Leaves look simple… until you try to draw them.

Suddenly there are overlaps, twists, shadows, odd shapes, bits missing  and it can all feel a bit overwhelming. So let me start with this:

You don’t need to copy the photo exactly. Drawing leaves is about understanding shape, light, and layering not perfection.

1. Start with Simple Shapes

Begin by loosely placing the leaves where they sit in relation to each other. Some will overlap, some will sit behind, some will curve away. Don’t worry if they feel “wrong” at first – you can adjust them as you go.

Leaves are wonderfully forgiving.

2. Let the Drawing Change

It’s completely normal to feel a bit lost halfway through. Instead of starting again, try reshaping the leaf by darkening around it. Working in the negative – defining the space outside the leaf – is one of the easiest ways to fix things.

Mistakes are rarely mistakes. They’re just part of the process.

3. Focus on Light and Shadow First

Before adding detail, look at the values:

• Where is the leaf darkest?
  
• Where does it turn away from the light?
  
• Where is it catching light along the edge?
  

If the light and dark make sense, the leaf will feel believable even before you add veins or texture.

4. Build Colour Gently

Use light pressure and layer slowly:

• Start with a soft green base
  
• Add darker greens for shadow
  
• Warmer or yellow-greens where the light hits
  
• Glaze lightly to bring everything together
  

At this stage it might look a bit flat – that’s normal. Details come later.

5. Keep Veins and Details Subtle

Veins don’t need heavy outlines. Let them fade in and out and keep them softer than you think. Little imperfections, uneven edges, and broken shapes all add realism -don’t tidy them away.

6.You’re Learning Skills, Not Copying Photos

If a part of the reference doesn’t make sense, simplify it or leave it out. What matters is learning how leaves work – those skills will help you with every subject you draw.

Drawing leaves is a brilliant way to practise letting go, trusting yourself, and building confidence with coloured pencils.

And that matters far more than getting it “right”.