Now that we have our sketch centered, we’ll erase the guidelines enough to make them barely visible and start working in our tree by outlining the trunk with more organic lines and focusing on the shape of the trunk and some visible branches.
How to Draw a Tree – A Step-by-Step Guide
Trees are an essential part of our existence. As humans, we need them for multiple reasons, and as artists, we can’t help but admire them. At some point in our life, we all probably have tried to draw a tree, some of us have miserably failed the task, and some might’ve opted for the easiest path and removed the simplified form of a tree that we learned in school. Drawing a tree might not seem like an easy task. However, using the proper techniques, you’ll see that it is simpler than you ever thought. In this tutorial, you’ll learn:
- Structure of a tree.
- How to shade using graphite in powder.
- How to create textures with different grades of graphite pencils.
- How to draw a realistic tree step by step.
The materials you’ll need:
- Graphite powder (or a file and an oh HB pencil)
- A soft brush
- A 2H graphite pencil
- A 6B graphite pencil
- A ruler
- A blending stump
- A precision eraser
- A kneadable eraser
The tree you’re going to draw:
And these are all the steps we’ll walk you through!
Section 1: Structure of a tree
1.- Gather References
We all know that a tree is composed of three main parts: the crown, the trunk, and the roots. However, not all trees are the same. Some trees are round, some have irregular shapes, some are pointy, and let’s not talk about leaves.
Learning the structure of a tree is not about working on every single detail but identifying the most notorious factors and breaking them down into simple shapes.
But first, let’s gather some references:
2.- Break the references down
For this step, we’re going to make a quick study of the references we gathered, find the shapes of the crown, the trunk, and the roots (if they’re visible), and roughly outline them to identify the basic shapes behind our tree.
3.- Trace the outlines on a piece of paper
Once we’re done with that, on a separate piece of paper, we’re going to trace those same outlines the best we can. That way, we’ll have a clearer vision of the shape of our tree.
Now, we’re going to choose the tree we’re going to draw. In my case, it will be the very first one.
But why choose when we can make our own?
Because, yeah… It is possible to draw trees from imagination, like pretty much anything can also be drawn from imagination; however in order to do it correctly, first you need to build a visual library of references and this exercise will for sure help you do that.
Section 2: How to create textures using graphite pencils.
Now we’re going to learn how to create a trunk-like texture using powdered graphite, graphite pencils, and a blending stump.
Before drawing our tree, we’re going to practice a little bit, so you can apply this same technique to your other drawings!
1.- Sketch the outline of a tree
For this step you need to make a simple outline of a tree’s trunk, we’re going to use it as our base to practice the texture of our tree.
2.- Fill the outline
We’re going to grab some powdered graphite with the side of our blending stump, and apply it to the paper as shown in the diagram. That way we’ll have long and thick traces without the need of using the tilted pencil technique and without scratching our paper.
3.- Make the base traces
Now with our file, we’re going to dull our 2B pencil tip in order to achieve those thick strokes, then we’ll make vertical traces to build some of the texture.
4.- Details
With your 6B pencil and your precision eraser you’re going to make irregular fine traces to define the trunk’s texture and also the light source.
How To Draw A Tree
Learn how to draw freeform tree trunks & roots with The Etherington Brothers! Grow your trees boldly & add visual details such as bark patterns & wood grain.
- Nature
- Landscapes
- The Etherington Brothers
- Illustration
Learn how you can draw… or learn how to think when you draw with the Etherington Brothers!
Tree Bark
The texture and contours of tree bark can serve as a bold gestural line through your composition.
Bark patterns such as birch are the simplest place to begin, as they run around the circumference of the trunk.
A trunk with gnarly vertical “ribs” can be described well with a horizontal bark pattern.
A fine, vertical bark pattern can be drawn as if it were wood grain.
Trees such as oaks have their ridges broken horizontally into fragments.
- Draw some random verticals
- Connect horizontally and diagonally
- Add shadow to show form
If the tree has a lot of knots, use the concentration of the bark pattern to describe the forms.
A twist within the trunk breaks the bark up into areas of interest.
For practice:
Twist a towel, see how it divides and creates cavities in the folds.
Flake off sections of bark to reveal the trunk.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a fantastic, creative element to add tons of visual interest to your woodland and jungle environments.
The root system reflects the branches of the tree, albeit with a more compact set of larger root “branches.”
Most trees hide their roots under the ground, but we want to reveal them!
Imagine the ground beneath your tree has worn away.
- Draw some basic branches
- Turn upside down and bury up to base of trunk
- Lower ground level until you see small gaps beneath roots
- See the form – it’s all tubes!
- Add bark detail
Growing roots down over rocks allows you more freedom over the design of their shapes.
Allow the rock to dictate the spread of the roots.
Billow and pinch the roots.
Imagine the roots as supple, uneven rolls of pastry, laid across each other in rough plaits.
About The Etherington Brothers
The Etherington Brothers are the creators of WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL ARTBOOK & UK’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BOOK of ALL-TIME on Kickstarter. Book-makers, idea sharers. Disney, Dreamworks, etc.
How Do you Draw a Pencil Tree?
Whether you’re attempting to draw a tree for the first time as a novice. Or you just need some necessary information to get you on the right track when drawing. In this post, I will outline a simple step by step drawing techniques that you can employ to help draw different varieties of trees.
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How to Draw a Tree from Direct Observation
A tree is best drawn from direct observation as this will let experience the full form of the tree in the round. If you want to learn how to draw a tree in pen, please read my post, How to Draw a Tree in Pen and Ink.
- Drawing from direct observation will also allow you to find the best view from which to draw a tree, a flat photographic representation of a tree will never replace this.
- Also, consider your location, are you drawing trees on mass in woodland or is it a single isolated tree in a garden or park.
- So studying the 3-dimensional form of the tree in the round can offer real benefits. A good piece of advice is to produce a series of quick warm-up sketches, which will allow you to develop a feeling for what you are drawing.
How to Draw the Crown of a Tree
The crown of the tree is the furthest extent to which a clump of branches will grow. One effective method of drawing trees is to draw the branches first from the crown down.
- To begin you will need to draw many faintly drawn lines of representing the extent of growth from the branches, these lines can overlap, as they would be nature.
- Next, begin to draw faintly drawn lines which will represent the branches of the tree. These lines represent the newest growth and will, therefore, be the thinnest parts of the tree.
- The branches which are drawn closer to the main tree trunk are thicker since they are older and have to support the mass of smaller branches and leaves.
- Remembering that trees are not flat objects, rather complex organisms with many intersecting elements. When drawing the branches, an excellent way to create a feeling of space is to vary the strength and quality of line you are drawing with. Darker lines will appear closer than the faintly less distinct marks depicted in the background.
How to Draw the Branches of the Tree
First, consider and count how many main branches, then draw the main branch diverge out from the main trunk, this could be 3 or 5.
- Next draw smaller branches which are attached to the side of the main branches, your drawing should now begin to resemble a realistic tree.
- Continue to draw smaller and finer lines to represent the smaller branches and the newest growth on the tree.
- Finally, progress onto drawing leaves round in front and behind the branches.
Drawing the Textures of a Tree
Tree trunks or the trunk of the tree can be found in various shapes and sizes from chunky, heavy English Oak. To the tall and elastic birch trees.
The trunk of a tree expresses the solid massive, dense base of the tree which roots it to the ground and earth.
- Perhaps the most notable quality of the trunk of a tree is the texture of the surface of the trunk. The tactile quality and feeling the surface of the bark can only be experienced from first hand.
- Most trunks have around a cylindrical form, some will have a more irregular shape.
- The best way to approach drawing the trunk of the tree is to illustrate the underlying form with a faint line. Once you have done this progress onto applying tone.
- Once the form of the base has been established, continue onto adding shading. If the light source is shining from the left add a graduated shadow on the opposite side.
- You can also draw and add any additional surface details should as broken branches or knots on the surface.
Frottage Techniques
Although not drawing technique frottage is an alternative way to explore the texture of the surface of the bark or individual leaves through rubbings. Natural forms and surfaces are an excellent way to explore the surface qualities of natural materials.
- To create rubbings, you will need a thick graphite stick and a large piece of paper which is durable enough on to tear which placed onto a rough surface.
- Simple place the paper onto the surface of the tree and use a graphite stick to rub onto the paper.
- This method is a quick and immediate way to explore the surface and textures of the tree.
How to Draw a Basic Shape of a Tree
If you are looking for a simple method of drawing a basic tree the following process will help. This is a method which young children will be able to access.
- Begin by drawing the trunk of the tree first by drawing two simple lines, parallel to each other and curving outwards thicker at the bottom.
- Progress onto drawing the branches of the tree, these should be drawn pointing in different directions, as they would be observed when looking at a real tree.
- Next, draw the canopy by drawing a series of cloud-like shapes, these can take the form of being many shapes drawn next to each other or overlapping, color and tone will be added to this section of the drawing to enhance and make them seem more real.
How to Draw a Tree using Color Pencils
The layering of a color pencil is a simple but effective technique that I have been using to draw with for many years. This is a quick and accessible technique which will let you create a simple but realistic drawing of a tree in color pencils.
- To create the illusion of a tree in the summer months color, you will need a set of good quality color pencils, with a selection of different shades of green blue-grey and brown.
- Using the light shade of green, apply a series of small motions to represent the mass of leaves on the branches.
- Continue to apply darker shades of green and blue. This will give the impression of shadows and add depth to your drawings.
- Ensure that you leave parts of the drawing blank, these negative spaces will represent the spaces between the leaves and will add contrast to the drawing.
- With a brown pencil, you should draw fine lines in the spaces. These will represent the smaller lighter branches.
- Progress onto adding color onto the trunk of the tree using a light shade of brown. Having a range of different color browns will allow you to texture and shadow onto this part of the drawing.
- Next, using the darkest shade of green, apply and layer a dark shadow onto and next to the areas of green you have blended.
- At this stage it is a good idea to blend the different shades of green together, this can be achieved by taking a white charcoal pencil and layering this color over sections of the various shading of green you have already applied.
- To give the drawing a little more definition draw small dashes of dark green or blue over and around the colors already applied.
- Use a warm color pencil such as a yellow to add highlights to the leaves on the tree.
How to Draw Different Types of Trees
Tips for Drawing a Winter Tree
Deciduous trees during the winter months take on a unique majesty of their own. Deciduous trees without leaves, in particular, take on an immense sculptural appearance and quality. When viewed on mass they have a magical quality which is an excellent subject for drawing.
- Having a structured routine to how you approach drawing from observation will ensure you get the results you want.
- The basic rule of looking more than drawing really does apply here. Begin by working from direct observation and study the tree in the round from as many different viewpoints as possible.
- Trees are best drawn from direct observation, as this allows you to study the formation of a tree, its shape of the tree and its individual branches.
- Begin by drawing at the top of the tree and the ends of branches
How to Draw a Summer Tree
As the weather improves and the sun is shining on the leaves, consider taking your sketchbook out to draw on location. A tree drawn during the summer months will offer a whole different subject than one illustrated in the winter months.
Some people are put off drawing trees on location because they are complex and challenging to draw. The complexity of a tree can be off-putting for those of us who have not attempted to draw one since a child.
However, drawing a tree is easier than say drawing a face, portrait or the even the human form. The simple reason being that if a branch is drawn ‘out of place’ it won’t affect the rest of the drawing dramatically.
I would suggest you use the following pencils to begin your drawing. H4, Pencil for lightly sketching the basic underlying shapes and proportions of the tree. An HB pencil for additional value and tone, plus a B4 pencil for applying the darkest values to your drawing.
- To begin your sketch, you will need to faintly draw a series of faintly drawn overlapping shapes.
- The shapes can loosely represent circles or irregular shapes. At the bottom of the drawing add a faintly drawn triangle facing upwards.
- Practice drawing the shapes with a 4H pencil changing the relative proportions of each form, varying the shapes and making certain sections of the drawing larger.
- If you are prone to drawing with heavy lines, you can also practice varying the strength and quality of the lines you are producing, with the aim of drawing with a fainter line.
- It is probably a good idea to produce some preliminary smaller sketches at this point until you become proficient at drawing the shape of the tree.
- Once you have grasped how to draw the underlying proportions of the tree, you will begin to recognize the shape of an emerging tree.
- Don’t worry if your drawing is not perfect at this stage.
- Progress onto draw the individual branches. These should be drawn with a loose raggedy line and should diverge outwards in different directions.
- When you are ready to begin drawing the leaves, the approach is not to draw the individual leaves. Instead, start using the side of the pencil to draw small light draw circular shapes. For this task, you will need to use both an HB and 4B graphite. As you will be building up the values from light to draw.
How to Draw the Leaves on a Tree
- The best advice I would give to anybody attempting to draw the leaves of the tree is not to each individual leaf. This would be a tedious waste of time.
- A more economical approach is to suggest the clump of leaves through the application of marks of increasing darker value.
- Using a 4H pencil to create a light contour, onto which the leaves will be drawn.
- Next use an HB pencil held at an angle to apply small circular marks, which when progressively built up will give the impression of the mass of leaf shapes.
- Sticking to the rule of applying up darker values of shade on top of or next to the lighter values.
- Progressively press harder with the HB pencil to create patches of shadow, this will result in your drawing looking like a more authentic tree.
- A good tip, which I think you will need to bear in mind if you are attempting drawing a tree for the first time. To attain darker areas of tone, you will need to use a 4B graphite pencil will be required.
- You will be able to shade darker values with an HB pencil, but it will take you a lot longer to achieve the desired results.
- Continue to add tone until you feel that that the shadows and areas of tone have been added to your drawing to create an illustration of a tree.
How to Draw a Sycamore Tree
A sycamore tree can be a draw in precisely the same manner as described earlier in this article. However, when drawing a particular type of tree, you will need to illustrate the specific characteristics of that type of tree.
The sycamore tree is one of the largest trees found in the Eastern US.
How to Draw a Dead Tree
- Even during the summer, when the sun is shining, and the trees are full of foliage. The appearance of a dead tree is particularly reminiscent of the deciduous tree in winter.
- A dead tree can present you with the perfect opportunity to draw the skeleton structure of the tree and its branches.
- Focusing on the negative spaces created by the branches of the tree as they overlap and intersect with each other.
- A negative space drawing can accentuate the spaces between the branches which can be shaded with a water-soluble pencil or a watercolor wash.
- Emphasizing the textures of the tree is also possible with a drawing of this type due to the lack of leaves on the tree.
- Drawing the trunk is an excellent way to highlight areas of character which can produce amazing drawings.
Ian Walsh is the creator and author of improvedrawing.com and an Art teacher based in Merseyside in the United Kingdom. He holds a BA in Fine Art and a PGCE in teaching Art and Design. He has been teaching Art for over 24 Years in different parts of the UK. When not teaching Ian spending his time developing this website and creating content for the improvedrawing channel.
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