How to Paint a Maple Leaf | Acrylic Painting Tutorial

Fall is in the air and I feel like celebrating by showing you how to make some pretty autumn home decor. Learn how to paint this autumn red maple leaf in this, step by step, acrylic painting tutorial. This lesson is easy enough for beginner artists. See what you need to paint this with me below. 

Supplies You Need

Optional: Grab the reference photo here to help you. 

(Amazon affiliate links below)
1. Paint Brushes 
2. Acrylic Paints 
Watch me mix these colors
I'm specifically using mixes of:
Cadmium red medium
Cadmium yellow
Cobalt blue
Titanium White
Ivory Black
3. Canvas Panels 8x8" or 10x10" 
4. My PALETTE (Colors don't dry out!) 
5. Water
6. Paper Towels

Watch Painting Leaf Tutorial

Steps to Painting Your Own Leaf

Step 1: Paint background tan or another neutral color. This will make the leaf stand out. Use loose brush strokes and just have fun covering your canvas panel.

Step 2: Draw your leaf. I like to do this with a watercolor pencil so the lines disappear while I paint, but anything will work. In the tutorial I guide you in how to do this free hand. If you need more help, get the reference photo here. 

Step 3: Paint in your leaf with reds, oranges and you can even add a little purple. Make sure to paint it loose, not over blending. Use the edge of your brush to follow the lines of your drawing.

Step 4: Paint the stem. I mixed a purple color for the stem, but as long as it is a darker color it will look great. Use your flat brush to create a straight line. 

Step 5: Paint the vein lines on your leaf with your tan color. This will create harmony with the background. Use the flat of the brush as seen in the video. You don't have to include all the veins, it just depends if you want it more realistic or impressionistic.

Step 6: Create your finishing touches. I liked adding some purple to the edges to make it look a little more realistic.

Thanks for painting with me. If you enjoyed this lesson, share it with your art loving friends. 

You can become a Createful Art Member to get weekly art lessons, my reference photos & more fun artsy stuff. 

Become a Member