Refining Acanthus: Edges, Cuts & Character
75 reviews across the courses here, averaging 4.9 out of 5.
This workshop is perfect for artists who want to deepen their understanding of ornamental design and improve the quality of their acanthus leaves. Whether you're a beginner exploring ornamental art for the first time or
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Also included in the OB Art Circle membership, from $19/month.
What you'll learn
- n this workshop, you'll learn how to refine acanthus leaves through a deeper understanding of edges, cuts, and ornamental character. We'll explore how convex and concave edges influence the appearance of form, how edge transitions create elegance and movement, and how different types of cuts can add rhythm, depth, and visual interest to a design.
- The session covers understanding leaf anatomy, lobe development, edge refinement, cut variations, overlap treatment, and the relationship between line quality and form. You'll learn how subtle changes in shape and line can dramatically affect the personality of a leaf, making it feel more graceful, bold, delicate, or dramatic. We will also discuss common refinement mistakes that make ornamental leaves appear mechanical or static, along with practical methods for creating more natural and expressive forms.
- Through demonstrations and guided examples, you'll gain insight into the refinement process used by ornamental artists to create leaves that feel cohesive, balanced, and visually engaging.
What you will work through
This workshop is perfect for artists who want to deepen their understanding of ornamental design and improve the quality of their acanthus leaves. Whether you're a beginner exploring ornamental art for the first time or an experienced artist looking to add more refinement, elegance, and character to your work, this session will provide practical techniques that can be immediately applied to your drawings. It is especially useful for artists interested in classical ornament, architectural decoration, engraving-inspired design, scrollwork, and ornamental illustration. While a basic understanding of acanthus construction can be helpful, it is not necessary.
Best for
- Beginner
Materials
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Fineliner / Ink Pen
- Drawing paper or sketchbook
- Ruler (optional)
4 lessons · 1h 22m
- 01Introduction3m Preview
- 02Edges27m Locked
- 03Cuts27m Locked
- 04Character25m Locked
- Demo2Locked
- Demo1Locked
- Refining Acanthus 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.
Reviews
No one has reviewed this course yet. What can be said is the rest: 299 people have enrolled in a course here, and the 75 reviews left on the other courses average 4.9 out of 5.
Yours could be the first review on it.
Questions, answered
Should I buy this course once, or subscribe?+
Both work. A one-time purchase gives you lifetime access to this course, yours to revisit forever. An OB Art Circle membership instead opens this course and every other included course to you, for as long as your subscription stays active.
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.
How do I pay?+
Outside India you pay in US dollars through PayPal, by card or with a PayPal account. In India you pay in rupees through Razorpay, by UPI, card or net banking. The currency is picked for you, and the INR and USD switch in the site header or menu changes it.
Where to go next

How to Draw an Acanthus Leaf: Beginner Course

Acanthus Design Course: Leaves, Lobes and Curves

Advanced Acanthus Scrollwork and Composition
Would you like to try it before you buy? I have written a free step by step tutorial on the same motif: How to Draw Acanthus Leaves, Step by Step.

Start learning today
Secure checkout via PayPal
Also included in the OB Art Circle membership.