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Ink & Art

17 Nature Drawing Concepts to Inspire Your Next Sketch

Six 17 nature drawing concepts to inspire your next sketch shown in an editorial collage

The endless inspiration from nature has been integral to all artists, brimming with diversity in colors, textures, and forms. Tracing nature is the best way to familiarize yourself and understand your surroundings before unlocking your full potential as an artist. Here are 17 nature drawing ideas to inspire your next creation.

These ideas range from simple to complex designs in drawing, honing all potential artistic skills. So pick up your pencil and let your creativity drive as you draw!

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Serene Forest Path 

A pathway in the forest is full of towering trees and endless potential for wonder and peace. Show how the light changes in the forest and how the shadows transfer across the floor.

Hand-drawn serene forest path in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 1
Hand-drawn serene forest path in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 2

Majestic Mountain Range 

Mountains are appropriately powerful. They demand extreme confidence for a dramatically strong illustration capturing all light and rugged textures under the glory of sunlight vanished behind the mountains.

Hand-drawn majestic mountain range in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 1
Hand-drawn majestic mountain range in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth — study 2
Hand-drawn majestic mountain range in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 3

Blooming Wildflowers 

Show the beauty of life in colors in wildflowers. Focus on each detail that illustrates each flower.

Hand-drawn blooming wildflowers in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an — study 1
Hand-drawn blooming wildflowers in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 2

Tranquil Lake Reflection 

Draw a calm lake and its reflected nature, the lake is ideal for illustrating symmetry and how light interacts with the water.

Hand-drawn tranquil lake reflection in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 1
Hand-drawn tranquil lake reflection in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth — study 2

Enchanting Waterfall 

Waterfalls have a certain spellbinding beauty as they gracefully flow, capture that in your artwork.

Hand-drawn enchanting waterfall in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 1
Hand-drawn enchanting waterfall in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 2
Hand-drawn enchanting waterfall in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an — study 3

Coastal Cliffside 

Dramatic cliffs rising from the ocean create a breathtaking view and contrast between land and sea. The textures and atmosphere of this coastline will be rugged and dynamic.

Hand-drawn coastal cliffside in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 1
Hand-drawn coastal cliffside in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an — study 2
Hand-drawn coastal cliffside in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 3

Gentle River Bend 

A calm and gentle river captures the landscape in a continuous flow as it meanders. The water’s flow will be good as well as the banks of the river.

Hand-drawn gentle river bend in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 1
Hand-drawn gentle river bend in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 2

Desert Dunes

Endless beauty and mystery are found in the vast and rolling dunes of the desert. The interplay of light and shadow will be found here and will shape the contours of the sand.

Hand-drawn desert dunes in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 1
Hand-drawn desert dunes in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 2

Wildlife Encounter 

Create a scene where there is captivating wildlife, such as a deer drinking from a stream, or a bird flying. It will be good to capture the essence of life, and movement.

Hand-drawn wildlife encounter in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 1
Hand-drawn wildlife encounter in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 2

Rolling Fields 

One of the calmest and soothing things is the gentle undulations of farmland or rolling hills. The pattern will be repetitive. It will be good to highlight the textures of crops swaying in a breeze.

Hand-drawn rolling fields in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 1
Hand-drawn rolling fields in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 2
Hand-drawn rolling fields in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 3

Stormy Skies 

A stormy sky can transform a landscape. It can be powerful and capture stormy emotions. It will be good to capture the tension in the clouds as well as the light when the storm rolls in.

Hand-drawn stormy skies in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 1
Hand-drawn stormy skies in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 2

Autumn Leaves 

Leaves in the autumn, red, orange, and yellow, and the colors of sunlight offer a striking composition. The way light interacts with the leaves will be good.

Hand-drawn autumn leaves in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 1
Hand-drawn autumn leaves in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and shallow — study 2

Forest Wildlife 

A forest is home to many different types of animals; depict the life of squirrels and foxes as well as others. The environment of the animals will be good to focus on.

Hand-drawn forest wildlife in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 1
Hand-drawn forest wildlife in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 2
Hand-drawn forest wildlife in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 3

Night Sky 

The sky at night has passing comets, stars, and other celestial bodies. Capture the darkness and the wonder of the bodies.

Hand-drawn night sky in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 1
Hand-drawn night sky in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 2
Hand-drawn night sky in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and shallow — study 3

Icy Wonderland 

Beauty that can be appreciated out in the open tundra, but also powerful. Concentrate on the textures of ice and snow.

Hand-drawn icy wonderland in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 1
Hand-drawn icy wonderland in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 2

Verdant Rainforest 

A rainforest is the dense. Lush, and alive with the vibrant colors of numerous organisms. Focus on the textures and feeling of the dense atmosphere.

Hand-drawn verdant rainforest in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 1
Hand-drawn verdant rainforest in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a close overhead crop — study 2
Hand-drawn verdant rainforest in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an — study 3

Rocky Shoreline 

A rocky shoreline with waves crashing creates a sense of both calm and turbulence. Capture the various textures along with the water stone.

Hand-drawn rocky shoreline in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a slightly off-center overhead composition, like an artist — study 1
Hand-drawn rocky shoreline in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a straight overhead view — study 2
Hand-drawn rocky shoreline in graphite drawing on textured paper, shown in a gentle oblique desk view that shows paper tooth and — study 3