Tree Sketches

Tree sketches make eye-catching artwork. Not only are they enjoyable to create but nature drawings of all descriptions are very forgiving for beginner artists.

Start by sketching trees - it is a brilliant way to help you get something on paper without worrying about having your lines exactly right.

We tend to fool ourselves into thinking a tree would be a difficult subject but I want you to experiment so you can see how easy it really is.

When you sketch, remind yourself that you want to portray a perception of your subject.

Just roughly get the shape of the tree by focusing on the main branches that hold your attention and disregard the rest.

Leaves are portrayed as scribbles in the general shape of the leaf.

This first sketch is one of a maple tree that is on the footpath across the road from my place.

I drew the tree in August which is the middle of Winter here in Australia. As you can see, it is a deciduous tree and it has very little foliage.

I noted some details before I started the sketch...

•   The day was overcast and quite dull so there is not much shadow.
•   It was cold so my view point was from inside the house looking out a front window.
•   There are still some dead leaves clinging to the bottom branches.
•   The top of the tree is bare of leaves and you can see wispy branches and twigs.

I finished the sketch where my view was obstructed by the top of my window. The drawing would be incorrect if I changed my viewing perspective midway. Actually, the window served as a type of frame and I think it was very helpful.

I tried to give the trunk a bit of character judging by the light and dark that I could see from across the road.

I swapped between a 2B pencil and a 6B pencil for my tree sketches and I used photocopy paper which is always handy.

Sketching Guides

I noticed that I was very impatient to finish my tree sketches and that's obviously something I need to work on. I can't wait to see the finished work because it still excites me that I can draw!

There are so many art books around and I'm always happy if I can learn something from each book.

My Mum gave me an art book called "Giovanni Civardi's Complete Guide To Drawing".

I drew my maple tree (at top of page) after practicing a method used by Giovanni.

I could have picked up any art book that I have and copied a method from it. It's a matter of what you feel like doing at the time.

It's also amazing what you learn by using a magnifying glass. Ok, admittedly my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be.

However, I see lots more when I use my magnifying glass while perusing art books. I can clearly see the wonders that cross-hatching can achieve, where to blend and what difference textured paper can make.



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Sketch Anything And Everything

In this sketch, the trees are silhouetted against a sunset.

This isn't one of my best but I liked it all the same.

I have to keep reminding myself that I'm sketching and it doesn't have to be perfect. Sketches are meant to be done rapidly.

Doing tree sketches was fun and interesting. It looks like I might have inherited my Mum's love for landscapes.

I copied this tree trunk from page 35 in the e-book that I bought online, Learn Art The Easy Way.

It's an old book that has been brought back to life. I picked up a lot of hints from this book and I don't regret buying it.

Anywhere you find uncomplicated line drawings just like this one, pick up your pencil and try to copy it.

You will be proud of yourself when you see your drawing is very similar to the original.

The last sketch is a Joshua tree. These trees grow in deserts. I admire spindly plants and trees, they have so much character to offer.

I copied this sketch from a book that I keep for reference material.

When you try some tree sketches, you'll notice how each tree is individual and it offers its own characteristics.

You only need to portray the basic shape of the tree and its foliage.

If you want to do sketches of trees outside, take note of your surroundings.

•   From which view point do you prefer to sketch?
•   Is it sunny or dull?
•   Can you see any lights and darks?
•   Is it windy or calm?

All of these things play a part in your drawing.

They are also things that you should note on your sketchpad, so you can remember the facts if you want to finish the sketch at a later date.

You only need to lightly sketch the overall shape of your plant and notice how the branches grow out from the trunk.

I never tire of looking at black and white tree sketches - for some reason, I am inexplicably drawn to them. If you also find trees visually appealing, you might enjoy seeing some of my thumbnail drawings.

I wish you many happy drawing hours!