Here are ten examples of easy plants to draw. Most plants can be relatively easy to draw; it’s usually a matter of focusing on a few key details and not getting lost in the sauce. Or rather, in the foliage, in this case.
Table of Contents
Let’s Get Started
Few subjects are as peaceful to draw as plants and flowers. Because they don’t move (except for a little swaying in the wind) we have endless time to study their shape, up to the finest detail.
However, in order to keep things reasonably simple and light-hearted, that detail is precisely what we’re going to not worry about here.
General shapes, in combination with a hint at the most distinguishing features, that approach makes it easy to draw plants.
The result may not be a Da Vinci but it’s quite nice nonetheless. And if you’re relaxing and enjoying yourself along the way – even better.
What You Need
Whether you wing it with a pen or start with a pencil is up to you. Starting with a light pencil sketch sure helps to get the shape right. As you’ll discern below from the faded lines, I used a pencil first. I prefer one on the softer end of the spectrum, such as 2B.
For certain little doodles, like these cute easy things to draw, or these cute doodles, I do wing it straight with a pen.
There is something slightly riveting about taking that chance on your drawing skills. Can you nail it in one take? It’s a very low-risk undertaking with these tiny drawings anyways; you can always start over if the result is disappointing, with little time lost.
However, where lots of leaves are concerned, starting with a pencil drawing is most helpful. It allows for arranging the foliage tentatively at first and then tracing the ones in the forefront with a pen.
That way, on the second take in pen, it’s easy to make sure only those lines that should be visible – not falling behind other leaves – are visible.
Playing around with pencil lines and their impermanence makes for a more relaxed drawing session.
The idea here is (obviously) to erase the pencil lines once the drawing is done, which I seem to have skipped here and there.
On the bright side, don’t you love those delightfully retro Winny the Pooh drawings? Yes, the original ones, with lots and lots of pencil sketch lines! I think they are adorable.
Clearly, leaving a few extra sketching lines can make for an interesting vibe, too – in the style of E. H. Shepard.
Easy Plants to Draw (Line Art)
And now, on to some fun and easy plants to draw. Most of these you’ve probably heard of, if not seen up close at one point or another.
Coconut Tree
The rustling sound of coconut leaves swaying in the ocean breeze. Need we say more?
Foxglove
Foxglove flowers are beautiful (and also toxic) but so pretty! All it takes to draw them is a few easy steps. Use simple shapes to draw the bells, just make sure you work top-down because the lower flowers are partially covered by the ones above them.
Then, add a straight line for the stem and a few curvy leaves. In the wild, these often grow in groups, so while you could draw a single plant, a few of them together look even better!
As a tip, try drawing the flowers of these foxglove plants upside down. It’s much easier to make the circles for the bell bottoms first, and then fill in the sides of each bell-shaped flower. Doing so upside down is not a must but I find it helps.
Sunflower
This tall fella needs some color, and I’m partial to the leaves. With or without veins? That’s the question.
Cactus in Bloom
Not that I’ve ever been successful at pampering a cactus to the extent of it bursting into flowers (other than on paper) but it is – allegedly – possible.
Hibiscus Flower Drawing
The classic hibiscus flowers found on surfer gear and clothing used to impress me. Until I took a closer look one day, and realized it’s mostly a game of smoke and mirrors. In this case, bold and bright colors give off that surfer “vibe”. The actual shape of the flowers is, initially, as easy as one-two-three.
With a few simple steps, you can put together this iconic flower, starting from the center.
- The pistil.
- The outline of the outer petals
- The ‘lining’ or color difference demarcation inside those petals. Done!
The full effect comes from drawing lots of different flowers that come together looking like a pattern. If you’re into coloring, these Hibiscus flowers lend themselves so well to experimenting with various color palettes – it’s a real blast to make them pop with tropical hues!
Tip: Make sure Hibiscus flowers nearby face different directions for a more natural look and feel.
What better way to hone your art skills than to make a beautiful drawing and use it as a coloring page for yourself?
Monstera Plant
Cactus in the Wild
Lily of the Valley
Random House Plant
Succulent
Which one is your favorite?
