A fern frond with broad paired leaflets

Practice a fern frond with clear forms and selected overlaps. Add a small number of leaflets on each side. Gradually shorten them toward the tip. Choose a few center lines and small graphite accents at selected joins. Leave the leaflet faces unshaded.

A way into the drawing

1. Arch the central stem

   Draw a gentle stem curve and choose a tapered overall silhouette. Leave a short bare section at the bottom.

2. Place broad leaflet pairs

   Add a small number of leaflets on each side. Gradually shorten them toward the tip.

3. Keep the structure open

   Choose a few center lines and small graphite accents at selected joins. Leave the leaflet faces unshaded.

A small thing to tryCheck the taper of the whole frond before drawing individual leaflet edges.