A cactus in a small pot

Give a two-armed cactus volume with long rib curves, a few thorn clusters, and a narrow shadow. The oval pot rim introduces simple depth.

A way into the drawing

1. Shape the cactus

   Draw the rounded upright center and attach two arms at different heights. Let each arm curve back upward with a rounded tip.

2. Build the pot

   Draw an oval rim around the base, then taper the sides toward a curved bottom. Add a second curve below the rim to show its thickness.

3. Suggest the surface

   Run a few rib lines along the cactus and add spaced thorn clusters. Use light gray along one side and beneath the rim, leaving broad white areas.

A small thing to tryFollow the bend of each arm with its rib lines. This gives more volume than adding lots of individual spines.