Materials
Drawing a cherry blossom tree requires a few materials. Before you start, you will need a few thin drawing pencils, some different tones of paper, sketch paper, a ruler and an eraser. Depending on the level of detail you are looking for, you can also use a drawing tablet or a graphics editor.
Structure
Cherry blossom trees have a very distinct silhouette and structure. To draw one accurately, you need to keep in mind its form. A cherry blossom tree has a trunk and multiple branches, often with a dome-like shape. The branches can spread out equally in all directions or in a more natural, layered structure.
Shading
Shading helps give the drawing depth and realism. Start with the base of the trunk and the main branches, lightly shading in all the areas in between. When shading the branches, give them a more natural, curved shape rather than a uniform, straight line. Once you have the basic structure of the tree, add shadows by entering darker tones along the edges of the branches or trunk and smoothing them out with an eraser.
Flowers
The final step is to add the cherry blossoms. To achieve the most realistic effect, draw petals with multiple dabs. Draw the petals around a small circle, making sure they are spaced evenly. For the inner part of the flower, add a few short, curved lines radiating from the centre and shading the petals in with a light touch.
Background
A successful cherry blossom tree drawing is often made more beautiful and realistic by adding a background. Using the darker shades of the pencil, draw clouds and mountains in the distance. Additionally, try adding small elements like birds and insects flying around the tree to make it more lively.
Depth
Give your drawing more depth by applying different tones and shades of color. Layering different shades of peach, pink and yellow will help you create a sense of depth and realism. Once you have finished, use the eraser to lighten up areas of the drawing that you think need more brightness or highlights.
Perspective
Try to play around with the perspective when drawing the cherry blossom tree. A tree viewed from the side or from below can be quite interesting. This will give your drawing a different feel and a more dynamic look.
Comparing to Nature
When you’re done, compare your drawing to a real cherry blossom tree. Do you think it looks realistic? Which areas need more work? There is no better way to improve your drawing skills than to compare it to a real thing.
Reference Images
Before you start drawing, it’s a good idea to look at some cherry blossom tree reference images. This will give you an idea of how the tree should look like and what kind of shading and structure you should try to emulate.
Understanding Proportions
If you are having trouble drawing the tree accurately, try to take measurements of a real cherry blossom tree and use them as a reference. This will help you understand the proportions and draw the tree accurately.
Practice
As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become. Try to draw trees from different angles and keep practicing until you get the desired result. Remember, there are no mistakes, only learning experiences.
Details and Finishing Touches
Finally, don’t forget the small details and finishing touches that will make your drawing come alive. Brush up the petals and add some textures to the trunk and branches. This will give your tree a more dynamic and realistic look.
