Have you ever wanted to know how to draw a realistic strawberry….in a few mediums? They’re a really interesting fruit – and technically the fruit is those little things we think of as seeds on the outside…each of those contains a seed—and can be planted! Who knew?

Well from the berries on Tuesday to blueberries yesterday and strawberries today….I think I just had a fruity week! If I draw a lot of fruit will I lose weight just by doing that? Please say yes! So much easier than a diet….

Tutorial: How to draw a realistic strawberry

This video starts with almost 11 minutes on a complex speed drawing of a strawberry – worth a watch even if not creating that one because it’ll help you understand the basics of a strawberry.

Watch the video below and scroll to the end to leave comments or questions — or click HERE to watch it on YouTube and leave comments over there. I read both dutifully!

Draw a realistic strawberry

In alcohol markers, layering is the key to trying to nail down the color you want in a drawing. The alcohol ink is transparent, so you can shift the hues by which pens you choose! Depending on the photo reference you choose to work from, you may find warm and cool reds, pinks, and oranges, so look carefully to create beautiful color shifts. Use deeper shadows are inside the “pockets” for the achenes (the seeds (fruits) outside the berry).

Realistic strawberries in 3 mediums

I created these little berries on watercolor paper – yes alcohol markers can be used on it, even if challenging! It even helped it to remain a little rougher/looser! Colors used:

1. Olo markers: R0.3, R0.4, R0.5, R0.6, R1.7, YG8.3, YG8.5
2. Albrecht Durer Watercolor Markers Pale Geranium Lake, Leaf Green, Dark Phthalo Green
3. Daniel Smith Watercolor Anthraquinoid Scarlet, Permanent Alizarin Crimson,. Sap Green

What’s your favorite fruit?

Incorporate a strawberry in your next project – even if not a big element you might find these techniques kind of fun! Or see if you can sketch your own favorite in a loose way, small, or create a large detailed version and really get to know it! 

Supplies

1. LARGE BERRY, ALCOHOL MARKER:
   1. Olo markers 
   2. Olo marker hex chart 
   3. Marker sketchbook 
2. White Signo Uni-ball Gel Pen:  AMZ  • BLICK 
   1. SMALL BERRIES:
      1. Small sketchbook was bought from artist Alvaro Castagnet, contains Arches rough and several other papers. Not available online.
   2. ALCOHOL MARKER:
      1. Olo markers 
   3. WATER-BASED MARKER:
      1. Faber Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Markers  Blick • AMZ 
      2. TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen M
      3. Platinum Carbon Fountain Pen Ink
   4. WATERCOLOR:
      1. Anthraquinoid Scarlet
      2. Permanent Alizarin Crimson
      3. Sap Green
      4. Da Vinci Maestro Kolinsky Sable Round 4 

Subscribe to receive blog posts by email: