How to Draw an Acanthus Leaf: Beginner Course
Learn how to construct acanthus leaves from simple frameworks. This workshop covers straight, curved and side-view forms while focusing on rhythm, subdivision and natural flow.
Included with the OB Art Circle
This course is the recording of a live workshop I taught, so I no longer sell it on its own. You can watch it inside the OB Art Circle. It is one of the 19 courses the membership opens, along with two live sessions a month and the community.
Join the OB Art Circle→From $19 a month, and you can stop whenever you like.
If you bought this course before, it is still in your account.
What you'll learn
- Construct straight, curved and side-view acanthus leaves
- Use primary curves to guide every detail
- Add subdivisions for richness and depth
- Keep rhythm, flow and organic movement in the design
- Simplify complex ornamental forms into manageable steps
What you will work through
This workshop focuses on the acanthus leaf itself, one of the most important forms in ornamental drawing. You will break complex leaves into simple frameworks, curves and subdivisions.
The session covers straight acanthus, curved front views and side views, with attention to primary curves, rhythm and organic movement.
Best for
- Beginners learning acanthus drawing
- Students who want stronger control over ornamental leaves
- Artists preparing for more complex acanthus compositions
Requirements
- Basic drawing practice is helpful
Materials
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Fineliner pen
- Ruler
- Drawing paper
1 lesson · 1h 33m
- 01Session - 17 April 2026 - Live Recordings1h 33m Locked
- Fundamentals of Acanthus Leaf ManualLocked
Anjali Singh
Anjali Singh is the artist behind Ooshybooshy, specialising in floral, ornamental and acanthus art. 299 students have enrolled in her courses, and she teaches inside the OB Art Circle too, taking people from first strokes to confident, balanced ornamental compositions and sharing her process for structure, references, composition and intricate detailing. More about Anjali.
What students say
“Loved the step by step breakdown of the acanthus. Great course.”
Questions, answered
Can I buy this course on its own?＋
Not any more. This one is the recording of a live workshop, and it now comes with the OB Art Circle membership rather than being sold separately. If you bought it before, it stays in your account for good and nothing about it has changed for you.
What materials do I need?＋
Each lesson lists what to use. For most ornamental work a sketchbook, pencil, eraser and a fineliner pen are enough to begin.
Is this suitable for my level?＋
This course is pitched at an intermediate level, but every step is demonstrated slowly so motivated beginners can follow along.
Where to go next
Acanthus Design Course: Leaves, Lobes and Curves
Advanced Acanthus Scrollwork and Composition
Refining Acanthus: Edges, Cuts & Character
Would you like to try the motif first? I have written a free step by step tutorial on the same motif: How to Draw Acanthus Leaves, Step by Step.
Start learning today
Included with the OB Art Circle
This course is the recording of a live workshop I taught, so I no longer sell it on its own. You can watch it inside the OB Art Circle. It is one of the 19 courses the membership opens, along with two live sessions a month and the community.
Join the OB Art Circle→From $19 a month, and you can stop whenever you like.
If you bought this course before, it is still in your account.