Learn How to Draw Draw Tree Trunks!

Would you like to know how to draw tree trunks and branches? From experience, drawing a tree trunk in various different ways can help with creating the dynamic nature of your composition!

As we are used to seeing trees in real life all the time, we don't always analyze it as much as we should. Most of us see trunks as just a thick, straight line running up towards the sky.

While this is true in some cases, it's not very interesting in the very least. There are plenty of other trees that have more interesting trunk shapes!

In this lesson, we are going to practice sketching some of these trunks.

1. The single trunk

First, we are going to draw tree trunks with what we are familiar with: the single trunk. Our task to to play around with the shape of these tree trunks!

For example, you can make it bend in awkward sections. Keep in mind the bends can be angular or round in nature. At the same time, try to keep the width of the trunk fairly consistent as it reaches the sky.

draw tree trunks

Also, make it taper upwards too! That is, you want the width of the higher end of the trunk to be smaller than the width of the trunk where it is closest to the roots.

Don't worry too much about details. This step is to get you familiar with how many ways you can manipulate a simple trunk. As well, think about how the tree will look like as it is planted into the ground.

2. The tree branches

Since not all trees have one trunk, your next step in drawing tree trunks is to start dividing that singular trunk into two separate branches. With each division, think about the composition.

Since tree trunks are not always perfect, you must draw tree trunks so it is not symmetrical. Even in the example of the straight trunk, asymmetry is possible, because no matter where you begin the division, changing the branch width can alter its symmetry!

draw tree trunks

As you move onto more dynamic trunks, it is easier to create branches of asymmetry.

See how different the trunks are in comparison with one another? Obviously, the trunk on the right feels more dynamic than the straight trunk on the left. Use this knowledge to create simple, yet dynamic trunks.

3. Multiple branches

Now is your chance to get really creative with learning how to draw tree trunks and branches! Often, with the rough sketch, some trunks start to appear on broken sketch lines. Use these to expand on existing branches.

At this step, start to think about which part of the branches are in front of the main trunk and which branches are behind the main trunk. If necessary, redraw the branches to get the perceptions of depth you desire.

draw tree trunks

You can start adding elements of tree textures should you chose to do so in order to help you give that illusion of depth. Personally, I focus on making sure that the branches are as naturally as it can get in the sketch. This will help you out for when you need to starting painting your trees!

Please keep in mind that the tree still has roots. You can use this opportunity to experiment on how you will show your tree grow. Perhaps there's a root that is uplifted somewhere due to natural weathering.

4. Refining textures

Learning to draw tree trunks and branches with the proper lighting, shadows, and textures can help a lot in creating a realistic feel!

Some stuff to think about are the bark textures. How rough or smooth does it have to be? What about other branches? Do I want my tree to look more lively with more branches or withering away with fewer branches? What about opposing shadows created from the additional branches?

These are just some of the questions and challenges you have to think about.

draw tree trunks

In order to get the correct textures, block in sections of textures with the chalk brush. Other than that, use a smaller brush and manually paint in where the light will hit!

With a lot of practice, questions like this become second nature. As well, you technical skills will also become second nature as you deal with how to handle them. It is always a struggle at first!

However, with the proper artistic foundations, you can pick up these concepts faster. I hope you enjoyed this lesson on how to draw tree trunks and branches. Remember to have fun with your learning!