How to Draw a Palm Tree

This tutorial will show you how to draw a palm tree with a tall trunk and spreading leaves in a realistic style. We’ll show you how to build the palm tree’s distinctive shape step by step, as well as add texture and volumetric shadows.

How to draw a palm tree step by step

Step 1: Sketch the basic palm guideline

First, draw the basic outlines of the palm tree. Draw a long, slightly curved vertical line. At the top of the line, draw an oval as a guide for the coconut. Also, draw guidelines for the palm leaves using slightly curved lines.

Step 2: Add the trunk and leaves

Continue drawing the palm tree. Draw another vertical line parallel to the first. The palm tree trunk is almost ready. Then draw two more small ovals at the top of the trunk. Draw eight lines at the top of the palm tree as guides for the leaves.

Step 3: Detail the trunk and leaves

Now, add short horizontal lines to the palm tree trunk. Trace the leaf outlines and draw short strokes along each leaf. Using horizontal hatching, add a shadow beneath the coconuts.

Step 4: Refine the palm leaves

Using very light, loose lines, refine the leaf outlines. Add more short strokes to the leaves, as shown in our example. Add more shadows to the leaves and the upper part of the trunk. Draw the coconut behind the leaves.

Step 5: Add shadows with hatching

Using vertical hatching, add a shadow to one side of the trunk. Then, using light diagonal strokes, add a soft, diffuse shadow to the shaded area beneath the coconuts. Also, use light strokes to add shadows to the leaves. Add shadows to the coconuts with hatching. We added shadows in the same way in the tutorial on drawing grapes.

Step 6: Finish the palm drawing

Our tutorial on how to draw a palm tree is coming to an end. Add shadows and a few final strokes to the leaves on the right. Erase any remaining unnecessary marks and add the finishing touches.

We hope this drawing tutorial helped you learn how to draw a palm tree.