Draw Easy Fall Leaves Step-by-step (Realistic Autumn Leaf Sketch)

Learn how to draw easy fall leaves step-by-step (realistic autumn leaf sketch) in this simple art lesson. Draw along with me as I sketch and shade in several different types of leaves in this online art tutorial.

Drawing leaves may seem complicated at first, but when broken down into simple steps it is simple and easy. Using only pencils and an eraser, learn and practice the best way to draw fall leaves.

When leaves change color and bare tree branches begin to show I know that autumn is here. It just happens that fall is also the perfect season for drawing, sketching, and painting those colorful, crispy fall leaves.

It can be challenging to draw a leaf, especially the first time. Just keep trying. This is a great exercise to learn how to draw better. 

It is also helpful to just concentrate on sketching slowly and drawing what you see. The more you draw, the easier it will become! 

Video Tutorial Draw Fall Leaves

Transcript

Materials

• Paper - (Drawing or sketching paper is best but you can use whatever you have available. I am using a 5.5 x 8.5-inch spiral-bound sketchbook with 60 lb paper.) 
• Pencil  - Use a hard pencil for the beginning sketching then use a soft pencil for the shading (I am using an HB and 9B) or just use whatever pencil you have. Most writing pencils are HB.
• Eraser - I am using a white vinyl eraser.
• Brush - (Optional) 2-inch chip brush or other soft paintbrush for brushing away eraser dust.

Art Lesson

1. Lightly sketch an oval to block in the shape of the maple leaf. Add 5 vein lines extending out beyond the oval. 
2. Connect the top of the vein lines with an inward sweeping arched line that touches the initial oval.  Draw in the stem down and away from the leaf.
3. To the right of the maple leaf, block in the oak tree leaf by drawing in the center vein. On each of the lobes draw in the curves and the points. Add the stem on the opposite side of the leaf.
4. Sketch in the third oval-shaped leaf by following the shape of the actual object. Draw wavy lines where the leaf is wavy and crinkled. Draw in the center vein line. Add the stem toward the bottom of the leaf. 
5. Using a soft pencil, draw over the vein lines again on all three leaves making them more pronounced and adding several more vein lines which appear on the leaves.
6. Shade in the darker areas of the leaves, primarily around the edges and where there are bumps and dips. Push more lightly on your pencil while shading to gradually transition the value to light gray or white highlights. 
7. Shade in one side of the stems.
8. Use an eraser to erase any pencil lines or shading outside the leaves. 

Variations

• Add color to your leaves by using soft pastels, watercolor paint, colored pencils, or markers.
• Try adding a few fall leaves to your favorite still life.
• Draw some fall leaves from different angles, from the top, right side, left side, foreshortened, etc.
• Add a unique background behind the leaves such as a sidewalk, grass, bricks, wooden planks, or a fabric tablecloth

Tips and tricks

• In the beginning, draw lightly, in case you need to erase.
• Push harder on your pencil to shade dark areas and more lightly to shade lighter.
• Turn your paper as needed to help make the shading easier.
• Brush away the eraser dust with a chip brush or soft paintbrush to avoid smudging the drawing with your hand.

Draw easy fall leaves step-by-step (realistic autumn leaf sketch)

Learn how to draw easy fall leaves step-by-step (realistic autumn leaf sketch) in this simple art lesson. Draw along with me as I sketch and shade in several different types of leaves in this online art tutorial. Drawing leaves may seem complicated at first, but when broken down into simple steps it is simple and easy. Using only pencils and an eraser, learn and practice the best way to draw fall leaves.

Equipment

• Paper - (Drawing or sketching paper is best but you can use whatever you have available. I am using a 5.5 x 8.5-inch spiral-bound sketchbook with 60 lb paper)
• Pencil  - use a hard pencil for the beginning sketching then use a soft pencil for the shading (I am using an HB and 9B) or just use whatever pencil you have. Most writing pencils are HB.
• Eraser - I am using a white vinyl eraser
• Brush - (Optional) 2-inch chip brush for brushing away eraser dust

Instructions

• Lightly sketch an oval to block in the shape of the maple leaf. Add 5 vein lines extending out beyond the oval.
• Connect the top of the vein lines with an inward sweeping arched line that touches the initial oval.  Draw in the stem down and away from the leaf.
• To the right of the maple leaf, block in the oak tree leaf by drawing in the center vein. On each of the lobes draw in the curves and the points. Add the stem on the opposite side of the leaf.
• Sketch in the third oval-shaped leaf by following the shape of the actual object. Draw wavy lines where the leaf is wavy and crinkled. Draw in the center vein line. Add the stem toward the bottom of the leaf.
• Using a soft pencil, draw over the vein lines again on all three leaves making them more pronounced and adding several more vein lines which appear on the leaves.
• Shade in the darker areas of the leaves, primarily around the edges and where there are bumps and dips. Push more lightly on your pencil while shading to gradually transition the value to light gray or white highlights.
• Shade in one side of the stems.
• Use an eraser to erase any pencil lines or shading outside the leaves.

Notes

Use an eraser to erase any pencil lines or shading outside the leaves.

In the beginning, draw lightly, in case you need to erase.

Push harder on your pencil to shade dark areas and more lightly to shade lighter.

Turn your paper as needed to help make the shading easier.

Brush away the eraser dust with a chip brush or soft paintbrush to avoid smudging the drawing with your hand.

Lesson Downloads

For More Practice

• Collect your own fall leaves and practice drawing them from life.
• Sketch some leaves in lightly then paint them with watercolor paints.
• Try drawing leaves with charcoal, colored pencils, or pen and ink.
• Draw leaves that are overlapping over one another or that curl around and overlap on themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

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