Why iPad drawing works

Ever taken a great photo of a bird or a leaf and thought, I wish I could draw that?
Your iPad is one of the easiest ways to start.

No mess. No pressure. Just you, your photo and a few taps.

Why iPad drawing works

• Low stress – undo is always there.

• Portable – sketchbook, pencil case and paint box in one.

• Zoom power – you can actually see tiny feather and leaf details.

You don’t need to “be an artist”. You just need a photo you like and a bit of patience.

Try this: one photo, one drawing (through direct observation)

1. Pick a photo
   Choose a clear shot of a single subject – a bird, flower, leaf or shell.

2. Open it in a drawing app
   Procreate, Fresco or anything similar is fine.
   Make a new canvas and place the photo on one side or on a separate layer.

3. Place the nature photo side by side with your drawing art board.
   Keep your nature photo visible beside your canvas.
   The key thing: you look at the photo and draw on a different layer or area – not over the top of it.

4. Sketch the big shapes by eye
   On a new layer, draw the main forms: head, body, branch, petals.
   No detail yet. Think simple shapes and angles.

5. Add colour underneath the sketch
   Use a layer under your drawing.
   Block in the main areas of colour, roughly matching what you see in the photo.

6. Build shadows and light
   Add darker tones where the shadows fall.
   Add lighter tones where the light hits. Keep checking back to the photo.

7. Finish with texture
   Use a textured brush for feathers, bark or petals.
   Follow the direction you see in the photo – along the feather, around the curve of the stem.

8. Hide the photo and check
   Turn the photo off or move it away for a moment.
   Look at your drawing on its own. Adjust anything that looks off.

Why this matters

Working directly from your own nature photos by eye:

• Trains your observation skills

• Helps you notice real shapes, colours and textures

• Turns a quick moment outdoors into something you’ve created - an iPad drawing!

Our Stonechat iPad drawing was made exactly this way – drawn from the photo, not traced – to build true looking and drawing skills.

At Nature Excites we believe nature is better when we notice it.
Your iPad can be the sketchbook that helps you slow down, look closer and draw what you love. Get in touch if you need a step by step tutorial or video about how this drawing was created.