How to Draw a Simple Christmas Tree: Easy Steps for…

Feeling the holiday spirit but your artistic skills feel a little… bare?

You’ve seen those perfectly drawn, festive Christmas trees on cards and in craft projects, and you’ve wondered, “Can I really do that?” The good news is, absolutely! Drawing a simple Christmas tree is surprisingly straightforward, and we’re here to guide you through it, step by step.

Forget complicated shading or advanced techniques. This guide is designed for absolute beginners, making it fun and accessible for everyone, from kids to adults who haven’t picked up a pencil for drawing in years. Get ready to bring some holiday cheer to your paper!

Mastering the Art: How to Draw a Simple Christmas Tree

The holiday season is a magical time, and what better way to capture that magic than by drawing your own festive Christmas tree? Whether you’re creating holiday cards, decorating your home, or just looking for a relaxing way to get into the Christmas spirit, knowing how to draw a simple Christmas tree is a fantastic skill to have. We’ll break down this seemingly daunting task into incredibly easy steps. Let’s grab our pencils and get started!

Step 1: The Foundation – the Tree Trunk

Every great tree needs a sturdy base. For our simple Christmas tree, this starts with the trunk. It’s the grounding element that supports the entire festive structure.

Drawing the Trunk

1. Start by drawing two short, vertical lines parallel to each other. These lines should be relatively close together.
2. Connect the tops of these two vertical lines with a short, horizontal line.
3. Do the same at the bottom, connecting the two vertical lines with another short horizontal line.

Think of this as drawing a very narrow rectangle or a slightly squashed square. This will be the humble beginning of your majestic Christmas tree. Don’t worry about perfection; a slightly wobbly trunk adds character!

Tips for a Better Trunk:

• Vary the width: You can make the trunk a little wider or narrower depending on the overall size you envision for your tree.
• Add texture: For a touch of realism, you can add a few very light, short horizontal lines within the trunk to suggest wood grain. This is optional for a simple drawing, but it’s a nice detail if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 2: Building the Branches – the Triangular Layers

This is where the iconic Christmas tree shape really begins to take form. We’ll build the tree by layering simple triangular shapes. This method is incredibly forgiving and ensures your tree will look balanced and full.

Creating the First Layer

1. Position your pencil above the trunk you just drew.
2. Draw a wide, inverted triangle. The base of this triangle should be significantly wider than the trunk, and its two sides should slant downwards, almost touching the top corners of your trunk.
3. Make sure the point of this triangle is centered above the trunk.

This first triangle represents the broadest, lowest layer of branches. It’s the anchor for the rest of your tree.

Adding Subsequent Layers

4. Now, draw another, slightly smaller inverted triangle directly above and slightly overlapping the first one. Its base should rest on the upper part of the previous triangle, and its point should extend upwards.
5. Repeat this process, drawing progressively smaller inverted triangles, each stacked on top of the previous one.
6. Continue this until you have three to four layers of triangles, with the smallest triangle forming the very top of your tree.

The key here is to ensure each new triangle overlaps the one below it slightly. This overlap creates a sense of depth and makes the branches look more connected and full. Don’t aim for perfectly straight lines; slightly curved or uneven sides will make your tree look more natural and hand-drawn.

Variations for Branch Layers:

• Wavy Edges: Instead of straight lines for the triangle sides, try drawing slightly wavy lines. This can give your tree a softer, more organic look, as if the branches are naturally drooping or swaying.
• Jagged Edges: For a more stylized or cartoonish look, you can draw the sides of your triangles with a series of jagged, short lines, mimicking the look of pine needles.
• Spacing: Experiment with the spacing between your triangular layers. Closer spacing will give a denser tree, while wider spacing will create a more sparse, airy feel.

Step 3: Refining the Shape – Connecting and Smoothing

Once you have the basic triangular structure, it’s time to refine it. This step involves softening the sharp angles of the triangles and creating a more unified, flowing outline for your tree.

Smoothing the Edges

1. Look at the sharp points where the triangles meet at the sides. Gently round these points, connecting the lines of the adjacent triangles.
2. Think about smoothing out the overall silhouette of the tree. You want to create a continuous outline rather than distinct, separate triangles.
3. You can also add a slight curve to the bottom edge of the widest triangle to make it look like the branches naturally spread out.

The goal is to make the tree look less like a stack of triangles and more like a single, cohesive entity. This is where your tree starts to look less like a geometric shape and more like a real, albeit simple, Christmas tree. (See Also: how to remove tree sap from car)

Adding Depth (optional but Recommended)

For a little extra visual interest, you can add a few subtle lines within the tree shape. These lines can suggest layers of branches or the gaps between them.

4. Draw a few short, curved lines that follow the general shape of the triangles, but don’t go all the way across.
5. These lines should be light and subtle, just enough to hint at the complexity of branches without overcomplicating the drawing.

Step 4: The Decorations – Bringing the Sparkle!

No Christmas tree is complete without its festive adornments! This is where you can let your creativity shine and add all the magical touches that make a Christmas tree truly special.

Adding Ornaments

1. Circles for Ornaments: The simplest way to draw ornaments is to draw small circles of varying sizes scattered across the branches. Don’t place them in perfect rows; a random scattering looks more natural.
2. Star or Angel Topper: At the very top of your tree, draw a simple star or a small angel. A five-pointed star is easy to draw: draw a star symbol! For an angel, a simple halo and wings will do.
3. Garland: You can add a garland by drawing a wavy line that loops around the tree, or a series of small dots or dashes following a similar path.
4. Lights: For lights, you can draw tiny dots or short dashes along the branches, or small circles with a tiny line extending from them to suggest a bulb.

Tips for Decorating:

• Color Variation: If you plan to color your tree, think about using different colors for your ornaments. Red, gold, green, and blue are classic Christmas colors.
• Shine and Sparkle: For a touch of sparkle, you can add tiny dots or starbursts around some of your ornaments.
• Bow: A simple bow can be drawn at the top of the tree, or even hanging from a branch. Draw two loops and a knot in the middle.

Step 5: The Base – the Tree Skirt or Stand

To complete your drawing, you can add a base for your tree. This gives it a finished look and makes it feel grounded.

Drawing the Base

1. Tree Skirt: Draw a wide, semi-circular shape that extends outwards from the bottom of the trunk, covering the base of the lowest branches. You can make the edge of the skirt wavy or add a simple pattern.
2. Tree Stand: Alternatively, you can draw a simple tree stand. This could be two crisscrossed lines beneath the trunk, or a small box shape.

This final touch adds a sense of completeness to your drawing. It’s the final flourish that makes your simple Christmas tree ready for the holidays!

Putting It All Together: A Recap

Let’s quickly recap the process to solidify what we’ve learned. This structured approach makes drawing a Christmas tree accessible to everyone.

The Essential Steps

1. Trunk: Two parallel vertical lines connected by short horizontal lines.
2. Branch Layers: Stacked, overlapping inverted triangles of decreasing size.
3. Refinement: Smooth the edges to create a cohesive outline.
4. Decorations: Add ornaments, a topper, garland, and lights.
5. Base: Finish with a tree skirt or stand.

Visualizing the Process

Imagine building with blocks. You start with a base (trunk), then add progressively smaller blocks on top (branch layers). Then, you smooth the edges to make it look like one solid structure. Finally, you decorate it to make it festive!

Common Questions About Drawing a Simple Christmas Tree

How Do I Make My Simple Christmas Tree Look Less Like Stacked Triangles?

The key is in Step 3: Refinement. Once you have the basic triangular structure, focus on smoothing the sharp angles where the triangles meet. Gently curve these edges to create a more organic, flowing outline. You can also add subtle internal lines to suggest the natural fall of branches, breaking up the rigid triangle shapes.

Can I Draw a Christmas Tree with Different Types of Branches?

Absolutely! While the triangular method is the simplest, you can adapt it. For a fuller, more rounded look, you can draw curved, overlapping shapes instead of strict triangles. For a more spiky, pine-needle effect, use jagged lines for the edges of your triangles. Experimentation is encouraged!

What Are the Easiest Decorations to Add to a Simple Christmas Tree Drawing?

Circles are your best friend for ornaments! Vary their sizes and place them randomly across the branches. A simple star or a small circle with a halo for the topper is also very easy. For lights, dots or short dashes work wonderfully. Don’t overthink it; the goal is festive, not photorealistic.

Materials You Might Need

While you can draw a Christmas tree with just a pencil and paper, having a few other tools can enhance the experience and the final result. (See Also: how to draw a tree easy)

Essential Tools

• Pencil: A standard HB pencil is perfect for sketching.
• Paper: Any drawing paper, printer paper, or even a sketchpad will work.
• Eraser: For correcting mistakes and refining lines.

Optional but Helpful

• Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Markers: To bring your tree to life with color.
• Fine-liner Pen: To go over your pencil lines for a cleaner, bolder outline.
• Ruler: If you prefer very straight lines for the trunk, though it’s not necessary for a simple drawing.

Don’t feel pressured to have all the ‘optional’ items. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the creative process!

Tips for a Festive and Fun Drawing Session

Drawing a Christmas tree should be a joyful activity. Here are some tips to make your drawing session even more enjoyable:

• Put on some Christmas music! Nothing sets the mood like carols playing in the background.
• Create a cozy atmosphere. Dim the lights, light a scented candle (safely, of course!), and make yourself comfortable.
• Don’t aim for perfection. Embrace the imperfections. Hand-drawn art has a unique charm.
• Draw multiple trees. Try drawing trees of different sizes, with different decorations, or in different styles.
• Involve others. Make it a family or friends activity. Everyone can draw their own tree and compare their unique creations.

Remember, the goal is to create something that brings you holiday cheer. Your drawing doesn’t need to win any art awards; it just needs to make you smile.

Beyond the Basic: Adding More Detail (for the Adventurous)

Once you’ve mastered the simple version, you might want to explore adding a bit more detail to your Christmas tree drawings. These are subtle additions that can elevate your artwork without making it overly complex.

Shading for Depth

Adding a touch of shading can give your tree a more three-dimensional look. You don’t need to be a shading expert to do this effectively.

1. Identify a light source: Imagine light is coming from one direction (e.g., from the top left).
2. Apply light shading: On the opposite side of your imagined light source (e.g., the bottom right of each branch layer), use your pencil to lightly shade.
3. Use hatching or cross-hatching: You can use parallel lines (hatching) or intersecting lines (cross-hatching) to build up the shade. Keep the pressure light for a softer effect.
4. Don’t forget the trunk: Add a little shade to one side of the trunk as well.

This technique adds volume and makes your tree pop off the page.

Adding Texture to Branches

Instead of smooth, uniform branches, you can suggest the texture of pine needles.

1. Use short, flicking strokes: When drawing the outline of your branches, use short, upward or downward flicking strokes of your pencil.
2. Vary the direction: Make these strokes go in slightly different directions to mimic the natural growth of needles.
3. Focus on the edges: Concentrate these textured strokes along the outer edges of your branch layers.

This creates a softer, more naturalistic look, especially if you’re coloring your tree green.

More Elaborate Decorations

If circles feel too simple, try drawing more detailed ornaments.

• Baubles: Draw slightly more complex shapes for baubles, perhaps with a small cap at the top where they hang.
• Ribbons and Bows: Add a few elegant ribbons or bows hanging from branches.
• Candy Canes: Draw the iconic red and white stripes of a candy cane.
• Gingerbread Men: Simple gingerbread figures can add a charming touch.

The key is to keep the scale appropriate for your tree. Even with more detail, the overall drawing should still feel simple and charming. (See Also: how many magic tree house books are there)

Drawing a Christmas Tree on Different Surfaces

The beauty of drawing a simple Christmas tree is its versatility. You can adapt this skill to various mediums and surfaces.

On Cardstock for Cards

When drawing for Christmas cards, consider using a slightly thicker paper like cardstock. This holds up better to coloring and embellishments. You can also use fine-liner pens to create clean, crisp outlines that stand out.

On Fabric for Decorations

With fabric markers or paints, you can transfer your simple Christmas tree design onto tote bags, stockings, or even plain fabric ornaments. Remember to sketch lightly with a pencil first, and then go over your lines with the fabric markers. Ensure your design is dry before washing.

Digital Drawing

If you prefer digital art, the same principles apply. Use your drawing tablet and software to create your tree. Layers are your best friend here, allowing you to easily separate the tree, ornaments, and background. You can experiment with different brushes to simulate textures and add glow effects for lights.

In a Sketchbook

A sketchbook is the perfect place to practice. Don’t be afraid to fill pages with different variations of your Christmas tree. Try different sizes, colors, and decoration combinations. This constant practice will help you refine your technique and develop your own unique style.

The Joy of Creating

Ultimately, drawing a simple Christmas tree is about more than just creating an image. It’s about engaging in a creative process that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. It’s a way to connect with the spirit of the holidays and to express yourself visually. Whether you’re drawing for yourself, for loved ones, or to add a personal touch to your holiday decorations, the act of creation is incredibly rewarding.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to draw a simple Christmas tree, from its basic trunk to its sparkling decorations. This easy-to-follow method ensures that anyone, regardless of artistic experience, can create a festive and charming tree. So, grab your pencils, embrace the holiday spirit, and start drawing!

Recommended Products

No products found.