Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw fall leaves: Different Edges and Main Veins
Explore fall leaves through four selected drawing stages. Focus on different edges and main veins and a textured crayon finish.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 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 fall leaves with attention to different edges and main veins.
Shapes and proportions
Compare lobed, pointed and rounded leaf edges while running a main vein toward each tip.
A common mistake
Using one edge pattern for every leaf loses the variety.
How to fix it
Outline each leaf type separately before branching smaller veins from its center.
This fall leaves study focuses on different edges and main veins. Compare lobed, pointed and rounded leaf edges while running a main vein toward each tip. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
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
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 8 for fall leaves, not the next single stroke. Compare lobed, pointed and rounded leaf edges while running a main vein toward each tip. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 5: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 5 of 8 for fall leaves, not the next single stroke. Outline each leaf type separately before branching smaller veins from its center. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 5: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: different edges and main veins
Compare the finished fall leaves outline with the earlier selected stages. Using one edge pattern for every leaf loses the variety. Outline each leaf type separately before branching smaller veins from its center.
Complete outline: different edges and main veins · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: warm orange, brown, warm red
Use the colored fall leaves example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes warm orange, brown, warm red. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: warm orange, brown, warm red · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses warm orange, brown, warm red. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Outline each leaf type separately before branching smaller veins from its center.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Easy Fall Leaves Drawing” 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.
