Want to add a splash of warmth to your sketchbook?

Orange is the color between red and yellow on the color wheel, but most people struggle to think of many orange items to draw.

We have put together a list of orange objects that will help you fill your pages with this bright color. From common fruits to unusual finds, this collection will get your creative juices flowing.

You’ll find options for every skill level, whether you’re just starting or looking for a challenge. Let’s jump right in and check out these orange-themed drawing ideas!

Playful Pops of Orange: Everyday Objects to Illustrate

Here are some everyday orange things you can draw today. These added color tips and helpful hints for each item.

1. Pumpkin

This fall favorite has a round shape with lines running from top to bottom. For the color, mix a bit of yellow with orange to create lighter areas where light hits the pumpkin. Add a brown stem on top for a finishing touch.

Pro-tip: Use light and dark shades of orange to show the ridges of the pumpkin.

2. Tiger

Tigers have a mix of orange and black stripes that flow with their body shape. Start with the basic cat shape, then add the stripe pattern. The face needs extra care – focus on those bright eyes and whiskers.

Pro-tip: Keep your stripes wavy, not straight, to match the tiger’s body curves.

3. Sunset

Sunsets blend orange with yellows, reds, and purples. They start with yellow at the horizon, then add orange above it, and finish with darker colors at the top. For depth, silhouettes of trees or buildings are added at the bottom.

Pro-tip: Use a wet-on-wet method if working with watercolors to help the colors blend naturally.

4. Orange Lily

This flower has six-pointed petals with long stamens in the center. Draw the petals first, then add the thin green stem. Orange lilies often have dark spots, so don’t forget those details.

Pro-tip: Use a lighter orange for the base of the petals and a darker orange for the tips.

5. Fox

Foxes have pointed ears, a long snout, and a bushy tail. Their orange coat is lighter on the chest and darker on the back and legs. To add texture, add little tufts of fur.

Pro-tip: Draw the fox’s white-tipped tail to make it look more real.

6. Cantaloupe

Draw a round melon, then show it cut in half to reveal the orange flesh inside. Add small seeds in the center and the light green rind around the edge.

Pro-tip: Use tiny dots or lines to show the texture of the fruit’s flesh.

7. Marmalade Jar

A clear glass jar filled with orange spread. Draw the jar first, then fill it with the orange marmalade. Add a label and a lid to complete it.

Pro-tip: Put in tiny bits of orange peel in the marmalade for a more true-to-life look.

8. Tangerine

It is smaller than an orange and has slightly bumpy skin. Draw it whole or peeled with segments showing. Add a small green leaf or stem for a nice touch.

Pro-tip: Use dots to show the pores in the fruit’s skin.

9. Fire

Flames move upward in wavy lines. The center is yellow, with orange in the middle and red at the edges. To ground your fire, add logs or wood at the bottom.

Pro-tip: Make the flames look like they’re moving by using quick, light strokes.

10. Butternut Squash

This veggie has a pear-like shape with a bulb at one end and a long neck. The skin is light tan-orange, and the flesh inside is bright orange.

Pro-tip: Add a bit of shadow under the squash to help it look solid.

11. Orange Fish Tank

First, draw a glass tank and fill it with orange fish, such as goldfish or guppies. Then, add plants, rocks, and bubbles to make it look lively.

Pro-tip: Make some fish closer and some farther away to create depth.

12. Monarch Butterfly

These have black bodies with orange wings marked with black lines and white dots along the edges. Draw the wings spread out to show the full pattern.

Pro-tip: Make sure both wings match for a balanced look.

13. Orange Cake

Draw a round or square cake with orange frosting. You can add layers and some cake showing through where it’s been cut. Maybe add some orange slices on top.

Pro-tip: Use tiny lines to show the texture of the cake under the frosting.

14. Basketball

A round ball with black lines that form a pattern. The orange has a bit of texture to it, not just a smooth surface.

Pro-tip: Add small bumps to show the grip texture of the ball.

15. Orange Umbrella

Draw the dome shape first, then add the handle. Show some folds in the fabric to make it look real. You could draw it open or closed.

Pro-tip: Add some raindrops around it to set the scene.

Other Fun Orange Things to draw

Are you looking for more orange things to add to your drawing collection?

These items range from everyday objects to seasonal favorites that show up at different times of the year.

16. Orange Tree in Bloom

17. Harvest Scene

18. Watermelon Field (with orange melons)

19. Orange Sunset Over Ocean

20. Desert Landscape with Orange Sands

21. Orange Maples

22. A Field of Marigolds

23. Orange Creamsicle

24. Nachos with orange cheese

25. Sweet Potato Fries

26. Sriracha Sauce Bottle

27. Orange Macarons

28. Construction Cone

29. Orange Backpack

30. School Bus

31. Orange Bicycle

32. Orange Boots

33. Orange Sunglasses

34. Orangutan

35. Goldfish

36. Nectarine

37. Orange Bell Pepper

Tangy Textures: Mixing Orange into Your Art Style

Orange brings a special warmth to any artwork. This bright color can wake up a dull sketch or add a cozy feel to your drawing. Here are some tips on how to mix orange into your art:

• Try using orange as a spot color in mostly neutral drawings – a single orange item can become the focal point
• Mix different shades of orange by adding white for a softer peach or black for a deeper burnt orange
• Orange works well with blues and purples as they sit across from each other on the color wheel

When working with orange, consider the texture, too. Smooth oranges feel different than rough orange surfaces, and this contrast can add depth to your art.

For smooth orange textures:

• Use even, blended strokes
• Try using markers or watercolors
• Keep your pressure light and steady

For rough orange textures:

• Add tiny dots or lines
• Try dry brush methods
• Use textured paper to create a natural grain

Play with light too! Orange especially catches light – think about how the sun hits an orange fruit or how a sunset glows. Adding these light effects can make your orange objects seem more real and alive.

To Conclude

Drawing orange objects can add cheerfulness to your art and help you practice capturing different textures and tones.

Pick one item from the list that catches your eye and start sketching today. Or challenge yourself to draw five different orange things this week to build your skills.

Share your creations in the comments below!