Trees play a crucial role in our lives. As humans, we depend on them for various reasons, and as artists, we can’t help but be fascinated by their beauty. Drawing a tree may seem challenging, but with the right techniques, it can be simpler than you think.
In this comprehensive tutorial, you will learn:
Section 1: Understanding the Structure of a Tree
1. Gather References
To accurately capture the essence of a tree, it’s essential to study its structure. While trees come in various shapes and sizes, identifying the prominent features and simplifying them into basic shapes is key.
2. Break the References Down
Take a close look at your gathered references and identify the shapes of the crown, trunk, and roots. Roughly outline these shapes to get a better understanding of the tree’s structure.
3. Trace the Outlines on Paper
Transfer the outlined shapes to a separate piece of paper. This step allows you to have a clearer vision of the tree’s final shape and form.
Section 2: Creating Realistic Textures with Graphite Pencils
Now, let’s dive into the art of creating lifelike textures using graphite pencils and powdered graphite.
1. Sketch the Outline of a Tree
Begin by sketching a simple outline of the tree’s trunk. This outline will serve as a base for practicing texture techniques.
2. Fill the Outline
Using the side of a blending stump, apply powdered graphite to the paper. This technique creates long and thick strokes without scratching the paper.
3. Make the Base Traces
Dull the tip of a 2B pencil using a file. Then, make vertical strokes to build texture on the tree trunk.
4. Add Details
Use a 6B pencil and a precision eraser to add irregular fine lines, defining the texture and light source of the trunk.
Section 3: Mastering Graphite Powder Shading
In this section, we will explore the technique of shading using graphite powder. If you don’t have graphite powder, we will show you how to make your own using an old HB pencil and a nail file or sandpaper.
1. Create a Base
Gather graphite powder in a small container and gently tap it onto the paper using a soft brush. This will form the shape of your tree, serving as the foundation for shading practice.
2. Establish Values
Using a blending stump, smudge the graphite powder to create base values. Focus on defining areas of light and shadow by applying light pressure to areas with more graphite.
3. Enhance Contrast
Use a kneadable eraser to lighten areas where you want a lighter value. The goal is not perfection at this stage, but rather to establish the shape of the tree.
4. Add Details
With a 6B pencil, darken areas where the leaves will be. Create layers of shade and smudge them to achieve greater contrast. Use a precision eraser to erase some leaves and add realism to your drawing. Don’t forget to include branches, either from reference or imagination.
Step-by-Step Guide: Drawing a Tree
Step 1 – Composition
Divide your paper into thirds using a ruler and a 2H pencil. These guidelines will help you center your tree and achieve proportionate dimensions.
Step 2 – Sketch the Crown’s Outline
Lightly draw the outline of the tree’s crown, focusing on basic shapes rather than intricate details. This will serve as a placement guide for your tree.
Step 3 – Sketch the Trunk’s Shape
Repeat the previous step for the trunk, ensuring proper centering and proportion.
Step 4 – Erase Guidelines and Outline the Trunk
Erase the guidelines, leaving them barely visible, and outline the trunk with organic lines. Pay attention to the shape and visible branches.
Step 5 – Add Graphite Powder
Use the technique learned earlier to fill the tree with graphite powder. Apply more graphite where direct light doesn’t hit.
Step 6 – Add the Ground
Include the ground by applying soft brushstrokes of powdered graphite. This grounds your tree and adds depth to your drawing.
Step 7 – Define the Values
With the techniques learned previously, work on defining values by darkening and smudging shadowed areas.
Step 8 – Identify the Tree’s Divisions
Trees’ crowns are divided into elliptical-like sections. Identify these divisions and work on shading each section individually.
Step 9 – Create Contrast
Use a kneadable eraser to lighten areas within each section, creating contrast and adding depth.
Step 10 – Shade the Trunk
Employ the shading techniques you practiced earlier to add texture and shading to the trunk.
Step 11 – Identify Trunk Lighter Areas
Study your reference to identify lighter areas on the trunk and visualize their placement.
Step 12 – Define Trunk’s Lighter Areas
Using a precision eraser, remove some graphite from the lighter areas of the trunk. Add another layer of graphite to the darkest areas to enhance contrast.
Step 13 – Visualize and Sketch the Branches
Refer to your reference, and lightly sketch the branches onto your tree. Focus on capturing the visible branches.
Step 14 – Shade the Branches
Consider the light source and branch visibility, layering graphite to shade and define the branches. Adjust the darkness with your eraser or blending stump as needed.
Step 15 – Add Small Highlights
Using a precision eraser, erase areas where the light hits the most. This will bring realism to your drawing.
Step 16 – Detail the Ground
Erase any remaining guidelines. Then, using a blending stump and a 2B pencil, add details to the grass around the tree. Use the precision eraser to add highlights.
That’s it! Congratulations on completing this tutorial. We hope you had fun learning new techniques and enjoyed drawing your tree.
Until next time! 😊
