Maple leaves are striking to look at. Their unique and interesting shape also makes them a little more difficult to draw then some other leave types. Challenge yourself and try this fun tutorial.

 

 What you’ll need:

  • Micador Sketching Paper
  • Micador Essential Pencil, 2B
  • Micador 303 Plastic Eraser

 

 

 

 

 

Step

Step 1: Draw the Leaf Skeleton

Lightly draw 5 lines to represent each of the main veins of the leaf. Add a few smaller lines attached to the main veins; these lines will connect to the other main points of the leaf. Use a reference photo of a maple leaf to copy these veins.
Step

Step 2: Draw a Rough Outline

Connect the tips of the veins with some light curved lines. Refer to your leaf reference to copy the type of curve. Also add a stem to the bottom of your leaf.
Step

Step 3: Refine the Outline

Refine the shape of your leaf by adding in more pointy or jagged edges. Once you are happy with the shape, darken the outline and veins and erase any of the old sketchy lines.
Step

Step 4: Shade and Add Details

Add some shading in between the veins and at the tips of the leaf. Begin with light strokes and build up the grey slowly. You can also add a shadow underneath the leaf to create the illusion that it’s sitting on the page!
Download this info as a takeaway PDF