How to Draw a Leaf 6 Ways: Easy Fall Leaves drawing for Kids
Below you’ll find 6 easy, step-by-step tutorials for how to draw a leaf, including a leaf drawing video art lesson, and even a leaf coloring page.
Leaf Drawing
Easy Leaf Drawing Tutorial: 6 Simple Styles for Fall Art Projects
Looking for a simple way to teach your students how to draw leaves — or just need a few to add into a fall-themed background?
This easy tutorial includes six basic types of leaves that are perfect for elementary art projects. It’s a gentle way to introduce different leaf shapes and names without getting too scientific.
Tips for Drawing Leaves with Kids
From experience, I’ve found that some leaf shapes are easier to draw starting with the veins first, while others work better if you start with the outer shape and add the veins later. Encourage your students to experiment with both approaches to see what feels right for them.
No matter how you begin, this guide gives students some variety to pull from the next time they need a leafy touch in their artwork — especially during fall.
Art Materials & Media Tips
These leaves look great with just crayons, but they also make a beautiful watercolor project too.
Here’s what I recommend for best results:
- Paper: Use real watercolor paper for the best paint effects.
- Outline: Start with a black Sharpie to keep the drawing crisp and bleed-proof.
- Paint: Liquid watercolors work wonderfully.
- Technique Tip: Add extra dabs of color along the veins for a fun wet-on-wet watercolor effect. It’s a simple way to practice color blending and create natural-looking leaf patterns.
Whether your students are drawing a single leaf or building a leafy autumn collage, this easy lesson is a great way to introduce variety and creativity into your classroom.
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Leaves Coloring Page
Materials to Draw Fall Leaves
Watch this fun short video for a Leaf Drawing
Step by Step Directions to Draw a Leaf
Time needed: 45 minutes
How to Draw 6 different kinds of Leaves
- Willow leaf.
Draw a line for the stem. Add a curve on the left side and the right side. Draw V shapes for the veins. Trace with a marker and color.
- Beech leaf.
Draw a line for the stem. Add a curve on the left side and on the right side. Draw lines for the veins. Trace with a marker and color.
- Walnut or Ash leaf.
Draw a line for the stem. Add a V shape. Draw small leaf shapes around the ends. Trace with a marker and color.
- Poplar leaf.
Draw a line for the stem. Add an upside down heart shape on the left side and on the right side. Draw more V shapes inside for the veins. Trace with a marker and color.
- Oak leaf. Draw a line for the stem.
Add upside down V shapes. Draw finger like shapes around them. Trace with a marker and color.
- Maple Leaf.
Draw a line for the stem. Draw the left side of the leaf as shown. Draw a matching shape on the right side. Draw lines for veins. Trace with a marker and color.
More Leaf and Tree Art Projects
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Then use the button below to get your Leaves tutorial. Thanks for wanting to bring more step-by-step, no-prep art lessons to your classroom!
Where’s your painted version of the fall leaf grid? Pretty sure you used liquid watercolors, right? It’s a great project, either way!
Thanks Connie, I had kind of forgotten about the painting option. I just added the sample to the post showing the crayon version, to offer more options.
I appreciate the feedback!
Very cool and helpful
Thank you very much.
Glad you like it!