How to Draw a Succulent
Welcome to our article on how to draw a succulent! We will be walking you through five different drawing methods, so no matter your skill level or preferred medium, there is something here for everyone.
First, we will cover sketching with pencils. We’ll discuss basic techniques like shading and blending and more advanced techniques like creating shadows and highlights.
Next, we’ll show you how to use colored pencils to create realistic-looking succulents. You can learn about color mixing, layering colors, and adding detail that brings the drawings to life.
Thirdly, we will explore painting with watercolors. Watercolors are a great way to bring out the vibrant greens in succulents! We’ll talk about shading, outlining, depth, and other tips for making your paintings unique.
Fourthly, we’ll look at cartoon-style drawings. A perfect way to start if you want an easy but fun project! In this section, you can learn how to make simple shapes into recognizable succulents with just a few lines and some practice.
Lastly, if still lifes are more your thing, look at our guide for creating a stunning succulent still life painting or drawing! This part provides all the info needed, including composition tips for drawing the pieces in an eye-catching way and how to use construction lines.
We will end with a step-by-step guide to creating a simple cactus sketch. Let’s get started!

General Tips
Before starting the drawing process, it is important to determine which medium you will be using. Make sure to have all the necessary materials ready and available.
To get an idea of what your succulent should look like, find some reference drawings or even observe a real succulent up close. Keep this reference picture open throughout the entire process so that you can refer back to it if needed.
When beginning the drawing, start with outlining first so you can follow a logical order while creating your masterpiece. If you want your outline to blend in, try lightly sketching it with a pencil or using the same color as what will eventually fill in most of the drawing.
Finally, adding multiple coats and shades will give your work depth and shadows for more realism. Experiment with different techniques until you are satisfied! Read More…