Cactus fine ink study

One small barrel cactus in a plain round pot, broad vertical ribs and grouped sparse spines. Practice clear contours and a few local shadows in fine ink.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main shapes

   Place a rounded cactus above a pot ellipse.

2. Connect the structure

   Connect the pot sides and curve the ribs around the cactus.

3. Develop the drawing

   Refine the clear outer contour, add only the most useful interior details and place a few small local shadows. Leave most of the paper open.

A small thing to tryKeep the spines sparse enough to preserve the broad form.