How to Draw Like Leonardo da Vinci (5 Steps)

Leonardo da Vinci’s drawings are legendary, blending technical precision with artistic beauty. Whether it’s his detailed studies of anatomy or his breathtaking sketches of natural forms, da Vinci’s work continues to inspire artists around the world. But how did he achieve such mastery?

The good news is, you don’t need to be a genius to draw like Leonardo Da Vinci. Drawing like da Vinci isn’t about perfection—it’s about curiosity, observation, and practice. He saw art as a way to explore the world, capturing everything from the structure of muscles to the play of light and shadow.

In this guide, we’ll break down practical steps to help you draw with the same depth and thoughtfulness as da Vinci. From mastering perspective to embracing light and shadow, these tips will give you tools to grow as an artist and expand your creative vision.

So grab your sketchbook, and let’s dive into the art of drawing like Leonardo da Vinci!

How to Draw Like Leonardo Davinci (Step-by-step)

If you’ve ever been inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s work, you know his drawings are both intricate and full of life. Learning to draw like da Vinci isn’t about replicating his work exactly—it’s about adopting his mindset of curiosity and practice. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1. Understand Perspective

how to draw perspective like leonardo da vinci

One of the first things you’ll need to master is perspective. Da Vinci’s drawings often create the illusion of depth, making a flat surface feel three-dimensional. Start by learning the basics: one-point perspective (when lines converge at one vanishing point), two-point perspective, and three-point perspective. Each technique gives your drawings a different level of depth and realism.
To practice, sketch simple objects like boxes or buildings, focusing on how lines connect to vanishing points. If you’re new to this, check out my drawing prompts for beginners for ideas that are perfect for building foundational skills.

Step 2. Practice Drawing from Memory

how to draw from memory like leonardo da vinci

Leonardo’s lifelike portraits came from years of observing and practicing, allowing him to draw realistic figures from memory. The key here is to study life first. Spend time sketching people, noticing proportions, and building a “mental library” of details. Over time, you’ll find it easier to draw from imagination.
If you’re working on portraits, start with the basics of face proportions. Understanding how features align will give you confidence when drawing from memory later.

Step 3. Embrace Feedback

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Leonardo da Vinci knew the value of feedback, both positive and negative. Criticism didn’t discourage him; instead, it pushed him to experiment and grow. As an artist, it’s important to view feedback as a tool rather than a judgment. Share your work, listen to opinions, and use them to refine your skills.
Remember, drawing is an ongoing process, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. For more on this mindset, you might enjoy reading about why drawing is imperfect and how that’s okay.

Step 4. Draw From Life

how to draw horses like leonardo da vinci

Da Vinci was constantly sketching the world around him, and you should do the same. Carry a sketchbook and draw whenever you can—people at a café, objects on your desk, or even the view from your window. This habit sharpens your observation skills and helps you capture the essence of your subject.
If you need inspiration, try these easy drawing ideas for beginners to get started with simple but effective sketches.

Step 5. Use Light and Shadow to Create Depth

how to draw light and shadow like leonardo da vinci

One thing that sets da Vinci’s drawings apart is his masterful use of light and shadow (also known as chiaroscuro). By observing how light falls on objects, you can add depth and dimension to your drawings. Start by noticing shadows in your everyday life and try to replicate them in your sketches.
Don’t overthink it—keep it simple. For example, practice shading a sphere or cube to understand how light creates highlights and shadows. If you’re looking to explore this further, you might enjoy my tips on creating texture in drawings.

What type of drawing did Leonardo Da Vinci do?

Da Vinci often used drawings as preliminary studies for his paintings, and he would sometimes make multiple versions of the same drawing to experiment with different approaches. He approached drawing with an inquisitive mind. Using drawing as a way to record and better understand things he was observing and trying to better understand.

What can you learn from Leonardo Da Vinci?

If you want to draw like Leonardo da Vinci, the best thing you can do is study his work and try to replicate his techniques in master copy drawings. Find a subject you're truly interested in and study it with your drawings. Explore different lightings, angles, and other perspectives of the same subject.

What makes da Vinci's art unique?

Leonardo da Vinci's art stands out for its captivating portrayal of movement and gestures. His sketches of people have a remarkable ability to convey a sense of paused motion. Beyond capturing motion, da Vinci excelled in composition. He had a keen eye for balance, symmetry, and the use of geometric shapes to create dynamic and harmonious compositions. As a result, his artworks are not only realistic but also visually appealing, with all artistic elements coming together seamlessly.

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