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How to Draw a Realistic Cactus (5 Easy Steps)

How to Draw a Realistic Cactus (5 Easy Steps)

Do you want to know how to draw a cactus? Drawing a realistic cactus may look hard, but the trick is that it’s all about adding the thorns and final details.

You’ll be able to draw a cactus in minutes with these step by step visuals! 

These visuals will help you become a pro at drawing this famous desert-based plant.

Other related topics to teach you how to draw:

Let’s get started!

how to draw a cactus

Drawing Supplies Needed

All you need is something to draw with and something to draw on. Click on the following link if you want to know what are the best tools for drawing

Step 1: Draw a tube for the cactus plant

how to draw a cactus step 1 draw tube for cactus

First, make a line in the shape of a tube and give 3 buds on the side.

Step 2: Add curve to cactus bud

how to draw a cactus step 2 add curve to cactus bud

Then, give the bud a curved shape.

Step 3: Draw texture to the cactus stem

how to draw a cactus step 3 draw texture to cactus stem

Next change the outline of the stem and give it some texture inside.

Step 4: Add shading to the cactus stem and buds

how to draw a cactus step 4 add shading to stem and buds

The next step is to provide shading on all parts of the stem like a dotted line.

Step 5: Draw thorns on cactus

how to draw a cactus step 5 draw cactus thorns

Finally add the thorns in all parts of the cactus and give the shading of the bottom to make the ground surface.

As you can see, all it takes is 5 steps in order to draw a realistic cactus. It’s important to start drawing your cactus with simple shapes and then adding the final cactus thorns and details, it will really help make your cactus drawing seem real.

Yield: How to Draw a Cactus

How to Draw a Cactus Printable Guide

how to draw a cactus

Step-by-step instructions on how to draw a cactus.

Active Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $0

Materials

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Or tablet and stylus

Tools

  • Pencil
  • Paper
  • Or tablet and stylus

Instructions

        1. Step 1: Draw a tube for the cactus plant. First, make a line in the shape of a tube and give 3 buds on the side.
          how to draw a cactus step 1 draw tube for cactus
        2. Step 2: Add curve to cactus bud. Then, give the bud a curved shape. how to draw a cactus step 2 add curve to cactus bud
        3. Step 3: Draw texture to the cactus stem. Next, change the outline of the stem and give it some texture inside. how to draw a cactus step 3 draw texture to cactus stem
        4. Step 4: Add shading to the cactus stem and buds. The next step is to provide shading on all parts of the stem-like a dotted line. how to draw a cactus step 4 add shading to stem and buds
        5. Step 5: Draw thorns on the cactus. Finally, add the thorns in all parts of the cactus and give the shading of the bottom to make the ground surface. how to draw a cactus step 5 draw cactus thorns
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