How to Draw a Simple Tree

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 6, 2021

Here are steps on how to draw a simple tree, a subject popular with artists as they depict the beauty of nature. Once you get the basics down, you can expand and create different designs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Basic Tree

1
Draw a basic tree base. straight lines with a wider point at the top and bottom.
2
Draw the branches at the top, connected to the wider points at the top of the tree.
3
Now get your green pen out and start coloring the branches!!
4
Add swirls to make the tree look wooden and made out of natural bark.
5
Color the base in brown.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Cartoon Tree

1
Draw two vertical lines parallel to one another, and curved at the base. This will be the trunk of the tree.
2
Draw figures that resembles branches growing from the sides of the trunk. The branches need to be thinner than the trunk.
3
Draw the leaves collectively which grow from the branches. Add details like the cuts and curves of the leaves.
4
Draw rings and curves to the trunk to resemble woody texture to the trunk.
5
Trace with a pen and erase unnecessary sketches.
6
Color to your liking!

Community Q&A

Question

How do I draw a fall tree?

Community Answer

First, follow one of the ways above up to the coloring stage. Then, draw uneven circles in the leaves to symbolize the missing ones. Color the rest of the leaves red, orange, and yellow.
Question

How do I draw a cherry blossom?

Community Answer

Add small pink flowers to your tree, and instead of drawing clusters of leaves, draw a few leaves separately.
Question

How do I draw a tree in the moonlight?

Community Answer

You can use the light of the sun to put shadows on an already dark tree, then color the background a dark blue or gray.
Question

How do I draw a coconut tree?

Community Answer

First, draw the trunk going up and getting thinner at the top. Add the leaves to the top. The lines for your leaves should droop down.
Question

How do I draw a cartoon oak tree?

Community Answer

Start by drawing a trunk that is thinner at the top and then drawing a bunch of different circles for leaves.
Question

How do I draw a pine tree?

Community Answer

Draw a vertical trunk (as shown in this wikiHow). Then draw a line curving out and down on either side. Repeat this, sort of stacking them on top of each other about 4 times. Then on the last curves, make them connect in a point. Then add texture lines up the trunk and curving down and out however you like. If you don't like how it turns out the first time, practice a few more times.
Question

How do I draw a tree with people on the branches?

Community Answer

You can draw legs hanging down from the branches or people wrapping their arms around the trunk. You could also show people hanging from the branches of the tree with their hands. If you want to know how to draw that, I would recommend looking up images of people in trees and copying those.
Question

How do I draw a spring tree?

Community Answer

Follow the steps in this article but instead of making thick leaves, simply put buds and small leaves or flowers on the tree. You can also look up pictures of spring trees for reference.
Question

How do I draw a real looking tree?

Community Answer

Look for some tutorials and practice.
Question

How do I draw a tree in the winter?

Community Answer

Make the trunk thinner and draw branches with no leaves. Then you can draw snow at the edge of some branches.