Drawing with Trees

In this post, I will discuss different ways of doing pen and ink drawing with trees as the main element. As with Trunk compositions, the main point of consideration when drawing with trees is the amount of distance covered and the density of trees. By changing these, landscapes with different feel can be drawn. Different techniques for drawing tree foliage is covered in depth in the ‘drawing tree’ tutorial.

Keep in mind that following are just some of the ways of drawing landscapes with trees. After you understand the core concepts, use them to create your own themes.

Theme 1: Landscape goes out into the distance with few scattered trees

Theme 2: Group of Receding Trees go out into the distance

Theme 3: Wooded Area with group of trees

Theme 4: Close view of a tree or 2 with other elements close by

Composition 1: Long Distance with Few Scattered Trees

In this composition, distant horizon line is put first and few scattered trees recede to it. A distant tree line or similar element is used to rest the eyes at distant horizon.

Video Demonstration: Scribble’ stroke for drawing Tree Foliage

As discussed in tree tutorial, many different techniques can be used for drawing tree foliage which gives different feel to the drawing. In the following demonstration, use of ‘Parallel Lines’ to create tree foliage is demonstrated. This is a great simple technique to draw trees quickly and effectively and so spend some time studying it. Technique to draw more interesting receding plains is also covered in the demonstration.

Video Demonstration: Parallel Lines for Drawing Tree Foliage

Following is another demonstration on the same theme.

Composition 2: Group of Receding Trees go out into the distance

In this composition, group of trees recede into the distance. The main difference between this theme and theme above is that this composition gives more of a wooded feel as there are more trees.

Video Demonstration: Receding Trees

Following is another video demonstration on the same theme. This demonstration also shows how to draw an outcrop.

Video Demonstration: Receding trees with an outcrop

In the above demonstrations, the view of receding trees is from the ground. Another composition is to draw the view from the top in which case receding view of top of tree foliage is visible. This is demonstrated below.

Video Demonstration: Trees receding viewed from top

Composition 3: Distant Wooded Area with group of trees

This composition is similar to composition above expect that view of trees is from a distance. This gives a feel of wooded area at a distance.

Video Demonstration: Trees at a distance

Same approach can be used with Pine Trees with Needles as shown below.

Video Demonstration: Pine Trees

Here is another demonstration where scribble stroke is used to create tree foliage. This is a different technique where individual tree foliage is not created as in earlier demonstrations. Instead, foliage for all trees is laid down initially using scribble stroke and then tones adjusted to bring out feel for individual trees.

Video Demonstration: Scribble Stroke to create Wooded Feel

This is a very versatile theme and very quick, attractive drawings can be done using this approach.

Composition 4: A close view of tree or 2 with other elements close by

The focus of this composition is on one or 2 main trees that lies at the centre of composition. In composition 1 above, the focus in on bringing out the feel of distance covered and let viewer’s eyes travel the landscape. In this composition, the intent is for the viewer to focus on few main trees that usually don’t recede. Additional elements close to the trees provide additional focal points.

In the following demonstration, how to draw airy foliage with branches showing through is demonstrated.

Video Demonstration: Airy Foliage with ‘leaf’ Stroke