Drawing a tree can be a rewarding and enjoyable artistic endeavour, and it also doesn’t matter if you’re an aspiring artist or simply looking to add a touch of nature to your sketches.
Trees come in all shapes and sizes, making them a versatile subject for artists of all skill levels. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to draw a tree, from the basic structure to adding intricate details.
So, grab your sketchbook and pencil, and let’s get started on this creative journey into the world of tree drawing.
Free and Fun Tips for Drawing a Tree
You’re almost ready to start following this guide on how to draw a tree. We’ve tried to make it as straightforward as possible, but there are ways to make it even simpler.
The tree we’ll be drawing has a basic cartoon-style representation. Some people might find this style easy to work with, while others might find it a bit challenging.
If you prefer a more realistic approach to your drawing, you can add more details and make the tree look closer to nature. You can still follow the steps in the guide, but you’ll have the flexibility to make your tree look the way you want it to. You can use any style that suits your preference.
To get started, use your pencils to prepare your drawing in different ways. You can begin by sketching out basic shapes to outline the top of the tree and the shape of the trunk.
Then, using darker pencils or pens, you can carefully add finer details as you follow the steps in the guide. If you want to make your tree look even more realistic, you can use real trees as references.
One easy way to do this is by using photos of real trees. Look for pictures that are somewhat similar to the tree in the guide, as this will be a helpful reference.
If you’re fortunate enough to have similar trees in your yard or local park, you have perfect models right at your fingertips.
By combining these additional sources with the guide, you can make the drawing process easier and even add your creative touches and modifications to make it a fun and unique artistic experience!
How to Draw a Tree
Drawing a tree is not too much of a trouble. First, you have to gather your materials before you begin drawing. Here are the materials you’ll need:
- Drawing pencils.
- Eraser or putty rubber.
- A4 sketch pad.
- Paper blending stumps (optional).
- Pencil sharpener (optional).
- Low-tack masking tape (optional).
Instructions
Step 1: Drawing the Tree Top
Begin by drawing the top of the tree. Create a few horizontal curved lines that connect. These lines will form the tree’s foliage.
You can use a pen or a darker pencil for this step, as these lines will be visible in the final drawing. If you’re having trouble with the shape, you can start with a lighter pencil and refine it until you’re satisfied.
Step 2: Expanding the Tree Top
In the second step, add more of the tree’s top by drawing additional curved lines along the sides. These lines should flow outward to give the tree a fuller appearance.
Step 3: Completing the Foliage
Continue adding the rest of the leaves by using the same wavy lines. Raise the center slightly, as this is where the tree trunk will be positioned.
Referencing the image will be helpful at this stage. You can start with a lighter pencil before going over it with a pen or a darker pencil, but make sure the ink is dry before erasing the guiding pencil lines.
Step 4: Drawing the Tree Trunk
Now, it’s time to draw the tree trunk. This may be the trickiest part, but take it slow and use the reference image for guidance. Start with a curved line descending from the leaves to create the left side of the trunk. Draw a shorter line down the right side and sketch out the cut branch as shown in the reference image.
Then, complete the trunk by drawing the remaining line below the cut branch. Draw two lines near the top of the centre of the trunk to create a gap, as depicted in the image. Add a few small lines at the base of the trunk to finish this step.
Step 5: Adding Leaf Details
Your tree drawing is nearly complete, and now it needs some details. In this step, add numerous small, curved lines inside the treetop. You can follow the pattern in the picture or create your own. There’s no wrong way to do these details; they should look pleasing to you.
Step 6: Final Trunk Details
For the final trunk details, incorporate mostly thin, straight lines running down the trunk and a few wavier ones to suggest knots in the tree. You can mimic the lines in the reference image or use them as inspiration for your trunk details.
Step 7: Colouring Your Tree
Your tree drawing is almost finished! The last step is to add colour. Let your creativity flow here. You can choose bright green for a lush tree or use various shades of red, orange, and yellow for a stunning autumn tree.
Experiment with different art mediums like acrylic paints, watercolours, coloured pens, or pencils to bring your tree to life. Once you’ve completed the colouring, you can proudly say you’ve learned how to draw a tree.
Bottom line
We hope you found this step-by-step guide on how to draw a tree in 7 easy steps not only helpful but also a lot of fun. Starting a new drawing can sometimes be intimidating because you might not know where to begin.
That’s why we create these simple guides—to make the drawing process enjoyable and less daunting. Now that you’ve drawn your tree, you can unleash your creativity by adding your unique details. In addition to choosing colours, consider incorporating elements like fruits or birds.
You can even create a beautiful background, perhaps with a rainbow or a person relaxing under the tree. The possibilities for personalizing your tree drawing are virtually limitless.
