Easy Tree Drawing: Simple Step-by-Step for Beginners
This is the simplest way to draw a tree — built from a flared trunk with a cloud-shaped canopy, with every step small enough for total beginners and kids. No shading skills, no special supplies: a pencil, an eraser and five spare minutes get you a finished, recognizable tree drawing.
- Difficulty Easy
- Time ~7 min
- Tools Pencil, eraser, paper
- Starts with a flared trunk with a cloud-shaped canopy
How to Draw an Easy Tree, Step by Step
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Draw the trunk
Two vertical lines that flare apart at the bottom like a bell — trees grip the ground, they don't poke into it like a pole. Keep the lines loose — wobbles are fine at this stage.
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Split into main branches
Let the trunk fork into two or three thick branches, each fork splitting into thinner branches, like a river flowing in reverse. Simpler is better here: one confident line beats three careful ones.
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Add the canopy
Draw a big bumpy cloud shape around the upper branches. If it looks off, adjust the big shape rather than adding detail.
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Break the canopy into clumps
Add two or three smaller cloud shapes inside the big one. A rough version of this step is good enough — keep moving.
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Texture the bark and leaves
Draw short vertical strokes on the trunk and small scribbled arcs along the bottom edges of each leaf clump — shadows live underneath. Draw this bigger than feels natural; big shapes are easier to control.
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Ground it
Add a ground line, a soft shadow pooling on the trunk's shaded side, and a few tufts of grass at the base. Done is better than perfect — finish the step and move on.
Want the full detailed version?
The complete Tree drawing tutorial covers proportions, texture and shading in depth.
Full Tree Drawing Tutorial →Easy Tree Drawing Ideas
Tree in a simple vase
Add a basic vessel and you've turned a flower doodle into a still life.
A tree growth cycle strip
Bud, half-open, full bloom in three panels — repetition with a story built in.
A single tree study
One bloom, centered, drawn slowly from life or photo — the classic botanical exercise that always ends frameable.
A tree border or corner piece
Grow the tree along a page edge or corner — perfect for journals, cards, and letters.
Line-art tree tattoo design
Single-weight clean outline, no shading — minimalist flash style.
A tree wreath
Repeat small versions in a circle guideline — the highest-value use of one flower you've learned.
Easy Drawing Tips
- Use a light pencil for the shape stage and press harder only on the final outline — being able to erase guide lines is what makes the simple method forgiving.
- Draw big. Beginners instinctively draw tiny, and tiny drawings are actually harder — small curves demand more finger control than big arm strokes. Fill at least half the page.
- Finish it even if it looks wrong at step 3. Every finished easy drawing teaches the whole sequence; abandoned perfect starts teach nothing.
FAQ
What is the easiest way to draw a tree?
Start with a flared trunk with a cloud-shaped canopy and keep every line light until the shape looks right — that's the entire method above. Most beginners get a recognizable tree drawing on the first try because each step is one simple move.
Can kids follow this tree drawing tutorial?
Yes — this version was written for young artists: big forgiving shapes, no shading, no fine details. Ages 5-6 and up can usually follow along with a little help reading the steps.
How long does the easy version take?
About five minutes for the basic drawing — roughly half the time of the full tutorial. Adding color takes another few minutes.
