Drawing Trees? Here are some tips
by Anne Kupillas.
These 10 tips will help you begin to sketch trees or improve your approach.
Tip #1 - Sketching Begins with Observation
Follow these three simple steps:
•Observe
•Sketch
•Refine
Tip #2 - Pay Attention to these Elements (Common to Almost Every Tree)
•Form
•Trunks
•Branches
•Leaves
•Fruit, Nuts, Cones, etc
Tip #3 - Think in 3D
•Learn to See Shape, especially in the crown/canopy, in three dimensions. Forget the “lollipop” shape that we learned in grade school! Every crown has its own distinct shape.
Tip #4 - Use Shapes to create compositions in your thumbnails
Connect shapes that have the same value
Tip #6 - Think of Trunks & Branches as Cylinders/Tubes
•Build the trunk then build branches coming off at natural angles
Tip #7 - You Don’t Have to Draw Every Leaf!
Think in “clumps” — Sketch the clump
Observe the shape and direction of one leaf
Refine the clump by adding some individual leaves with more detail, but only in the parts of the tree that are closest to the viewer. All-over detail isn’t necessary.
Tip #8 - But do pay attention to & describe the details.
Observe and articulate bark, leaves, roots, fruit, flowers, nuts and cones - especially when the tree is your main subject.
Tip #9 - Shadows will help you create form
Establish the light source (hint: it’s usually overhead with trees!)
Use shading to describe form, along with texture and shape
Don’t forget cast shadows
Tip #10 - Practice!
Draw from photos
Draw from nature
Quick sketches are just as valuable as longer ones, ie don’t let time limit your practice
Want to learn more? Watch the recording of our last live Zoom Workshop and draw along with leader Anne Kupillas, here.
Thinking of booking an art break?
Our Catalina Island Spring Retreat is open for registration now!
Eat Paint Live
If you’re interested in drawing and sketching on location with a group of great artists, then I hope you’ll check out the art retreats I’ve planned at www.eatpaintlive.com I host same-day workshops and art retreats with small groups
(no more than 9) in stunning locations.