Learn How to Create a Universal and Realistic Green Leaf Vector using Adobe Illustrator

Green Leaf VectorIn this tutorial, we’ll find out how to create a green leaf vector which can be always used in your future projects. This leaf is essentially universal, i.e. you can always change its color and form. It might seem to you that it’s created with the help of the Gradient Mesh. But nope, it’s not the case. I used plain gradient fills. Would you like to learn how to create a realistic green leaf vector? Then put all your businesses aside and let’s draw!

Tutorial Details: Realistic Green Leaf Vector

  • Program: Adobe Illustrator CS4 – CS5
  • Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
  • Topics Covered: Gradient Tool and the Appearance panel
  • Estimated Completion Time: 45 minutes

Final Image: Realistic Green Leaf Vector

As always, these are the final Realistic Green Leaf Vector that we’ll be creating:
Green Leaf Vector

Step 1

To begin with, create a new document (File > New…). Dimensions of our artboard are not significant, since we’ll create one vector element which you can use in different artworks in the future. Click on button Advanced and set the RGB color mode, if of course, it is not installed by default.
Green Leaf Vector Dimensions

Step 2

Take the Ellipse Tool (L) and create an ellipse of any size, which looks similar to the one you see on the figure below.
Green Leaf Vector basic shape
The colors of the fill and the stroke are unrestricted, since first we create necessary forms, which will be colored later. Take the Direct Selection Tool (A) and select point A. Now, while holding down the Option/Alt key, turn one of the handles of point A.
Green Leaf Vector basic shape warp
These actions will lead to the transformation of smooth point into a corner one.

Step 3

Perform the same actions with point B of our object.
Green Leaf Vector basic shape warp
And now while manipulating with the location of the points and its handles, give the object the form of a leaf as it is indicated on the figure below. All the actions are performed with the help of the Direct Selection Tool (A).
Green Leaf Vector leaf shape

Step 4

Take the Pen Tool (P) and create a curved segment that passes though the points A and B.
Green Leaf Vector curve
Select all the created objects, then click on Divide in the Pathfinder panel.
Green Leaf Vector curve
These actions will divide the leaf’s form into two parts.
Green Leaf Vector leaf shape
And now we can start coloring its halves. For our convenience, we ungroup them (Shift + Command/Ctrl + G).

Step 5

Typically, the Gradient Mesh is used to create complex color objects, but a lot of users and even advanced designers try to avoid the usage of this function because of usage complexity and management. I perfectly understand the problem they face–that’s why I suggest another method. And namely, I suggest to use the Appearance panel to create light-and-shade in the halves of our leaf. The work with color is always very challenging to describe since it is a long journey of trials and errors. Therefore, I give you exact designations of colors, and what effect I’m trying to reach. Fill the lower half of the leaf with radial gradient from green (R = 110, G = 194, B = 36) to green (R = 72, G = 163 B = 4). Now using the Gradient Tool (G), shift the center of the radial gradient by clicking and dragging off the center. We need to place the center of the radial gradient in such a way that the left corner of the leaf was lighter in color.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 6

Open the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance) and click on the Add New Fill button in the bottom part of the panel.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient
Change the colors of the radial gradient of the new fill to green (R = 37, G = 138, B = 0) for the left slider, and green (R = 81, G = 173, B = 4) for the right slider. For the right slider, set 0% opacity in the Gradient panel. And now shift the center of the radial gradient with the help of the Gradient Tool (G) to darken the middle part of the leaf.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 7

Create a new fill in the Appearance panel. Radial gradient of this fill has the following colors: green (R = 118, G = 196, B = 37) for the left slider and green (R = 61, G = 130, B = 3) for the right slider. The right slider has 0% opacity. The center of the gradient should be placed to lighten the right corner of the leaf.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient
As you can see, the use of the Appearance panel and gradients with transparent sliders allows us creation of complex color transition.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 8

We worked only in green, but look how different the numbers corresponding to its shades are! Logically, it is clear that numbers of shades of one color should not differ dramatically. Fortunately, there is an intuitive color model which helps to get the right color quickly. This is the HSB color mode. I use this model to mix colors. And if you want to get your own colors and not just copy the colors that I received, then switch the color model in the pop-up menu of the Color panel.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient
Here I want to note, switching the color model in the Color panel won’t change the color mode of our document.

Step 9

Using this technique, color the upper part of the leaf. Fill the form with linear gradient from green (R = 7, G = 120, B = 0) to green (R = 68, G = 173, B = 0).
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 10

Add a new gradient fill in the Appearance panel. This radial gradient consists of the following colors: green (R = 81, G = 173, B = 4) for the left slider, green (R = 8, G = 122, B = 0) for the central slider, and green (R = 81, G = 173, B = 4) for the right slider. The central slider has 0% opacity.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient
This gradient lightened the central upper part of the leaf.

Step 11

And finally, we create one more fill in the Appearance panel. The new radial gradient consists of two colors. These are green (R = 9, G = 130, B = 0) with 0% opacity for the left slider, and green (R = 65, G = 140, B = 3) for the right slider. The center of this gradient must be placed so that it darkens the edge of the leaf.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 12

With the Pen Tool (P), create a form of a stem as it is indicated on the figure below.
Green Leaf Vector color gradient
Fill the created form with linear gradient from green (R = 100, G = 176, B = 33) to green (R = 72, G = 163, B = 4).
Green Leaf Vector color gradient

Step 13

Copy the stem’s form and then paste it to the front (Command/Ctrl + C; Command/Ctrl + F). Change the location of the points’ handles so it becomes thinner than the original.
Green Leaf Vector stem
Fill this form with radial gradient from green (R = 114, G = 204, B = 37) to green (R = 72, G = 163, B = 4). The upper object is a gleam on the surface of the stem.
Green Leaf Vector stem

Step 14

Create a new form using the Pen Tool (P). It should be a little wider than the stem and should repeat its form. Place the object below the created stem’s elements. Fill this form with linear gradient from green (R = 0, G = 92, B = 40) to green (R = 61, G = 138, B = 3). The object created in this step is a drop shadow for the stem.
Green Leaf Vector stem

Step 15

Let’s work on creation of veins on our leaf. Take the Pencil Tool (N) or the Pen tool (P) and create a wavy line with the black fill.
Green Leaf Vector veins
Apply to this path a triangular profile in the Stroke panel. There you can also adjust its width by changing the Weight parameter.
Green Leaf Vector veins

Step 16

Create the rest of the veins on the upper part of the green leaf vector, then group them (Command/Ctrl + G).
Green Leaf Vector veins
Place the group underneath the stem. Now apply the Screen blending mode in the Transparency panel to the group.
Green Leaf Vector veins
The veins became transparent, but no worries please. We’ll fix it right away.

Step 17

Turn the Grayscale color mode in the Color panel, then reduce the K value to get the desired intensity of the veins’ color.
Green Leaf Vector veins
Hide edges of the paths (View > Hide Edges or use the Command/Ctrl + H shortcuts) so nothing prevents us from color management. Using this technique, create some veins on the lower part of the green leaf vector.
Green Leaf Vector veins

Step 18

Under the influence of some environmental factors, some spots can appear on leaves in nature. So to help these look more natural, using the Pencil Tool (N) to create objects which look similar to the ones you see on the figure below.
Green Leaf Vector nature
Apply to these objects the Screen blending mode in the Transparency panel, then choose the desired color intensity by controlling the K parameter in the Color panel.
Green Leaf Vector nature

Step 19

Select the halves of the green leaf vector and the spot forms, then take the Shape Builder Tool (Shift+M) and while holding the Option/Alt key, click on the parts of the spots which extend beyond the form of the realistic green leaf vector, which leads to deletion of these parts.
Green Leaf Vector nature
Green Leaf Vector nature

Step 20

With the help of the Pen Tool (P) create dark-grey and white objects. These objects should be placed underneath all of the leaf’s objects. The forms of the objects and their position towards the leaf is indicated on the figures below.
Green Leaf Vector shadow
Green Leaf Vector dimension
Select both forms, then go to the Object > Blend > Make or use the Command/Ctrl + Option/Alt + B shortcuts. In order to set the desired value of specified steps, go to the Object > Blend > Blend Options… or simply click twice on the Blend Tool (W) icon in the Tool panel.
Green Leaf Vector dimension
I usually set it to less than 30 steps since the number of steps enlarges the size of your vector file and slows down the application in process.

Step 21

Select the blend object and set the Blending mode to Multiply in the Transparency panel. This gives your blend object transparent edges so we can place it on any color background.
Green Leaf Vector transparency level

Step 22

The techniques that were used in this tutorial, in fact allowed us to create a universal leaf that can be re-colored very quickly to create additional leaves. To do so, open the Appearance panel, select the fill and edit the gradient. We can change the colors and location of gradients, which gives us an opportunity to control the lighting of the object.
Green Leaf Vector color gradients
Moreover, we can easily change its form without breaking a complex shading, for example, with the help of the Pencil Tool (N) as in the image below.
Green Leaf Vector shading
Realistic green leaf vectors are very popular design elements. Check out yourself how they can be used.
Green Leaf Vector
Green Leaf Vector
I hope you were able to complete this Realistic Green Leaf Vector tutorial. I’m always ready to help when you have any difficulties. All you need to do is to write your questions in comments to this tutorial.

Iaroslav Lazunov

Author: Iaroslav Lazunov

My name is Iaroslav Lazunov, I am a graphic designer from Ukraine. I am glad that I finally found the job in my life that I can share my knowledge and experiments with you in my tutorials. Follow me on Twitter or visit my blog Vectorboom.com.

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31 thoughts on “Learn How to Create a Universal and Realistic Green Leaf Vector using Adobe Illustrator

  1. This is extremely difficult because its out of date so I cant follow these instructions. the illustrator that i use will not even let me divide on pathfinder.

  2. Post is very interesting and informative. I must admit that I know more about Photoshop than Illustrator although it was Illustrator that I started with. When I divide the ellipse, I get a horizontal line between A & B which causes the item to divide along that line…there are not two symmetrical parts. When I look at the Layers panel there are four paths showing …not grouped…when I expect to see two paths.
    I’m using Illustrator CC 2014. What did I do to cause this and to correct it?

  3. I followed a screw bolt tutorial where the conical gradient was made with blends. You take a 90 deg triangle and a sharper triangle with both angles in the center of a circle. You rotate/copy the blend 180 deg. Now you do the same for the blank sectors. Later you mask the 4 triangles with the circle. Seems a lot easier than the method of the tutplus link.

  4. hey 😀 yuh are tuts is great. but i was hoping that it will the finished layout will be like a design. so i will be glad if you make realistic stems and leaves like a design way.

  5. Im at step 4 of the leaf drawing and when I select the outer leaf area and the line I have drawn with the pen tool and then hit divide on Pathfinder, it draws a straight line through the middle of my leaf. I cant seem to get it to divide properly. Am I missing a step. I click on the inner line then hold down shift and click on outer edge to select the whole thing, then click divide and thats when a straight line goes from left to right through the middle of the leaf. Can you help???

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