How to Draw Branches – A Step by Step Guide
When venturing into nature, one can’t help but admire the beauty of trees. Whether they’re adorned with leaves or stand bare during the Winter months, trees bring a certain elegance to any landscape they grace. However, capturing the intricate structure of branches in a drawing can pose a challenge for many.
If you’re eager to create your own lifelike branches, you’ve come to the right place! This step-by-step guide will demonstrate just how easy it can be to draw stunning branches. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have the skills to create incredible branch drawings of your own.
Let’s Get Started: Drawing Branches
Step 1: Begin with the Tree Trunk and a Thin Branch
To start your branch-drawing journey, focus on one side of the tree and add a slender branch on the side. Draw a slightly curved vertical line to represent the tree’s side. Don’t worry about achieving a perfectly smooth line; a slightly rough texture will evoke the appearance of bark. Leave a small space in the line, as this is where the branch will be added. The branch should be very thin and angle slightly upwards. At the end of the branch, draw a fork to create a realistic look. Refer to the provided image for guidance.
Step 2: Adding More Branches
In this step, use the same method as before to draw additional branches. The structure of these branches will follow a similar pattern to the initial one. Add a larger branch on the left-hand side, also with a fork, but this time the fork should be larger. Then, draw the left-hand side and complete the base of the tree. Lastly, draw a three-pronged branch near the upper right-hand side.
Step 3: Extending the Tree Upwards
In this step, you’ll continue extending the tree upwards. Draw a long branch that reaches towards the right, forking at the end and splitting into two directions. Each of these branches will also have their own forked ends. Although it may seem complex, referring to the provided image will clarify the process.
Step 4: Completing the Final Branch
On the upper left-hand side of the tree, add the final branch to your drawing. This branch should be long and have several smaller branches stemming from it. Like the previous branches, these smaller ones will also have their own branches extending from them.
Step 5: Adding Finishing Touches
Before coloring, it’s time to add some final details to your branch drawing. Though simple, these details will make a significant difference in completing your artwork. Use small lines to add vertical elements and emphasize the bends of the branches. Consider drawing thin twigs protruding from the tree as well. While we have provided specific details, feel free to incorporate your own creative additions. For instance, you could depict a unique background, such as a dark, eerie forest with an owl perched on a branch or a bed of autumn leaves beneath the tree. Let your imagination run wild!
Step 6: Bring Your Drawing to Life with Colors
With the completion of your branch drawing, it’s time to infuse it with vibrant colors. In our example, we used a simple yet effective brown color scheme. However, don’t hesitate to explore other possibilities. If you included a background in the previous step, coloring it is an excellent opportunity to incorporate additional colors. For instance, if you drew leaves beneath the tree, you could use shades of green, brown, yellow, and orange to introduce colorful accents. Consider experimenting with different art mediums to bring your drawing to life. Watercolor paints or colored pencils can provide a soft, natural appearance, while acrylic paints, colored pens, and markers can create a bold and striking effect. The choice is yours!
3 Additional Tips for Easy Branch Drawing
- Seek Inspiration: Look for trees in your own yard, a nearby park, or even a botanical garden. Observing real-life trees will greatly assist you in accurately depicting branches. If you can’t find suitable models, browse tree photos online or in books for reference.
- Customize Your Drawing: While this tutorial focuses on the intricate details of branches, you can make the drawing easier by adding leaves. You can either draw individual leaves for a realistic touch or create rounded shapes on the branches with textured details for a simpler style. Adding elements like leaves can help mask any challenging portions of your drawing and enhance its overall appeal.
- Mastering the Tools: To make branch drawing more manageable, all you need are pencils and patience. Pencils enable you to plan your drawing extensively without fear of making mistakes. Utilize different pencils to create progressive layers of detail, gradually building up to the final lines. Once you’re satisfied with the pencil outlines, trace them with a pen to finalize your drawing.
Your Branches Drawing is Complete!
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of this step-by-step guide on how to draw branches. Drawing trees, with their intricate branches, can be a daunting task, but we hope that this tutorial has made it significantly more accessible and enjoyable for you. Now, it’s time to make this drawing your own by adding personal touches and elements. Consider incorporating a creative background or experimenting with various art mediums to transform your branch drawing into an incredible masterpiece.
Remember, we have countless exciting drawing guides available on our website. Make sure to visit us regularly to explore new tutorials and never miss out on fresh inspiration. Once you’ve completed your branches drawing, we would love to see it! Share your masterpiece with us by posting it on our Facebook and Pinterest pages for admiration.