How to Draw a Tree

This basic tutorial will show you how to draw a tree in a realistic style and explain different variations and approaches.

The first thing to remember when drawing almost any tree is that this plant visually consists of two main parts: the crown and the trunk.

The trunk itself is divided into the upper branching structure and the roots in the lower part. These basic elements should be viewed as simple geometric forms, such as a large rounded shape for the crown and a cylinder for the trunk.

The crown has its own texture, mainly created by the contours of the foliage, which should not be drawn with excessive detail. The trunk also has its own texture that helps make the drawing appear more realistic.

All trees are different. They vary both by species and by the unique characteristics of each individual tree. But by understanding these fundamental principles and the construction process, you will be able to draw virtually any tree.

How to draw a tree step by step

Step 1: Mark the outer edges of the tree

Use light strokes to mark the outer edges of the tree and place the future drawing correctly on the paper. Trees can have very different height-to-width proportions, so keep this in mind while planning the composition and overall placement.

Step 2: Sketch the general shape of the canopy

Use rough outlines to indicate the crown of the tree. First define the lower edge of the crown, then lightly sketch the side and upper contours. At this stage, you only need to establish the general mass and silhouette.

Step 3: Draw the trunk of the tree

Now use similarly light lines to sketch the trunk, leaving some space at the bottom for the roots. The trunk should resemble a cylindrical form, or a rectangular shape when viewed strictly from the side. The proportions of the trunk can also vary greatly depending on the type of tree.

Step 4: Sketch the branches and roots masses

In the upper part, sketch the main mass of branches as a large form spreading outward and widening upward. In the lower part, use a similar mirrored shape to show the placement of the roots. Avoid adding any details for now and focus only on the general contours.

Step 5: Divide the trunk into branches and roots

As mentioned earlier, the tree trunk is visually divided into branches in the upper part and roots in the lower part. Using the construction outlines sketched earlier, indicate the general division into branches at the top and roots at the bottom without going into details.

Step 6: Draw the large leaf clusters

Now move on to the tree canopy and begin using light outlines to indicate the large clusters of leaves. Try to draw them so the shapes are not too identical or symmetrical, with some clusters larger and others smaller.

Step 7: Refine the tree branches

Starting from this step, gradually refine the drawing and begin using cleaner, more finished lines. Beginning with the upper branches, use smooth, flowing lines to outline and refine the shapes and contours. You can also add additional smaller branches.

Step 8: Refine the trunk and add bark texture

Continuing the side edges started earlier, outline and refine the contours of the trunk. Inside the main form, add texture using vertical lines that follow the shape of the trunk, varying the pressure to imitate a realistic bark pattern.

Step 9: Refine the roots of the tree

Now, in the lower part, outline the roots extending downward and to the sides, giving them a cleaner appearance. You can also slightly develop some of the roots, though not as much as the branches above, since they should remain less pronounced.

Step 10: Draw the lower edge of the tree canopy

Return once again to the canopy and, pressing harder on the pencil while using cleaner final lines, begin drawing the large leaf clusters made up of small, slightly rounded shapes. Continue to keep the forms asymmetrical and natural-looking.

Step 11: Refine the upper canopy contours

Finish the outer contours of the tree canopy by refining the upper part in detail. You can use overlapping forms, allowing some clusters to partially cover others in order to create an additional sense of volume in this area.

Step 12: Draw layered leaves in the lower canopy

In the lower part of the canopy, use light lines to indicate the arrangement of leaves in several layers. Also draw leaves that overlap the upper parts of the branches. These leaves should also be placed somewhat irregularly for a more realistic appearance.

Step 13: Sketch additional leaf contours

Along the inner contour, also add light outlines of leaves without going too deeply into details. These additional light contours should create extra volume and a basic texture.

Step 14: Draw grass around tree tree

Trees do not float in the air or exist without an environment around them, so you can lightly indicate the surroundings as well. In the lower part around the roots, use light lines to draw grass growing upward. You can also suggest the ground or add a few small rocks here.

Step 15: Shade the canopy of the tree

First, visually divide the canopy into light and shadow according to how the sunlight falls on the tree. Then fill the shadow areas with smooth, even hatching. Slightly deepen the shadows near the transition into the lit areas, creating a shadow core.

Step 16: Draw shadows on the tree trunk

First, use light hatching to depict the shadows on the upper part of the trunk. These shadows should gradually become lighter as they move downward. Then indicate light shadows on the roots of the tree and slightly strengthen the bark texture by adding vertical shadow lines as well.

Step 17: Unify and complete the tree drawing

Check the entire tree drawing for symmetry, the proportions of all parts, and the tonal relationships. Correct any mistakes, strengthen the shadows if necessary, and add additional details if needed.

How to draw a tree easy

Of course, there are many other ways to draw a tree, including more simplified approaches that may be less detailed and realistic in the final result.

For example, you can draw a tree without first establishing the general forms, instead working line by line. You can begin either from the top or the bottom, such as starting with the trunk first.

Then draw the branches extending in different directions above and the roots below. After that, carefully sketch the outline of the canopy, as in the previous example, trying to create some variation in the shapes.

Finish the tree by adding leaf texture to the canopy and bark texture to the trunk.

Tree drawing variations

By understanding these two methods, you will already be able to draw trees of almost any type and shape, as well as create more complex landscapes.

Before that, however, it is important to practice drawing different kinds of trees with varying canopies and trunks. Use our references or draw from life, trying to apply all the steps from this lesson to what you see in front of you.

You can now also apply all these steps to draw a tree from memory or imagination. As mentioned earlier, you will also be able to create more complex landscapes.

For example, draw flowers around the tree, placing them in a random arrangement to create an interesting background. Draw birds flying around it as well as clouds in the distance.

This is only an example composition, just one of countless possibilities you can create once you know how to draw a tree.