How to Draw a Pineapple Realistically with Pencil

Want to draw a pineapple that looks real and full of depth?

In this friendly guide, I'll show you how I draw one step by step—from getting the shape right to building rich shadows and highlights.

You don't need anything fancy—just a pencil, paper, and some time to enjoy the process.

Let's jump right in and draw this fruit together.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before we jump in, let's get everything ready. You don't need much to create a beautiful drawing.

• Soft pencil (I recommend 5B or 6B)
• Drawing paper (I use toned paper)
• Eraser
• White pencil (optional, for highlights)
• Bending stump

That's it! With these simple tools, you're ready to start.

Step 2: Measure Proportions Using Guides

Setting up the right proportions is the first key step in realistic drawing. I always start by drawing out some light guides and markers.

This helps me figure out where each part of the pineapple will go. To get it right, I measure the proportions from a reference photo first.

Then, I transfer these same measurements onto my paper.

Here's a simple tip: The leaves and the body of the pineapple are about the same height. And the whole fruit is just over twice as tall as it is wide.

Keeping that in mind makes the layout much easier.

Step 3: Sketch the Outline of the Pineapple

Once the guides are in place, it's time to connect the dots and shape the fruit.

I start by sketching the outline of the pineapple. The overall shape is oval, but not a perfect one. The top and bottom are flatter than the sides, and I like to keep the lines organic.

This gives the drawing a more natural look.

Step 4: Add the Leaf Structure

Let's add that spiky pineapple crown! These leaves add character and shape to the fruit.

Starting from the base, I sketch the small, curled leaves that point upward.

As I move toward the top, the leaves get longer and more spread out. I draw all of this lightly at first to easily make the necessary changes.

Getting the placement right before committing to darker lines saves time and keeps the drawing neat.

Step 5: Plan the Shading and Paper Choice

Now that the outline is set, I prepare for shading—and this is where things start to come alive.

I chose to work on mid-tone (brown) paper. This kind of paper helps me see the value range more clearly.

It also saves time since I don't have to shade in all the mid-tones myself.

Instead, I focus on adding shadows and highlights, letting the paper's natural color fill in the middle values.

Step 6: Draw the Pineapple's Pattern

Before shading begins, I take a moment to look at the texture.

If you look closely at a pineapple, you'll notice a criss-cross pattern on its surface. It forms a series of diamond-shaped sections.

These help add realism and dimension. If you'd like, you can draw light diagonal guidelines to map out where each of these diamond shapes will go.

I sometimes do this to keep the pattern balanced across the fruit.

Step 7: Begin Shading with the Light Source in Mind

It's finally time to bring depth to the drawing. Shading adds life and form.

In my drawing, the light is coming from the right-hand side. That means the left side of the pineapple will be much darker.

Keeping that in mind, I begin to shade. I press the pencil down firmly in the shadowed areas to darken them. This technique is known as burnishing.

Burnishing smooths out the texture of the paper and gives a polished look. I layer the shadows slowly, going back and forth to build depth.

Step 8: Adjust and Erase to Reveal Highlights

Shading is where everything starts to click—but don't be afraid to tweak things as you go.

I make lots of little adjustments during this stage. Sometimes, I erase parts of the drawing to lighten them, especially where mid-tones need to transition into highlights.

A good eraser can help you lift out lighter spots that catch the light.

This part is so satisfying. The pineapple slowly transforms from a flat sketch into a full, three-dimensional drawing.

Step 9: Add Highlights with a White Pencil

Now for the final touch—highlights. This is where the drawing really pops off the page.

On toned paper, I love using a white pencil to enhance the brightest parts of the pineapple. It adds contrast and makes the drawing feel more dynamic.

You probably won't need this step if you're working on a white paper. But on mid-tone paper, it really completes the look.

Step 10: Refine Your Tonal Range and Finish Up

To wrap things up, I step back and look at the whole drawing. I ensure a strong range of tones—from deep shadows to bright highlights.

Realistic drawing is all about that balance. You can spend as much or as little time here as you like.

Personally, I enjoyed spending extra time on shading because I got into the flow.

Once I'm happy with the contrast and details, I stop. It's always better to end on a high note than to overwork the drawing.

Wrapping Up

That's it! From proportions to shading and final highlights, this is how I draw a realistic pineapple step by step.

I had so much fun creating this one, and I hope you did, too.

Want to give it a try? Grab your pencil and paper, and let your pineapple come to life! I'd love to hear how it goes—share your drawing when you're done!