Begin With Simple Shapes

As you draw trees either from this book or outdoors, first work out the basic shapes with simple line drawings. For example, this tree is loosely sketched with straight lines for the trunk and branches and with curved lines for large groups of leaves.

In step A, sketch the basic shapes using the tip of an HB pencil.

Image

Block in basic shapes.

In step B, begin to refine the shapes.

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Refine the shapes.

As shown in step C, use a 2B pencil to shade the dark areas behind the branches, creating depth.

Then in step D, continue adding ...

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