How to draw trees: observe first

Can a few simple coloured pencil strokes really capture the majesty of a towering pine tree or the elegance of a birch? Discover the secrets of how to draw trees in our expert guide.

Let’s explore the intricate details of various tree species, and reveal the techniques for capturing their basic shapes, textures, and colours on paper.

Master the interplay of light and shadow, texture, and depth to draw realistic trees. Sharpen your pencils and join this artistic journey, where the beauty of nature meets the art of drawing.

Getting the shape of the tree right

The world is home to a diverse array of trees, each with its own distinct shape and size. While a tree identification book can be helpful for precise identification, it's not always necessary to identify the exact species of a distant tree.

Some trees are easily recognisable by their overall shape and silhouette. Pine, Fir, and Poplar trees stand tall and proud, their majestic forms towering above the landscape. In contrast, Birch trees have a delicate, airy structure that allows glimpses of the sky to filter through their branches. Oaks are sturdy and enduring, with broad trunks and dense, lush canopies.

Other trees, like Sycamores and Sweet Chestnuts, share the Oak's rounded stature but have a more open shape, punctuated by "sky holes" (or negative spaces), that add to their unique character. 

The diagram above illustrates the distinctive branching patterns of various tree species, providing a useful visual guide for drawing realistic tree shapes with accuracy and detail.

The 'Skeleton' of a tree

Observe the details

Get up close and personal with trees to discover their intricate details. Study the texture of the bark, the subtle colour variations, and the delicate leaf veins. These small details can make a big impact.

The trunk is a focal point of any tree, but it's easy to misjudge its proportion relative to the branches and leaves.

A common mistake is making the trunk too thick or thin compared to the overall tree size.

Reference real-life examples or use a tree identification guide to get a sense of the trunk's scale and thickness.

This attention to detail makes a significant difference in the realism of your artwork.

Bark

Tree drawings come alive with texture.

The bark of each species has its own unique character - rough and rugged, or smooth and peeling.

To capture this, experiment with various shading techniques like cross-hatching, stippling, and blending. These methods can evoke the distinctive features of different tree species.

Avoid the pitfall of making the bark too smooth or uniform, as this can make it look fake. Instead, layer your pencil strokes and vary the pressure to create a more natural, rugged effect. Think of the bark as having depth and irregularity—a unique blend of grooves and ridges.

Learn more about the different colored pencil strokes you can use here. 

The colour of tree bark is equally varied, defying the notion of a uniform grey or brown.

Instead, it's a rich mosaic of colours, textures, and patterns.

Look closely and you'll discover a palette of silver, charcoal, rust, and ochre hues.

Use coloured pencils to layer and blend these colours, applying different pressures to replicate the intricate texture of the bark.

Learn more about the layering process with coloured pencils here. 

Weathered tree trunks often bear the scars of time, with darkened holes and rough, gnarled textures that tell the tale of years gone by.

Branches

Every tree species has a unique branching pattern, and ignoring this aspect can make your drawing look off.

Study the natural growth habit of your chosen tree—is it symmetrical or asymmetrical?

Does it have a distinct habit of branching at certain angles?

Capturing these nuances adds credibility to your work, so take time to observe and sketch these patterns.

Foliage

Leaves can be a challenging element to capture.

A common mistake is adding too much detail or using uniform colours, which can make your tree look fake or flat.

Focus on the overall shape and structure first. Then, add highlights and shades to give the leaves a more natural, three-dimensional appearance.

Remember, simplicity is often key to creating an impressive visual impact.

Each season brings a distinct palette to the foliage - from the lush greens of spring and summer to the fiery hues of autumn.

Texture is also crucial, with leaves ranging from smooth and glossy to jagged and intricately patterned.

Varying your pencil marks can create a range of textures, adding depth and nuance to your drawings.

Environment

A tree is never alone; it's part of a vibrant ecosystem. To bring your scene to life, consider adding grass, flowers, or wildlife to create a richer, more immersive environment.

In conclusion

Learning how to draw trees is a journey of discovery, one that requires attention to detail and a willingness to observe the world around you.

By focusing on the shapes and forms in front of you, rather than relying on memory, you can create accurate and realistic drawings that capture the unique character of each tree.

As you draw, immerse yourself in the natural world.

Feel the rough texture of the bark, lose yourself in the labyrinth of branches, and study the dance of light and shadow on the leaves. The more you observe, the more you'll see, and the richer your drawings will become.

Every tree is a story waiting to be told, a character waiting to be brought to life.

With coloured pencils in hand, step outside and breathe in the beauty around you. Drawing trees is no longer a challenge, but an adventure – one that invites you to explore, create, and connect with the natural world.

 

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