How to Draw a Banana

A banana can be a surprisingly difficult subject to draw. In this tutorial, we will show you how to draw a banana, convey its curved form and small details, and create volume with simple hatched shadows.

How to draw a banana step by step

Step 1: Sketch the curved banana shape

First, draw a long, curved shape for the banana. Do not try to make the lines too dark. The form should curve smoothly and evenly and be approximately the same thickness along its entire length.

Step 2: Draw the banana stem and tip

Add a long stem and an angular tip to the banana shape from the previous step. Draw the stem rising from the wider left end and make it slightly wider toward the top. On the opposite end of the fruit, add a much shorter angular tip that turns upward. Here it is also important not to make the lines too dark, because later we will need to correct them and refine the drawing.

Step 3: Refine the peel and stem

Erase the extra lines from the banana. Using smooth, dark lines, carefully trace all the outlines to make the drawing cleaner and neater. Draw a curved line across the upper end of the stem to show its cut surface. Draw one longitudinal curved line running from one end of the fruit to the other. Let this line follow the long bend of the banana. This will indicate one of the longitudinal ridges of the peel.

Step 4: Shade the banana

We already have a good result. Let’s make it even more realistic. To do this, add some shadows. Draw them with light hatching around the banana stem and along the lower side of the fruit. Make the hatching denser on the left side of the stem and on its cut surface. To create the effect of reflected light, simply leave a small unshaded strip along the very bottom edge of the fruit. Also draw the cast shadow on the surface beneath it.

Also, when drawing a banana, remember that it is basically a cylindrical object, so the shadows should be drawn accordingly. The hatching should convey the form.

Try to draw some sort of still life by drawing a banana with the help of this guide. You can draw an apple or sketch grapes at the background. Add some other fruits, vegetables, and objects such as a vase or a book.

All the necessary drawing tutorials to create a full-fledged still life are already available on our website. Just go to the categories called “Food” and “Still Life”.