Ready to embrace the beauty of fall through art? These 25 easy autumn drawing tutorials are perfect for beginners looking to capture the magic of the season. From falling leaves and pumpkins to cozy sweaters and woodland creatures, these step-by-step guides will help you create charming autumn-themed drawings with ease. Whether you’re new to sketching or just want to try something seasonal, these tutorials are a great way to hone your skills while celebrating the colors and coziness of autumn. Grab your pencils, and let’s get drawing!
All artwork provided is original and can be used as a reference for your own drawings.
Table of Contents
Owl Perched On Tree Stump

When sketching this owl scene quickly, I’d start with the basic shapes – a circle for the owl’s body and head, and a wider cylinder for the tree stump. Getting those core forms down first helps establish the overall composition and proportions.
For the owl itself, those big expressive eyes are a key feature. I’d rough those in early to capture the character. Then I’d add the distinctive ear tufts and general feather shapes to build out the owl’s form. The tree stump texture and falling leaves can come later – they add atmosphere but aren’t essential to the core image. Focusing on the owl first lets you nail down the focal point before fleshing out details.
Weathered Barn

The artist employs a lovely loose sketching technique here, using quick, light strokes to capture the essence of the rustic barn. There’s a delicate balance between defined structural elements and more gestural marks that suggest texture and form. I’m particularly drawn to how they’ve rendered the wooden siding – those vertical lines convey the weathered planks without overworking the details.
Looking at the foreground, you can see how they’ve suggested tall grass with just a few wavy lines. It’s a great example of implying detail without drawing every blade. The shading on the roof is nicely done too, with angled strokes that follow the pitch and give a sense of depth. Overall, there’s a confident economy of line that I find really appealing in landscape sketches like this.
Wagon Filled With Pumpkins

Drawing this charming autumn scene could be tricky for a beginner in a few ways. The tree’s intricate branches and leaves might feel overwhelming to capture. I’d suggest starting with the basic trunk shape and main branches before adding smaller details. It’s easy to get lost in all those little leaf shapes!
The wagon full of pumpkins presents its own challenges. Getting the perspective right on those wheels can be frustrating – they need to look round even though they’re at an angle. And all those pumpkins! It’s tempting to draw each one individually, but that can make the pile look stiff. Try sketching the overall mound shape first, then suggesting individual pumpkins with shading and a few key outlines. Lastly, don’t underestimate how much time those wispy grass textures can take. Start light and build up gradually, or you might end up with a muddy mess. Patience is key there!
Squirrel Holding Acorn

This squirrel sketch is a great starting point for practicing animal anatomy and texture. Let’s focus on those paws gripping the tree trunk – they’re crucial for capturing the squirrel’s character. Try sketching just the paws repeatedly, paying attention to how they curve around the bark. Getting those tiny details right can really bring your drawing to life.
For texture practice, the tree bark and squirrel’s fur offer excellent contrast. Spend some time shading different sections of bark, experimenting with various pencil strokes to create that rough, vertical grain. Then move on to the squirrel’s fluffy tail, using lighter, softer strokes to suggest its softness. This back-and-forth between hard and soft textures will improve your shading versatility.
Leaf On Gravel Path

The delicate linework in this leaf drawing really stands out to me. You can see the fine veins and texture captured with precision, giving the leaf a lifelike quality. That level of detail isn’t easy to achieve, especially for beginners, so kudos to the artist for their patience and steady hand.
What I find particularly striking is the way the leaf seems to be disintegrating at the bottom. Those scattered dots create a sense of movement, as if the leaf is crumbling away before our eyes. It’s a clever way to convey the passage of time and the fragility of nature. The gradient from solid leaf to scattered particles is executed smoothly – that transition can be tricky to pull off convincingly.
Bicycle Against A Tree

This sketch has a lovely sense of tranquility to it. The composition is well-balanced, with the tree trunk providing a strong vertical element and the bicycle adding interest at the base. The delicate leaves and branches create a nice contrast to the solid forms below.
To enhance this drawing, I’d suggest adding some subtle shading or cross-hatching to give more depth and dimension, especially on the tree bark and bicycle. This could really make those elements pop and create more visual interest. You might also consider extending the ground slightly to give the scene a bit more grounding. A hint of shadow beneath the bicycle could help anchor it in the space.
Scarecrow On A Field

When tackling a subject like this scarecrow, it’s easy to get caught up in the details too early. A common mistake is rushing to add texture to the straw and clothing before nailing down the overall form and pose. Focus first on getting those basic shapes and proportions right – the slouched posture, outstretched arms, and angled hat are what really sell the character here.
Another pitfall to watch out for is making the scarecrow look too rigid or symmetrical. The charm of this drawing comes from its slightly uneven, wind-blown quality. Don’t be afraid to exaggerate that tattered, askew look in the clothing and straw. And pay attention to how the grass at the base helps ground the figure – leaving that area blank would make the scarecrow feel like it’s floating rather than planted in a field.
Rustic Bench

This pencil sketch captures a serene park scene with beautiful attention to detail. For beginners looking to create a drawing like this, I’d emphasize the importance of mastering texture and shading techniques.
Notice how the artist has skillfully rendered the wooden grain of the bench and the delicate leaves scattered on the ground. Getting those textures right can really bring a sketch to life. Practice creating various textures through different pencil strokes and pressure levels. For the scattered leaves, quick, light touches work well, while longer, more deliberate strokes help convey the bench’s wooden surface. Don’t be afraid to experiment – developing your own style for capturing textures is part of the fun of sketching.
Pumpkin On A Porch

This detailed pencil sketch of a pumpkin and autumn leaves offers some great elements for a beginner to practice. Let’s break it down a bit.
The pumpkin itself could be a good starting point. Its basic shape is fairly simple – mostly round with some subtle ridges. A beginner might focus on getting that overall form down first, leaving out the intricate shading and texture details initially. The stem is a nice touch, but could be simplified to a basic curved shape.
As for the leaves, they add wonderful texture to the scene, but drawing each one precisely would be challenging for a novice. I’d suggest starting with just a few larger leaf shapes, placed strategically around the pumpkin. This would give the autumn feel without overwhelming a new artist. The wooden surface could be hinted at with just a few straight lines, rather than detailed wood grain. Simplifying the background to focus on foreground elements is often a smart move when you’re starting out.
Rain Boots

The subtle shading along the creases and folds of these boots really brings them to life. Notice how the artist has used delicate pencil strokes to suggest the texture of the rubber material, especially around the ankles and toes. This attention to detail gives the boots a worn, lived-in quality that adds authenticity to the sketch.
I’m impressed by the way the artist has captured the reflection of light on the boots’ surface. Those faint highlights along the shins and insteps create a sense of dimensionality. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference in how realistic and three-dimensional the boots appear. Mastering those subtle variations in tone is what separates a good drawing from a great one.
Pair Of Mittens

When tackling this intricate Native American-style moccasin drawing, pay close attention to the textures and patterns. The detailed geometric designs covering the shoes require precision and patience. Start with light, basic outlines to get the overall shape right before diving into the intricate work.
The shading here is crucial for creating depth and realism. Notice how the artist has used varying pressure and pencil strokes to give the moccasins a soft, leather-like appearance. This technique really brings out the three-dimensional quality of the footwear. As you work on the patterns, keep your hand steady and take breaks if needed – those tiny repeated motifs can be tough on the eyes and wrists!
Cluster Of Mushrooms

The intricate detail in the tree bark and mushrooms really stands out here. The artist has used a delicate touch with their pencil strokes to create wonderful textures, especially in how the mushrooms seem to emerge organically from the tree’s base. It’s a great example of how focusing on small details can bring a nature scene to life.
What impresses me most is the composition. By cropping in close on just the tree trunk and mushrooms, it creates an intimate, almost magical forest floor vignette. The way the mushrooms are clustered draws your eye upwards, following the contours of the tree. It’s a clever way to guide the viewer’s gaze through the image.
Lantern On A Table

The artist here has done a great job creating depth through shading and perspective. Notice how the table’s circular top is depicted with an ellipse, immediately giving a sense of three-dimensionality. The lantern itself has well-defined edges and panels, with darker shading on one side to suggest a light source.
Shadows play a crucial role too. See that dark area under the table and lantern? That grounds the objects and enhances the illusion of space. The sketchy lines used for shading add texture and volume, especially on the lantern’s dome and base. You might try varying your line weight more – heavier lines in the foreground could really make things pop. Overall though, this is solid work for capturing form and depth in a relatively simple sketch.
Knit Scarf On A Rack

This fabric study showcases some beautiful draping effects. To capture the proportions accurately, I’d recommend starting with a light outline of the overall shape, paying close attention to where the cloth bunches and folds at the top.
Then focus on the negative spaces – the gaps between the folds. These often reveal the true proportions more clearly than trying to draw each fold individually. Use a plumb line or even just your pencil held vertically to check the alignment of different points.
For practice, try sketching this same draped fabric from different angles. Or set up your own simple cloth draping at home and do quick studies. The key is training your eye to see the underlying structures and rhythms in the folds, rather than getting lost in all the intricate details. With fabric studies like this, proportion and flow are more important than perfect rendering of every crease.
Harvest Basket

The basket’s curved handle immediately draws your eye into the composition, creating an inviting arc that leads down to the fruit nestled inside. It’s a smart use of linear elements to guide the viewer’s gaze. The way the artist rendered the woven texture of the basket is quite impressive – you can really feel the dimensionality and craftsmanship there.
Looking at the fruit arrangement, there’s a nice balance of shapes and sizes that keeps things visually interesting. The pears have this lovely elongated form that contrasts nicely with the rounder apples. And those tiny speckles on the pear skins? That’s the kind of fine detail that elevates a drawing from good to great. The shading throughout is delicate but effective, giving everything a soft, three-dimensional quality without relying on harsh outlines.
Gentle Stream

This pencil sketch captures a serene forest stream beautifully. The detail in the rocks and fallen leaves really brings the scene to life. To create a distinctly different variation, you could try shifting the perspective dramatically.
Imagine viewing this same scene from below the water’s surface, looking up. The rocks would become looming shapes, tree trunks would stretch toward a shimmering sky visible through the water’s surface. Fish and underwater plants could add new elements. Leaves floating on top would cast interesting shadows.
Another option would be to transform this peaceful daytime scene into a moody nighttime landscape. Deep shadows between trees, moonlight glinting off the water, and perhaps some fireflies or nocturnal animals to add intrigue. The contrast between light and dark could create a whole new atmosphere while maintaining the core elements of the original.
Fence Lined With Corn Stalks

This pencil sketch has a wonderful sense of delicacy and detail, especially in the rendering of the sunflowers and corn stalks. The artist has captured the wispy, organic nature of the plants beautifully.
To apply this style to a different subject, you could focus on architectural elements like old buildings or cityscapes. Imagine sketching the intricate details of weathered brick, ornate cornices, or tangled fire escapes with the same light touch and attention to texture. The key would be maintaining that airy, almost fragile quality while tackling more rigid, man-made forms. You might even incorporate some natural elements, like vines creeping up walls, to bridge the gap between this botanical study and urban subject matter.
Tea On A Windowsill

This pencil sketch beautifully captures a cozy, introspective moment. The steaming cup of coffee on the windowsill immediately draws the eye and sets a contemplative tone. The artist’s use of soft shading and delicate linework enhances the tranquil atmosphere, especially in the billowing curtain and wispy grass outside.
The contrast between the detailed interior elements and the more abstracted outdoor scene creates a sense of sanctuary. Those falling leaves add a touch of wistfulness, hinting at autumn and the passage of time. I’m impressed by how the artist conveyed steam rising from the mug – it’s not easy to render something so ethereal in pencil. The composition invites the viewer to imagine themselves in this quiet corner, perhaps lost in thought while gazing out at the world beyond the window.
Cozy Sweaters

Looking at this detailed pencil drawing of stacked sweaters, I’m struck by the intricate textures. To recreate this unconventionally, you could try using textured fabric dipped in light gray paint. Press different knit patterns onto the paper to mimic the varied sweater textures. It would create an interesting embossed effect while capturing the essence of the cozy, layered look.
For the wooden chair, consider using actual wood grain rubbings. Place thin paper over different wood surfaces and rub with graphite to transfer the texture. This technique could add authentic detail to the chair’s structure. The soft edges of the sweaters might be achieved by carefully erasing around the fabric impressions, creating a gentle transition between textures. It’s all about experimenting with materials to capture the tactile quality of the original drawing.
Cottage Nestled In The Woods

The negative space in this drawing really adds to the sense of isolation and stillness. Those bare trees surrounding the cabin create an ethereal, almost ghostly atmosphere. It’s a great technique for emphasizing the lone structure and drawing the eye to it.
I’m impressed by how the artist balanced the detailed cabin with the minimalist background. That contrast is key. The empty spaces between branches allow the smoke to curl upward, enhancing the feeling of quiet and solitude. It’s a clever way to imply cold weather without explicitly showing it.
As for advice, I’d suggest experimenting with varying line weights in the trees to add depth. Maybe push the contrast a bit more in the foreground elements. But overall, this is a solid composition that uses negative space effectively to create mood and focus. Nice work capturing that serene winter vibe.
Classic Jack O Lantern

The texture on this jack-o’-lantern is really impressive. You can see the vertical ridges and grooves carved into the pumpkin’s surface, giving it a realistic, organic feel. That kind of detail takes patience and a steady hand.
Nice work on the shading too, especially around the carved facial features. The shadows inside the eyes and mouth create depth, making the pumpkin look three-dimensional. I like how you’ve varied the line weight to emphasize certain areas. The background hints at a windowsill setting without distracting from the main subject. Those little touches, like the debris on the surface it’s sitting on, really bring the scene to life.
Bundle Of Firewood

This pencil sketch already demonstrates a solid grasp of shading and form. The artist has skillfully depicted the rough textures of chopped wood and brick through varied line work and shading techniques.
To take it further, they could experiment with cross-hatching in the shadowed areas between the logs. This would add depth and a sense of roughness to the wood grain. For the brick wall, stippling with the pencil point could create a pitted, weathered look that contrasts nicely with the smoother wood surfaces.
Another option would be to use an eraser to add highlights, especially on the cut ends of the logs. Lifting out small, irregular shapes would simulate the way light catches on the uneven wood fibers. This technique, combined with the existing shading, could really make the textures pop and give the drawing more dimension.
Basket Of Freshly Picked Apples

This still life of a basket of apples has a classic, straightforward perspective that serves the subject well. But altering the viewpoint could really add some dynamic energy to the piece. Imagine looking down into the basket from above – you’d capture the circular shape and get some interesting foreshortening on the apples. Or try a low angle, peering up at the underside of the handle, which would create a more imposing presence.
Playing with perspective could also change the emphasis. A closer, tighter crop might highlight the varied textures – the smooth apple skin against the rough basket weave. Pulling back for a wider view could place the basket in a larger context, perhaps on a rustic table or in an orchard setting. The current balanced composition is pleasing, but don’t be afraid to experiment with asymmetry or unusual angles to inject some visual surprise. How the viewer’s eye enters and moves through the scene can dramatically shift with perspective tweaks.
Acorn Nestled In Leaves

The contrast in this acorn sketch is really striking. Notice how the artist uses deep shadows and bright highlights to create a three-dimensional effect, especially on the acorn itself. The texture of the cap is emphasized through careful shading, making it pop against the smoother surface of the nut.
Looking at the leaves, you can see a more subtle use of contrast. The veins and edges are darker, while the centers are left lighter. This gives them a delicate, translucent quality that’s quite true to life. I’m impressed by how the artist managed to convey the crinkled texture of autumn leaves just through line work and shading.
One thing that really elevates this piece is the contrast between the detailed, intricate parts and the areas left more open and airy. The acorn is the clear focal point, with the most intense shadows and details. As your eye moves outward, the leaves become progressively lighter and less defined. This creates depth and draws your focus right where the artist wants it. It’s a technique worth practicing if you want to improve your own botanical sketches.
With these 25 easy autumn drawing tutorials, you’ll not only improve your drawing skills but also bring the warmth and charm of the season to life on paper. Whether you’re sketching leaves, pumpkins, or cozy fall scenes, each tutorial offers a fun and accessible way to explore your creativity. Perfect for beginners, these drawings will fill your sketchbook with autumn vibes and give you a wonderful way to relax and unwind this season. Happy drawing, and enjoy the beauty of fall in every line!