Q&A for How to Draw a Detailed Tree

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Question

How do I make a tree look realistic?

Kelly Medford
Professional Artist
Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.

Kelly Medford

Professional Artist

Expert Answer

Observe a real tree and base your drawing on it. Pay attention to where the light and shadows are so you can accurately recreate them.

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Question

How do I draw a tree with leaves?

Kelly Medford
Professional Artist
Kelly Medford is an American painter based in Rome, Italy. She studied classical painting, drawing and printmaking both in the U.S. and in Italy. She works primarily en plein air on the streets of Rome, and also travels for private international collectors on commission. She founded Sketching Rome Tours in 2012 where she teaches sketchbook journaling to visitors of Rome. Kelly is a graduate of the Florence Academy of Art.

Kelly Medford

Professional Artist

Expert Answer

Avoid drawing all of the individual leaves. Instead, draw the foliage in large masses and only add smaller leaf details around the outer edge.

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Question

How do I shade a drawing of a tree?

Community Answer

Use a coloured pencil to lightly shade the area of shade. The shade will usually appear where the sun/light can not reach.

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Question

How do I make the leaves look more natural?

Community Answer

Have some of them be different shades of the green or brown or whatever color you've chosen, and make them not all the same shape. You could also add some falling leaves, if the season is right.

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Question

How big should the branches be compared to the tree?

Community Answer

They should be shorter than the tree. It depends on the size of the tree for the specific size.

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Question

Which color do I use to draw a detailed tree?

Community Answer

Well, that depends on the look you prefer the tree to have. If you want the tree to look young, try to give the trunk a light brown; for an older tree, color it deep brown. For the leaves, if it is in spring, a light green; in summer, dark green, in autumn, give it a golden yellow or light orange. Also take note of the shade.

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Question

What about the roots of the tree?

Community Answer

If you want roots on the tree draw them in the same kind of style the rest of the tree is. Make them curved if you want. There is something about drawing roots on this website.

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Question

What can I do if I cannot draw the branches of a tree?

Community Answer

You may print out a picture from the Internet and try to trace the branches.

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Question

How do I make a drawing of a tree stand out?

Community Answer

Use brighter colours. Also make the background blur and create a 3D sensation.

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Question

How do I draw leaves falling?

Community Answer

Drop leaves and take a photo of them falling. Then print it and copy it in your drawing. Use natural colors and shapes.

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Question

Is there a slower, more detailed method?

Community Answer

Check YouTube for tutorials. It's a lot easier to draw something like this when you can watch someone doing it and you can pause the video whenever needed. If you're not very skilled at drawing, look for some more basic videos first so you can get the technique down.

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Question

Do I need to sign my art work?

Community Answer

If it's just a doodle, you don't really need to sign it. If it's a finished piece (especially one you want to post online), signing it is recommended to help identify your work and to prevent art theft.

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Question

What happens when it doesn't look like the one that was drawn here?

Community Answer

Drawing well takes practice and keen observational skills. Don't get discouraged, just keep working on it.

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Question

How big should the flowers be?

Community Answer

It depends on the size of the tree. Use the scale 1:4.

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Question

Do I have to get the trunk the perfect size, or can I leave it straight?

Community Answer

You should add some details and characteristics to it since tree trunks aren't completely straight, but it doesn't have to be perfect!

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Question

Would it be better to use colored pencils or acrylic paint to add color to the tree?

Community Answer

Whichever you prefer! If you'd like your tree to look shaded in certain spots, I would use colored pencils.

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Question

Is it okay for the branches to be long but stubby when drawing a detailed tree?

Community Answer

Sure; it's your tree, so draw it however you'd like it to be. The instructions here are merely a guideline.

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Question

How do I draw it accurately?

Community Answer

You have to have a steady hand and patience. The more you practice, the easier and more detailed your drawings will become.

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Question

How do I draw the leaves for a tree?

Community Answer

Consult Draw Leaves .

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Question

How can I colour it nicely?

Idabelle

Community Answer

Shade it in darker where the sunlight is direct. Use multiple shades of green to add texture and detail. When coloring in the trunk, use many shades of brown for the bark.

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