Step 1: Observe Your Surroundings
Start by taking notice of the trees in your environment. How do they sway in the wind? What direction are their branches growing? What types of leaves do they have? All of these details are important when it comes to painting a realistic looking tree. If you’re looking to draw a specific type of tree, like an oak or a maple for example, compare it to the trees you see around you and make special note of the differences you observe.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Media
When it comes to drawing a tree, you’ll want to figure out which type of media you want to use. Will you be drawing with pencils, markers, or paints? Depending on the type of media you choose, the steps you need to take may be different.
Step 3: Start with the Roots
When you’re ready to start drawing, the first thing you’ll want to do is draw the roots. Begin with basic shapes like circles and ovals in order to create the outline of the trunk and roots. As you come up to the base of the trunk, you can add small lines and curves that represent the roots stretching out from the ground.
Step 4: Add the Branches
Once you’ve established the trunk and roots, start sketching out the main branches of the tree. It’s important to be mindful of the natural forms and movements of the tree that you may have noticed in the beginning step. Start off with the main branches and add in the smaller branches as you go.
Step 5: Add the Leaves
When you’re happy with the way your branches look, start unfolding the leaves. Trees can have a variety of different types of leaves such as oak, beech, or maple. Use shapes such as ovals, circles and pointed ovals to create the leaves. Color in the leaves using a darker shade of your chosen media to create more definition.
Step 6: Add the Ground and Background
If you’re looking to draw a realistic tree in the background of a landscape, you’ll want to include the ground, shrubs and other trees around it. Start off by sketching out the landscape in the background. Draw some shrubs and other trees in the background to add more depth and realism. Finally, you can draw in some hills or mountains in the distance.
Step 7: Add the Details
Once you’re happy with the overall shape and form of your tree, it’s time to add the details. Add some small lines and curves to the leaves to give them an extra naturallook. You can also add some shadows and highlights around the trunk and branches, as well as some extra texture.
Step 8: Refine the Drawing
When you’re finished, take a step back and observe your drawing. If there are any small changes you want to make, now is the time to do it. You can always go back and erase and redraw any small details that you may want to change.
Step 9: Add Finishing Touches
Once you’re satisfied with the way your tree looks, give it an extra pop by adding some finishing touches. You can use colored pencils or paints to add more depth to the colors and create a more vibrant looking tree. Or you can use a sharpie to create small details that can help make your tree look a little more realistic.
Step 10: Appreciate and Celebrate Your Artwork
At this point in the process, give yourself a pat on the back for completing your drawing. No matter how it turned out, be proud of yourself for taking the time and effort to create something beautiful. Hang it up somewhere in your house and appreciate the effort you put in to make something special.
