Banana Drawing Exercise: Explore Mixed Media Sketching
Stop trying to draw bananas “right.” Use them to explore graphite, marker, and crayon in loose sketches and discover your own expressive style.
Stop drawing bananas. Use bananas to explore.
That’s a completely different mindset. You’re not trying to get it right, you’re trying to discover new ways to express yourself. That’s what leads to loose, expressive work, and it’s where your style starts to show up.
Why bananas?
Bananas are simple, curved, and forgiving. Nobody expects a perfect one, so you can relax and try things. Draw the same bunch over and over, and change one thing each time.
What to explore
Try the same subject in different tools and see what happens:
- Graphite for loose, scribbly lines
- Marker for bold, confident outlines (like the teal sketch)
- Crayon or oil pastel for broken, textured color (like the purple and the yellow/blue studies)
- Crazy color choices that somehow come together
You’ll start to find mediums you enjoy and combinations that actually work.
Layer, tear, and experiment. Short, exclusive lessons and full courses on mixed media and collage.
You’re in control
When you stop following rigid rules or forcing a result, you take the pressure off. So peel it back, let go, get away from tight, predictable art, and go bananas.
These sketches and sessions don’t need to mean anything right now. The work you’re doing today is building something for the future, something that’s uniquely yours.
Try it yourself
Grab a few pieces of scrap paper and a banana (or a photo of one). Draw it five different ways: one with graphite, one with marker, one with crayon, and so on. Don’t judge them. Just notice what you like.
For a more structured drawing exercise, try construct and deconstruct. For the same exploring mindset in watercolor, see experimental watercolor trees.
Learn Structure. Paint Loose.
Construct. Deconstruct. Explore. Repeat.
Banana drawing exercise FAQ
What can I draw to practice loose drawing?
Simple everyday objects like bananas, cups, or fruit. They’re easy to find and low pressure, so you can focus on exploring.
What materials can I use for loose sketching?
Graphite, markers, crayons, and oil pastels all work. Mix them on the same sheet to see what combinations you like.
How do I find my drawing style?
Explore. Draw the same subject with different tools and colors, and notice which results feel most like you.
Do my sketches need to look good?
No. They’re experiments, not finished art.
