Drawing doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. Whether you’re just starting your artistic journey or looking for relaxing sketching ideas, countless simple subjects can create stunning results. This guide explores easy pretty things to draw that will boost your confidence and fill your sketchbook with lovely artwork.
Why Start with Simple Pretty Drawings?
Before diving into complex masterpieces, beginning with easy subjects helps you:
- Build fundamental drawing skills
- Develop confidence in your artistic abilities
- Create satisfying results quickly
- Practice essential techniques like shading and proportion
- Discover your drawing style
Nature-Inspired Easy Drawings
Flowers and Plants
Nature offers endless inspiration for pretty, simple drawings. These botanical subjects are forgiving and naturally beautiful:
Simple Flowers:
- Daisies with basic petal shapes
- Roses using spiral techniques
- Sunflowers with circular centers
- Cherry blossoms on branches
- Tulips with simple curved lines
Leaves and Foliage:
- Heart-shaped leaves
- Fern fronds with repeating patterns
- Eucalyptus branches
- Monstera leaves with distinctive holes
- Simple succulent rosettes
Trees and Landscapes:
- Willow trees with drooping branches
- Pine trees use triangular shapes
- Mountain silhouettes
- Simple landscapes with rolling hills
- Cactus plants in decorative pots
Celestial and Weather Elements
Sky-themed drawings are naturally pretty and surprisingly simple:
- Crescent moons with gentle shading
- Stars in various sizes and arrangements
- Fluffy clouds with soft edges
- Rainbows with gentle arcs
- Sun rays extending from a central circle
- Lightning bolts with zigzag patterns
Cute Animals and Creatures
Animals can be drawn simply while maintaining their charm and personality:
Easy Animal Faces
- Cats with triangular ears
- A dog with floppy ears
- Owl faces with large circular eyes
- Rabbit faces with long ears
- Fox faces with pointed features
Simple Full-Body Animals
- Sleeping cats curled in circles
- Flying birds with outstretched wings
- Butterflies with symmetrical wings
- Fish with flowing fins
- Ladybugs with spotted shells
Whimsical Creatures
- Cute ghosts with flowing shapes
- Simple dragons with friendly expressions
- Unicorns with flowing manes
- Mermaids with flowing hair
- Friendly monsters with silly features
Decorative and Ornamental Drawings
Patterns and Designs
- Mandala-style circular patterns
- Geometric shapes in repetition
- Swirling vine patterns
- Border designs with repeating motifs
- Simple Celtic knots
Decorative Objects
- Vintage keys with ornate handles
- Feathers with detailed texture
- Dreamcatchers with hanging beads
- Decorative bottles and vases
- Ornate picture frames
Food and Everyday Objects
Sweet Treats
- Cupcakes with swirled frosting
- Ice cream cones with sprinkles
- Donuts with colorful glazes
- Macarons with smooth surfaces
- Candy canes with striped patterns
Beverages
- Coffee cups with steam swirls
- Tea cups with delicate handles
- Smoothie glasses with straws
- Hot chocolate with marshmallows
- Wine glasses with elegant stems
Household Items
- Potted plants in decorative containers
- Vintage cameras with simple shapes
- Books stacked at angles
- Candles with flickering flames
- Jewelry boxes with intricate details
Fashion and Accessories
Clothing Items
- Flowing dresses with simple silhouettes
- High-heeled shoes with elegant lines
- Hats with decorative bands
- Handbags with stylish handles
- Jewelry pieces like necklaces and earrings
Beauty Items
- Perfume bottles with elegant shapes
- Makeup brushes with soft bristles
- Lipstick tubes with sleek designs
- Nail polish bottles with colorful contents
- Hair accessories like bows and headbands
Tips for Making Your Drawings Extra Pretty
Shading Techniques
- Use gentle gradients for depth
- Add shadows to create dimension
- Highlight areas where light would naturally hit
- Blend with your finger or a blending stump for smooth transitions
Adding Details
- Include small decorative elements
- Add texture with crosshatching or stippling
- Use different line weights for variety
- Consider adding patterns within shapes
Color Considerations
- Start with monochromatic schemes
- Use complementary colors for contrast
- Add pops of bright color strategically
- Consider using colored pencils or markers for enhancement
Drawing Supplies for Beginners
Essential Tools
- Quality drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
- Kneaded eraser for gentle corrections
- Blending stumps for smooth shading
- Good quality paper with slight texture
- Ruler for straight lines and measurements
Optional Enhancements
- Colored pencils for adding color
- Fine-tip markers for bold outlines
- White gel pen for highlights
- Pastels for soft color washes
- Spray fixative to preserve drawings
Practice Exercises and Challenges
Daily Drawing Ideas
- Draw one flower each day for a week
- Create a series of animal faces
- Practice different leaf shapes
- Sketch household objects from life
- Try the same subject in different styles
Progressive Challenges
- Start with basic shapes, then add details
- Draw from photographs, then from life
- Create compositions with multiple elements
- Experiment with different perspectives
- Try combining various subjects in one drawing
Building Your Drawing Skills
Fundamental Techniques
- Practice basic shapes as building blocks
- Work on proportions and measurements
- Develop your observation skills
- Learn to see light and shadow
- Practice consistent line quality
Finding Inspiration
- Follow art accounts on social media
- Visit local art galleries and museums
- Study the work of artists you admire
- Take photos of interesting subjects
- Keep a collection of reference images
Creating a Drawing Routine
Setting Up Your Space
- Choose a comfortable, well-lit area
- Organize your supplies for easy access
- Keep reference materials nearby
- Consider playing calming music
- Remove distractions for focused practice
Making Time for Art
- Set aside regular drawing time
- Start with short 15-minute sessions
- Gradually increase drawing duration
- Don’t pressure yourself for perfection
- Celebrate small improvements
Sharing Your Artwork
Building Confidence
- Start by sharing with supportive friends
- Join online art communities
- Participate in drawing challenges
- Ask for constructive feedback
- Remember that every artist started as a beginner
Preserving Your Work
- Date your drawings to track progress
- Store artwork in protective sleeves
- Consider digitizing favorite pieces
- Create a portfolio of your best work
- Document your artistic journey
Moving Forward in Your Art Journey
Expanding Your Skills
- Try new subjects and techniques
- Experiment with different art media
- Take online courses or workshops
- Study anatomy and perspective
- Practice regularly and consistently
Finding Your Style
- Notice what subjects you gravitate toward
- Experiment with different approaches
- Don’t compare yourself to others
- Allow your unique voice to emerge
- Enjoy the process of discovery
Conclusion
Drawing pretty things doesn’t require years of training or expensive supplies. With basic materials and a willingness to practice, you can create beautiful artwork that brings joy and satisfaction. Remember that every professional artist started with simple subjects and basic techniques. The key is to begin with subjects that inspire you and gradually build your skills through consistent practice.
Whether you’re drawn to delicate flowers, cute animals, or decorative patterns, there’s a world of easy pretty things waiting to be drawn. Start with the subjects that speak to you, be patient with yourself as you learn, and most importantly, enjoy the peaceful, meditative process of creating art.
Your sketchbook is a judgment-free zone where you can experiment, make mistakes, and discover the joy of bringing beautiful images to life with nothing more than a pencil and paper. So pick up your drawing tools, choose a subject that makes you smile, and begin your journey into the wonderful world of easy pretty drawings.