Drawing Trees & Flowers

Drawing and shading trees and flowers requires close observation of shapes, textures, and light. Begin by sketching the basic outlines, focusing on the overall form and proportions of the trunk, branches, stems, and petals. Use light, loose lines to capture the natural curves and irregularities found in leaves and flower petals. When shading, identify the light source and build value gradually, adding highlights, midtones, and shadows to create depth and dimension. Layering pencil strokes—such as hatching, cross-hatching, or blending—helps suggest the rough texture of bark or the soft, delicate surfaces of petals. Paying attention to overlapping elements and varying line weight enhances realism, while subtle details like veins in leaves or the direction of growth give the drawing a lively, organic quality.