paint the center vein and side veins in a darker green and add a darker edge on one side.
Check before you move on: Are the veins darker than the wash, with the dark edge on one side only?
Tips for this drawing
- Make the leaf about twice as long as it is wide, with a pointed tip.
- Paint one pale, even wash and let it dry for a few minutes before you continue.
- Paint the veins darker than the wash, and add a darker edge on one side only.
Make a lesson like this from your own photo
Sketchwise builds a guide image for every stage, checks your page along the way and scores the finished drawing.
