The Shape the Leaf Leaves Behind
Draw the empty spaces around a leaf instead of drawing the leaf itself.
- 5–15 minutes
- No setup
- Easy to pause
- Seated friendly
- No cleanup
- Low effort
What you need
Use a fallen leaf you already have and ordinary paper. The leaf stays unmarked and can be returned afterward.
- paper
- pen
- found objects
Make it
Use a fallen leaf you already have and ordinary paper. The leaf stays unmarked and can be returned afterward.
- 1
Lay the leaf on the paper and look at the gaps between its edge and the paper's edge.
- 2
Draw a few lines through those empty areas, stopping before each line reaches the leaf. Do not trace its outline.
- 3
Lift the leaf and look at the untouched shape suggested by your lines.
Short on energy? Work beside just one edge of the leaf.
A good place to stop: A few surrounding lines and one empty leaf shape finish the drawing.
Make it work for you: Use a large leaf and broad marks. If holding it steady is difficult, observe it beside the page and draw only the surrounding gaps.
Another route: Try a familiar household object with a simple silhouette.