Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a palm leaf: a curved spine and repeated leaflets
Two close long arcs first form the leaf axis.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice this visual check: Let each thin leaf tilt toward the tip along the main axis, and become shorter closer to both ends.
Shapes and proportions
Two close long arcs first form the leaf axis. Slender arc leaves are repeated along the left and right sides of the leaf axis, the leaf tips converge toward the same outer contour, and the length shortens from the middle to both ends.
A common mistake
The leaflets are arranged vertically in short horizontal lines, and the palm leaves will look like a comb.
How to fix it
Let each thin leaf tilt toward the tip along the main axis, and become shorter closer to both ends.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Position the basic shape first
Two close long arcs first form the leaf axis. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
The slender arc leaves are repeated along the left and right sides of the leaf axis, the leaf tips converge towards the same outer contour, and the length shortens from the middle to both ends. Let each thin leaf tilt toward the tip along the main axis, and become shorter closer to both ends.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The leaf axis is light olive green, and the thin leaves on both sides are uniformly forest green. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Palm Leaf” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
