A blank page. So many possibilities.
If you’re wondering what to draw, start small: one leaf, one mug, one curious cat. These 12 ideas give your pencil somewhere to go.
Let’s take the choosing out of it.
Choose a category, or let a small idea find you.
12 ideas to get you started
A curious sitting cat
Start with an oval head and a rounded body. Compare the ears and paws before adding the whiskers.
Follow the illustrated tutorialA daisy with uneven petals
Draw a small center and repeat rounded petals around it. Let a few lean in different directions.
Follow the illustrated tutorialA butterfly with your own pattern
Use a center line to balance the wings, then invent a pair of matching markings.
Follow the illustrated tutorialThe mug beside you
Draw the top as a shallow oval. Compare its width with the height of the mug, then add the handle.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookOne leaf from a walk
Trace the main curve with your eyes first. Draw the center vein, then build the outside edge around it.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookA sleepy cat curled into a circle
Begin with one large curved shape. Tuck the head into it and show a single ear before adding the tail.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookThree pebbles
Choose three different outlines. Place them at different angles and add one small shadow under each.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookA tiny potted plant
Use a tapered shape for the pot. Grow three stems from its center, then add pointed leaves along them.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookA feather with a bend
Draw the curved shaft first. Outline the broad shape and suggest only a few of the fine strands.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookA bird on a branch
Try an egg shape for the body and a smaller circle for the head. Keep the beak and feet simple.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookA key with a long shadow
Look for circles and rectangles in the silhouette. Save the small notches until the main shape is right.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookFive different cloud shapes
Use a different combination of shallow and deep curves for each cloud. Leave some edges almost flat.
An observation prompt for your sketchbookWhat should a beginner draw first?
Start with one object that has a clear outline and only a few large shapes. A leaf, a simple mug, or a daisy lets you practice curves and proportions without a crowded composition. Choose a finishing point before you begin: an outline and one shadow can be a complete exercise.
What can I draw in five minutes?
Try three pebbles, the outline of a single leaf, or five different clouds. Keep the drawings small. Focus on the outer shape first, then add one detail that makes each subject different. The time estimates on this page are suggestions, not deadlines.
How can I make an ordinary subject more interesting?
Change one thing: the viewing angle, the crop, or the light. Draw your mug from above, enlarge a single petal, or move a lamp to one side of a pebble. Keep the subject familiar while making the observation a little different.
For more structure, follow our step-by-step tutorials. For help selecting photos, read how to choose a manageable drawing reference. If you want an on-screen guide, explore AR camera drawing.
