How to Sketch Trees

Sketching trees is a simple process, but many people, while sketching a landscape, give up midway as they cannot sketch trees, that actually look like trees. Many think that with all its branches and roots and leaves, sketching trees is a BIG problem. But if you know the correct steps of drawing a tree then you will see that it is a real simple process and not difficult at all. Once you learn how to sketch trees, you will no longer have to leave your landscape incomplete. Just follow the sketching tips given below and learn.

Learn to Draw Trees

There are some easy steps for sketching trees. If you follow these simple steps then drawing trees will no longer be a problem. For drawing the trees, one important sketching tip that you need to keep in mind is that you need patience and you also need to have good observation power. With these and some good sketch pencils, an eraser and a sheet of paper, you are all set to learn.

Step 1: Observe
The first thing that you need to do is observe the trees around you. The best time to observe is when the trees are bare that is mainly during the autumn. This time will be much easier for you as you can observe the anatomy of the tree carefully. The thing that you have to notice first is the difference in the size of the trunks. It is not important that you get to know the names of all the trees, but it is important that you get to know the characteristics of the trees so that it becomes easier for you to draw the tree. Next observe the branches of the trees. Sometimes people face problems while drawing the branches of the trees. Notice how they spread out and after you are sure about the various features of the trees, and after you have taken down some notes, only then start with the sketching.

Step 2: Draw an Outline
The next step of how to sketch a tree is to draw the outline. This is a pretty simple step where you can roughly draw an inverted cone and then on top of that draw at least three rough circles (no need to worry about the size and shape. Size need not be equal). This outline can be drawn for a deciduous tree and if you plan to sketch maybe a pine tree, then instead of the circles, you can have a long inverted cone, like the ice cream cone. Make sure that the lines are not too dark as it might be difficult to remove them after drawing the final tree. These guidelines are a sure shot way to build your confidence to sketch a tree.

Step 3: Branches
Using a dark shade pencil draw ragged lines, almost similar to the branches that you have observed. Not necessary that you have to keep the lines straight and of the same size. Just draw some random lines. In fact I would suggest that make these branches as uneven as possible so that they look like the proper branches of a tree. One major sketching tip is that make sure that while drawing the branches on the other side of the trunk, it should not be that two branches are exactly opposite to each other. One branch should be higher, while the other lower.

Step 4: Leaves
While drawing the leaves, many people tend to go into details. Not required. Just very lightly sketch an outline just around the edge of the tree that you have just made and then very carefully rub out some of the branches so that it appears as if these are the branches that you can see through the leaves. Add some more branches here are there to give the tree a more rough appearance.

Step 5: Start Shading
Keeping in mind where the sunlight is coming from in your landscape, you have to start off with the shading. The part which is receiving the sunlight has to be lighter than the one that is away. Using your pencil just scribble away the impression of the leaves. You will not get the perfect leaves at your first try. But you have to keep trying. If you feel that the shade is darker than you want, then you can remove the excess shade using an eraser.

*Click on the images for a better view.


There, now you have your perfect sketch of a tree. Take out your pencil and paper and a piece of paper, follow these sketching techniques and start drawing your first tree. Do not give up if you do not get the first one right. Try, try and try again. Practice makes a man (and a woman) perfect.