The more detailed areas of the drawing are the sections of pineapple skin and the smaller leaves coming out of each section. As a whole, these smaller sections make up a diagonal criss cross shape across the pineapple body. You can see from the reference photo that these sections are dark in value. However, I start by sketching in the different sections lightly, then I go over them with more pressure when I feel confident of the placement of the details.
How to Draw a Pineapple in 5 Steps
In this tutorial, learn how to draw a pineapple realistically in 5 steps. This drawing involves lots of shading and some detail work to achieve a realistic effect. Pineapples are interesting fruits with leaves and a lot of texture. This makes them quite a complex subject to draw.
To achieve a realistic drawing, two of most important components are a range in tonal values (bright highlights and deep shadows) and accurate proportions.
At the end of this tutorial, I’ve written a supplies guide and I’ve added the reference image that I’ve put into black and white so you can save it and follow along with the drawing!
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Contents hide
Draw a pineapple: video tutorial
Look at your reference photo and determine where the light is coming from. This will inform where your light and dark values (highlights and shadows) will be. If you’re working from a reference photo when drawing, it helps to edit the photo and put it in black and white. This can help you to determine the value relationships better.
As you can see, the light source in this photograph is coming from the right hand side. The fruitlet sections and leaves on the right hand side are reflecting more light, while the left hand side is darker in tone. This is a good image to work from, because there is a lot of contrast, so you can exercise your value drawing muscles.
Step 2: Draw your guides
The key to accuracy in drawing is having guides and reference points to work from. I drew a box very lightly with a hard pencil (F). The rectangle was just over double in height as it was width. The crown (leaves) of the pineapple is roughly the same height as the fruit, so I drew a line halfway across the rectangle. I also drew a line vertically halfway through the rectangle to serve as an extra reference point.
I also pinpointed on the guides, where the pineapple hit the edges. Draw these markers on your own guides on paper, then all you have to do is join them up.
Pineapple Salt Painting
Try this fun painting technique using salt, PVA glue and watercolour paints to create this pineapple picture. Salt painting is a fantastic way to combine science and art together. Children learn how water colours or food colouring are absorbed into the salt to make a colourful visual image. This activity is great for the imagination.
What you’ll need
Items you’ll also need
- Fine Salt
- Paint Brush
- Tray
Skill Level
Easy. Adult supervision needed
Time to Make
10 Minutes (plus drying time)
Adult Supervision Needed
How to Make
- First print the template onto blue card or draw your own design.
- Then trace the lines with clear PVA glue.
- Sprinkle fine salt over the glue and gently shake off the excess.
- Once the glue is completely dry, mix your watercolours so that they are watery.
- Dip in a paintbrush and gently touch it to the salt that you wish to colour, the salt will soak the paint up.
- Allow to dry fully before moving and displaying your artwork.
Top Tip
Make your watercolours watery so that the colour from the paint spreads easily.
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