We have studied how leaves look in silhouette form, but to draw them close-up, you will need to add the details. Sometimes you will need to do both in one drawing. The leaves will appear different, depending on the light.
This close-up shows the shapes of the leaves in a partial silhouette. While most of the leaf is black, a small amount of light appears along the edges and the veins. It is subtle, but this type of light makes the realism.
This close-up reveals the details. The extra light shows the veins and the stems clearly. Look closely and study how the light shines along the edges.
Eyes of the Tiger
Graphite on smooth bristol
11” × 14” (28cm × 36cm)
This drawing is one of my personal favorites. The tiger is beautiful, but the addition of the leaves makes this scene a real eye-catcher. Instead of taking away from the tiger, the leaves act as a natural framework. The placement of them actually leads your eye to the center, straight into the eyes of the tiger.