How to Draw a Tree Step by Step
Here’s a simple, kid-friendly way to draw a full, leafy tree that looks lively on any page. We’ll build the canopy with soft cloud shapes, then attach a sturdy trunk and a small side branch. You don’t need fancy tools; a pencil, marker, and a few greens or browns are enough. Each step keeps lines big and forgiving, so mistakes are easy to fix. The guide matches the images from top left to bottom right. Follow the order, pause whenever you need, and keep your hand relaxed. Work lightly first, then darken lines you like. By the end, you’ll have a cheerful tree you can color seasonally—spring green, summer deep, autumn yellow, or even winter bare. Ready? Let’s start shaping the canopy. We’ll add details slowly for clean, confident results.
Supplies for This Drawing
- HB pencil for sketching; 2B for softer lines
- Fineliner or black marker (0.5–1.0 mm) for inking
- Erasers: kneaded and vinyl block
- A4 (8.3×11.7 in) 160–200 gsm paper or sketchbook
- Alcohol markers or colored pencils: light, mid, dark greens; yellow; browns
- Sharpener with stop
- Optional: ruler for baseline, white gel pen for highlights
Prepare the Materials
- Clear, well-lit workspace.
- Tape paper edges if you like clean borders.
- Sharpen pencils; test pressure on scrap.
- Lay out colors from light to dark.
- Place the reference images where you can see them.
- Keep an eraser crumb-free cloth nearby.
- Warm up with a page of round bumps.
Special Features of This Drawing
- Built from easy “cloud” bumps—very forgiving.
- Emphasis on varied silhouettes for natural feel.
- Overlaps and notches suggest leaf depth.
- Simple trunk taper and root flare for stability.
- Color blocking separates clumps clearly.
- Works for any season with small palette tweaks.
Tutor’s Suggestions
- Sketch lightly first; commit with ink last.
- Vary bump sizes; avoid repeating rhythms.
- Keep trunks thicker at the base for believability.
- Use notches sparingly to imply layers without clutter.
- Shade or color in broad, clean sections.
- Step back often to judge balance.
- Rotate the page if lines feel awkward.
Uses
- Classroom warm-ups or art centers
- Storybook and cartoon backgrounds
- Nature posters or science projects
- Greeting cards and seasonal decor
- Coloring pages for kids
- Stickers and digital icons
- Sketchbook practice for silhouettes
Level of Difficulty
Beginner-friendly — simple rounded shapes, easy construction, and forgiving coloring.
Puffy Leaf Cluster
Start with a small, puffy cloud shape for the first leaf cluster. Use short bumps and curves, varying large and small arcs so it feels organic. Keep your line smooth, not spiky. Leave a tiny notch or two inside to suggest overlapping leaves. This blob sits high and a bit right, leaving space for bigger masses. We’ll sketch lightly to guide later.
Add the Main Canopy Base
Add a much larger blobby cloud to the left and slightly below the first cluster. Let it tuck behind with a few small bite shapes for overlap. Round the bottom with wide curves to set the canopy’s weight. Keep gaps between bumps varied. Aim for an overall oval that feels airy, leaving the right side open. We’ll refine edges inking later gently.
Build the Right Cluster
On the right, draw another medium cloud cluster touching the first. Repeat rounded bumps, but change their sizes so it doesn’t mirror perfectly. Add a small inward notch underneath to hint at depth. Keep the outer edge verticalish to hold the future trunk. Leave a gap between masses for small connecting leaf puffs later. These spaces keep shapes readable and lively looking.
Tuck Lower Puffs
Under the main left mass, tuck a few small rounded puffs to suggest leaves hanging low. Vary their height so the silhouette meanders. Add a tiny cluster by the right side, hinting at another layer. Keep interior overlaps simple, like small bites. Step back: your canopy should feel cloudlike, light, and balanced, not symmetrical. Adjust bumps until the outline flows nicely everywhere.
Close the Canopy Shape
Now close the canopy’s outer edge. Add a leftmost bulge to balance the right side and connect the top arcs smoothly. Aim for a broad, lopsided oval overall. Avoid sharp points; keep rounds soft. Check negative spaces around the shape. If one area feels crowded, erase and open a breathing gap between clusters. This keeps the canopy lively and shapes readable throughout.
Draw Trunk and Branch
From the canopy, drop two gently tapering lines to form the trunk, slightly wider at the base. Add a fork near the middle that flows into the right cluster. Sketch a lower side branch supporting a tiny bushy tuft. Ground the tree with a simple root flare. Erase overlaps that shouldn’t show, then ink confidently. Keep edges smooth and inside details minimal.
Color Leaves and Trunk
Color the canopy with two or three greens so sections read as separate clumps. Add a warm yellow area for variety, or treat it as autumn leaves. Leave small white specks to mimic light. Fill the trunk and branch with brown, slightly darker near overlaps. If using markers, outline last to keep edges crisp. Pencils work too; blend gently for softness everywhere.
Conclusion
Trees are forgiving subjects because they’re built from relaxed, rounded shapes. Keep your silhouette interesting, then suggest depth with a few overlaps and color shifts. Don’t chase perfect symmetry; nature rarely does. Try seasonal palettes, tiny birds, or a swing to personalize it. The same method scales nicely for forests, backgrounds, and sketchbook warm-ups. Share progress, experiment, and enjoy drawing.
A Bonus Tip
Group leaf clumps into three to five big shapes before adding smaller bumps; this hierarchy keeps the canopy clear and lively.
FAQs
Q: How long will this take?
A: Most beginners finish in 25–45 minutes, depending on coloring time.
Q: What paper size works best?
A: A4 (8.3×11.7 in) is perfect; thicker 160–200 gsm paper prevents marker bleed.
Q: My canopy looks too stiff. What should I do?
A: Mix large and small bumps, and erase repeated rhythms. Add a few notches to break symmetry.
Q: Should I shade before or after inking?
A: Ink after you like the pencil, then color or shade on top so edges stay clean.
Q: Markers or colored pencils?
A: Either works. Markers give flat, bold color; pencils blend softly and are easier to control.
Q: How do I fix wonky proportions?
A: Lightly block three to five big clumps first, check balance, then refine the bumps and trunk.
