Trees add majesty to any landscape sketches. In fact, it is a great subject for practicing perspective and creating depth in your drawings. When drawing trees from below, use the principles of perspective to create the illusion of looking up at a towering tree. The trunk should be straight and narrow at the bottom, and gradually widen as it goes up. The branches should also be drawn using perspective, with the ones closest to the viewer appearing larger and thicker than those farther away. As with all perspective drawings, the most distant objects should be drawn using lighter lines, and detail can be added to the objects in the foreground for emphasis.
To create the illusion of height, draw the tree trunk taller than it is wide. As it extends away from you, the lines of the trunk should converge at the top, creating a point of perspective. The base of the tree should be thicker than the top, and the branches should become thinner as they extend outward. Use curved lines to add interest to the trunk and branches, but avoid making them too wiggly. Draw the leaves in clusters, and vary the size and shape of the leaves to create a more natural look. Use a dark green pencil for the leaves closest to the viewer, and a lighter green pencil for the leaves farther away. Use hatching or cross-hatching to add texture and depth to the leaves.
Consider the overall composition of your drawing. Where do you want the tree to be placed on the page? Do you want it to be centered, or off to one side? Once you have decided on the composition, lightly sketch in the basic shapes of the tree. Don’t worry about making it perfect at this stage. Use a ruler to draw straight lines for the trunk and branches, and use curved lines for the leaves. Once you have the basic shapes sketched in, you can start to add detail. Start with the trunk, and draw in the bark texture. Then, add the branches, and draw in the leaves. Finally, add any other details you want, such as birds or squirrels in the tree. Use a variety of pencil strokes to create different textures and effects. For example, use short, choppy strokes for the bark, and long, flowing strokes for the leaves.
Establishing the Vanishing Point
When drawing a tree from a perspective below, the first and most critical step is to determine the vanishing point, which will serve as the focal point for all your future lines. The vanishing point is the point on the horizon where parallel lines appear to converge as they recede into the distance.
To establish the vanishing point, choose a point on the horizon where the tree’s trunk or branches appear to vanish. This point will typically be located directly below the tree’s apex or canopy. Mark this point with a small dot or cross, which will become your vanishing point.
The vanishing point is not only crucial for drawing the tree itself but also for determining the perspective of the surrounding elements, such as the ground, leaves, and any other objects in the scene. By establishing the vanishing point first, you create a framework that ensures the accuracy and consistency of your drawing throughout the process.
Determining the Vanishing Point from a Reference Photo
If you’re working from a reference photo, determining the vanishing point can be easier than with a live subject. Simply follow these steps:
- Import the photo into an image editing software or print it out.
- Draw a horizontal line representing the horizon.
- Identify the point on the horizon where parallel lines in the photo, such as tree trunks or branches, appear to converge.
- Mark this point as your vanishing point.
By following these steps, you can establish the vanishing point and lay the foundation for a successful perspective drawing of a tree from below.
Sketching the Foliage Base
The foliage base is essentially the blueprint for the tree’s crown. It outlines the overall shape and distribution of the leaves, and acts as a framework for all subsequent drawing steps.
To sketch the foliage base, start by observing the tree from your desired perspective. Note the direction of growth, the location of major branches and the density of the leaves.
Using a light hand, draw a rough sketch of the foliage base. This can be as simple as an oval, circle or an irregular shape. Remember to keep it loose and fluid at this stage.
Once you have the basic shape, refine it by adding more detail. Indicate the major branches by drawing a series of lines extending from the base. These lines should flow naturally with the shape of the tree, and should vary in thickness and length to create a sense of depth.
Finally, consider the density of the leaves. In areas where the leaves are dense, draw a series of short, squiggly lines or dots to create the illusion of fullness. In areas with fewer leaves, use fewer lines or dots.
Tips
| Tips |
|---|
| Use a soft pencil (such as 2B or 3B) for sketching the foliage base. |
| Hold the pencil lightly and draw with a loose, fluid motion. |
| Don’t worry about getting every detail perfect at this stage. |
| Step back from your drawing frequently to check your progress and make adjustments. |
Shaping the Canopy
6. **Creating Depth and Dimension:**
To add realism and depth to the canopy, consider the following techniques:
• **Varying Branch Thickness:** As branches extend outward, they typically become thinner. Create a sense of distance by gradually reducing the thickness of branches as they reach the top of the tree.
• **Overlapping Branches:** In nature, branches often overlap and intertwine. Allow some branches to partially obscure others to create a sense of depth and complexity within the canopy.
• **Using Aerial Perspective:** The further an object is from the viewer, the lighter and cooler it appears. Apply this principle to the canopy by gradually lightening and desaturating the colors as you move towards the top of the tree.
• **Adding Texture and Detail:** Don’t forget to add texture and detail to the canopy. Use a variety of brush strokes, including short, choppy strokes for leaves and longer, flowing strokes for branches. Experiment with different colors and hues to create a realistic and vibrant effect.
| Technique | Effect |
|---|---|
| Varying Branch Thickness | Creates a sense of distance and depth |
| Overlapping Branches | Adds complexity and realism to the canopy |
| Using Aerial Perspective | Implies depth and distance by adjusting color and value |
| Adding Texture and Detail | Enriches the visual appeal and realism of the canopy |
Adding Details to the Foliage
Once you have the basic shape of the tree sketched out, you can start adding details to the foliage. There are several ways to do this, depending on the type of tree you’re drawing and the desired effect. Here are a few tips:
- Use short, light strokes to create the texture of the leaves. Draw in the direction of the leaf veins. If the tree is backlit, the leaves may have a translucent quality, so you can use lighter strokes and leave some white space in between them.
- Use a darker color to define the shadows in the foliage. This will help to create depth and dimension. Be careful not to overdo it, as you don’t want the tree to look too dark or muddy.
- Add highlights to the top of the leaves. This will help to create a sense of sunlight hitting the tree. You can use a white or light gray color for the highlights.
- Use a variety of brush sizes and shapes to create different textures in the foliage. A large, soft brush can be used to create a soft, fluffy effect. A smaller, stiffer brush can be used to create more detailed, spiky leaves.
- Experiment with different drawing techniques to create different effects. You can try stippling, cross-hatching, or using a wet-on-wet technique to achieve different textures and tones in the foliage.
- Remember to pay attention to the overall shape of the tree as you’re adding details to the foliage.
- Use the following table as a guide to help you choose the right brush size and shape for different types of trees:
Tree Type Brush Size Brush Shape Soft, fluffy trees (e.g., willow, oak) Large, soft Round or oval Stiff, spiky trees (e.g., pine, fir) Small, stiff Pointed or flat Trees with a mix of textures (e.g., maple, birch) Combination of large and small, soft and stiff Combination of round, oval, pointed, and flat Establishing the Perspective Lines
Creating a sense of perspective is crucial for drawing trees from below. The first step involves establishing the vanishing point, which is the point where all perspective lines converge on the horizon. To achieve this, follow the steps below:
- Determine the Center of the Page: Find the exact center of your drawing surface.
- Extend a Vertical Line: Draw a vertical line from the center to the bottom of the page.
- Mark the Horizon: Draw a horizontal line near the top of the page, representing the horizon level.
- Connect to the Vanishing Point: Join the vertical line to the horizon line at the center. This point is the vanishing point.
Once the vanishing point is established, you can use it to draw perspective lines that guide the placement of the tree’s branches and leaves. These lines radiate outward from the vanishing point, creating a sense of depth and dimension as they recede into the background.
Perspective Line Description Trunk Lines Extend from the vanishing point to the base of the tree, defining the trunk’s perspective. Branch Lines Radiate from the vanishing point to indicate the direction and length of branches. Leaf Lines Short lines extending from branches to suggest the location and shape of leaves. By carefully establishing the perspective lines, you can create a realistic illusion of a tree towering above you.
Enhancing the Realism with Textures
Bringing depth to your tree drawings involves capturing the intricate textures of their bark and foliage. Here are some detailed tips to enhance the realism of your tree perspectives:
1. Observe the Bark’s Variations
Examine the tree’s bark up close to identify patterns, fissures, and knots. Use these observations to create a contrasting effect in your drawing.
2. Render the Bark Textures
Use a variety of strokes and shading techniques to convey the bark’s texture. For rough bark, use crosshatching or short, textured strokes. Smooth bark can be rendered with soft, flowing lines.
3. Consider the Bark’s Coloration
The bark’s color varies depending on its age and species. Study your reference photos and use colored pencils or markers to capture the subtle hues and highlights.
4. Use Line Weight to Define Bark Features
Vary the thickness of your lines to emphasize bark’s contours. Create thicker lines for deep fissures and thinner lines for smoother surfaces.
5. Experiment with Leaf Textures
Leaves exhibit a range of textures from smooth and glossy to rough and textured. Use soft pencils for smooth leaves and grainy pencils for textured leaves.
6. Create Depth with Shading
Use shading to add a three-dimensional effect to the leaves. Observe the direction of light and shadow to create realistic highlights and shadows.
7. Consider the Season and Environment
The texture of tree bark and leaves changes with the season and the environment. Consider the effects of moisture, wind, and sunlight on the tree’s appearance.
8. Pay Attention to Details
Small details such as branches, twigs, and moss can enhance the realism of your drawing. Draw these elements with precision to create a cohesive and believable tree.
9. Practice and Experiment
Improving your ability to draw tree textures requires practice. Experiment with different techniques and study various tree species to develop your skills.
10. Reference Photos and Real-Life Observations
Don’t rely solely on your imagination when drawing tree textures. Refer to photographs and make real-life observations to capture the nuances and complexities of their appearance.
How to Draw Trees From the Perspective of Looking Up
It might seem challenging to capture the grandeur of trees, especially when drawing them from a low angle. However, with a few simple steps, it can be an achievable task.
- Establish the horizon line: The first step is to determine where the horizon line meets the tree. This line typically sits at the lower section of the paper.
- Outline the trunk: Draw a straight vertical line to represent the tree’s trunk. The base should slightly expand to indicate the roots, while the top should taper.
- Add branches: Starting from the bottom, sketch out the main branches extending from the trunk. Draw them at slight angles to create a sense of depth.
- Draw smaller branches: Break down the main branches into smaller twigs and branches. These should follow the same general direction as the larger branches.
- Add foliage: Depict the leaves using small clusters or ovals along the branches. Vary the size and shape of the leaves to create a more natural look.
People Also Ask
Can I use this technique to draw any type of tree?
Yes, this method can be used for various types of trees. However, different tree species have unique branching patterns and foliage shapes, so some adjustments may be necessary to capture their distinct characteristics.
How do I create a sense of height and perspective?
Emphasize the convergence of branches towards the top of the tree to convey height. Additionally, reduce the size and detail of the leaves and branches as they go higher up the tree.
Are there any tips for drawing trees in detail?
Study real trees to observe their structures and textures. Pay attention to the arrangement of leaves, the way branches split, and the overall shape of the tree. Practice sketching different types of trees to develop your drawing skills.
- Use the following table as a guide to help you choose the right brush size and shape for different types of trees:
