Do you ever wonder how to draw a tree? It’s a question I often receive, both online and offline. That’s why I’ve put together this comprehensive tutorial with seven different tree drawings, complete with easy-to-follow instructions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
When it comes to drawing trees, I believe it’s all about capturing the essence of branches and the crown while finding a balance that satisfies you. There are numerous resources available, including books, tutorials, and talented artists who specialize in drawing trees. I highly recommend checking out this amazing book, which my kids and I have personally enjoyed.
For this tutorial, I used a regular sketching pencil, but the techniques can be applied to other mediums as well. I’ve also adjusted the sketches in Gimp 2 to enhance visibility, so there may be slight variations in the photos.
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for each tree drawing!
Tree #1: The Classic Tree
To start, sketch a line to represent the trunk and outline the general shape of the crown.
Next, add a few lines to indicate the main branches.
Gradually thicken the trunk, making it wider at the bottom and tapering towards the top.
Similarly, draw the branches with varying thickness, thicker at the base and narrowing towards the tips.
Now, add smaller branches to each main branch, while also including a squiggle at the bottom to represent grass.
Extend the intricacy of the tree by adding even more smaller branches. Consider the direction of sunlight and shade the trunk using long, straight lines.
Using the side of your pencil, create an irregular pattern of peaks and troughs to shade the area in the crown where the leaves are.
Continue shading the crown area, applying a consistent technique until you achieve the desired effect.
Tree #2: The Seascape Tree
Similar to the first tree, start by drawing a line and the shape of the crown. However, this tree appears to be bending due to the wind.
Add a hill in the background and make the trunk thicker.
Extend the shape of the trunk upwards, remembering to maintain thickness at the base and a tapered top.
Introduce main branches, keeping in mind the wind’s influence, resulting in branches leaning to the right.
Continue adding branches, staying consistent with the wind’s effect.
Shade the trunk and add roots to the hill for added details.
To depict leaves, use squiggly lines drawn with the side of your pencil. Some leaves may appear to be flying off, so add more small squiggles accordingly.
Create a horizon line to represent the meeting point of the water and the sky. Include some grass on the hill.
Enhance the artwork by adding clouds, shading the water, drawing a sand line, and incorporating tall grass on the hill. Remember that the tall grass should also bend in the direction of the wind. Don’t hesitate to darken some of the leaves for contrast.
Tree #3: The Pine Tree
Begin by drawing the trunk, followed by a small triangular shape on top using straight lines that converge towards the top.
Continue adding more triangular lines on top of each other, representing layers of branches.
Keep adding branches, ensuring that the needles extend about halfway down, leaving room for a few empty branches. Gradually thicken the trunk and add a shadow to the tree.
Tree #4: The Umbrella Tree
This tree is particularly enjoyable to draw. Start by sketching ovals for the leaf parts. You can choose to include four or more, depending on your preference. Add squiggly lines from the bottom to represent the tree trunk.
Further develop the trunk by adding thicker branch lines, extending them out to form the ‘umbrellas.’ Include a few empty branches as well.
Add more details to the trunk, additional squiggly branches, and shading to the ‘umbrella’ portions.
Incorporate a bit of grass, and add texture to the ‘umbrellas,’ with thicker textures at the bottom and thinner ones at the top.
Tree #5: The Bushy Tree
This tree resembles a bush, with branches growing out from the bottom and reaching a similar size.
Start with five main branches, extending from the trunk.
Gradually thicken the branches and add smaller branches to make the bush appear denser.
Using the side of your pencil, shade the areas where leaves will be present.
Add more detailed leaves, berries, or flowers as desired.
Tree #6: The Little Tree
Often, trees are drawn with a stump and a semi-round crown. To break away from that, start by drawing a stump-like structure and then continue adding branches.
Erase the initial stump line and cover the branches halfway with leaves.
Define the leaf areas in the foreground, and add branches that extend behind them along with a few roots.
Shade the trunk and start shading the leaves located towards the back.
Add further shading and include some grass to complete the tree.
Tree #7: The First Tree
This was the very first tree I drew, and while I wasn’t entirely thrilled with it, I decided to include it nonetheless.
Begin by drawing a line for the trunk and a circular shape for the crown.
Add lines to represent the main branches.
Thicken the trunk and add roots for added detail.
Continue adding branches, increasing the complexity of the tree.
Shade the trunk with straight lines and consider the direction of sunlight when shading the areas facing away from it.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even incorporate shadows cast by the branches on the rest of the tree. Alternatively, you can leave it as a winter tree without the addition of leaves.
Conclude by adding squiggly lines to indicate leaves, gradually working on them until you are satisfied.
One valuable tip to remember is to provide yourself with ample space, as trees tend to occupy more area than anticipated.
Congratulations! You’ve completed all the tree drawings. Now, it’s your turn to practice and experiment with creating your own amazing trees. Remember, there are no limits to your creativity!
Happy drawing!
