If you’re a beginner artist looking for a fun and easy drawing project, then drawing a Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant) is a great place to start. With its unique pattern, thick leaves, and bright colors, the Monstera is a stunning plant to capture on paper. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll teach you how to create your very own Monstera drawing from scratch.
Materials Needed
- Sketchpad or Drawing Paper
- Pencil (preferably 2B or 4B)
- Eraser
- Black Permanent Marker
- Colored Pencils (optional)
Step 1: Sketching Basic Shape
Begin with a basic pencil sketch of the Monstera plant’s shape. You can also use reference photos at this stage to get an accurate shape in your sketch.
Tip:
- Make sure to sketch lightly so that you can easily erase mistakes as you go.
Step 2: Drawing the Stems & Leaves
Add details to the basic shape by adding in the stems and leaves using your pencil. You can make the stems thicker than the leaves and add more detail to the veins in the leaves.
Tip:
- Try to use curved lines and avoid being too symmetrical, as it will make your drawing look more natural.
Step 3: Adding the Monstera Holes
Draw the signature holes in the Monstera leaves. To do this, draw small ovals or curved triangles around the edges of the leaves. Make sure the holes are different in size and shape to give your drawing added texture and realism.
Tip:
- Using a reference photo while drawing the holes will help give your drawing more accuracy.
Step 4: Outlining with a Marker
Go over your pencil lines with a permanent marker, making sure to get all of the details. This will make your drawing stand out and will provide a guide for coloring.
Tip:
- If you made a mistake, use a whiteout or an eraser to remove any stray pencil marks.
Step 5: Coloring Your Monstera
Now that your outline is complete, it’s time to color in your Monstera! Use your colored pencils to add the final details and shading. Try to vary your shades for a more realistic texture.
Tip:
- Consider using a blend of similar colors to make your Monstera drawing appear more realistic.
Step 6: Adding Final Touches
Once you have colored your drawing, add final details such as shadowing, highlights, and texture to make your Monstera drawing pop.
Tip:
- Adding extra texture to your drawing can help enhance realism in the final product. Example: shiny leave, dew drops.
Summary
By following these easy steps, you can create your own Monstera drawing. Remember to sketch lightly, vary your shading, and have fun drawing in a natural but unique pattern. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes, and use reference photos when needed to help guide your piece. Happy drawing!
FAQs
1. Do I need to use colored pencils?
You don’t need to use colored pencils to make a Monstera drawing. If you want, use a different media to add color like markers, watercolors, pastels etc.
2. Is it okay to use a reference photo, or should I draw from memory?
Using reference photos is perfectly okay and can enhance the accuracy of your drawing. Draw from memory if you have a lot of experience and know exactly what the plant looks like.
3. Can I add a background to the drawing?
Yes, you can add a background. You can make it a simple one-color or more detailed like a landscape – it’s up to you.
4. How can I improve my shading and texture?
Practice is key to improving. Try to use more than one color and vary your shading to create more texture in your drawing.
5. Can I skip the marker step and just use colored pencils?
You can, but using a marker to outline your drawing will make your lines stand out more and provide added guidance. But, if you are comfortable coloring without an outline that is totally fine.
6. How long does it take to draw a Monstera?
This depends on how detailed you want your drawing to be and your skill level. Plan to budget around 1-2 hours to complete a basic Monstera drawing at first.