Overview
Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty and transience, capturing the attention of many. Drawing these beautiful tree branches is an easy way to recreate this awe-inspiring sight. This article will guide through the steps to draw realistic and accurate cherry blossom branches. While the process might be tedious, the results are worth it in the end.
Supplies
To draw cherry blossom tree branches, you will need to gather a few supplies first. A set of good quality pencils with a wide range of tones (light, medium and dark) is a must have. Additionally, an eraser and a pencil sharpener will come in handy.
Preparation
Before you start drawing, you need to do some preparation. Find a reference picture of cherry blossom tree branches or take a picture of your own. Look at the picture to notice the shapes, lines, and shadows that make up of the branches. This will help you get an idea of how to draw and create the shapes and curves.
Drawing the Tree
Start your drawing by sketching the overall shape of the tree. The trunk should form a “V” shape, pointing downwards. Then, draw curved lines straight up and outwards to form branches. As you draw, try and distinguish the different length of branches, making sure to erase any mistakes.
Adding Details
Once the overall structure of the tree is finished, you can start to add more details. Start by adding small lines and dots on the branches in order to give it a more realistic look. Also, draw in the edges of the branches, with slight shadows, to give it a more three dimensional quality. As you draw, try to pay attention to the cherry blossoms on the branches as well.
Shading
Now comes the most tedious part, shading. Shade in the branches and trunk, paying special attention to the creases and curves of the branches. If you have an eraser, use it to lightly remove pencil marks from parts of the trunk that are reflecting light. When shading, use lighter tones for the inner parts and darker shades for the edges.
Painting Cherry Blossoms
To paint the cherry blossoms, first use light and dark pink hues, creating a gradient effect for the center of the petals and shadows in the corners. Add a few small dots to create highlights. Alternatively, you can use white and pink to create a brighter cherry blossom. Finally, add thin and thin stems coming out of the blossoms, using a light green hue.
Background and Foreground
To make your drawing look more realistic and interesting, you can add some foreground and background elements. The backdrop can be use to create an illusion of depth, such as a house, trees, and grass to make it more realistic. Look around you to get an idea of what kind of elements you’d like to include.
Adding Final Touches
Once you’ve added all the details, add some final touches. Use a dark brown or black pencil to add some shadows. This can easily add a sense of depth, making your drawing look more realistic. Finally, you can use white or gray gel pen or marker to add some texture and highlights.
Creating Depth by Layer
When creating a realistic cherry blossom tree branches drawing, it is important to make it look as natural as possible. Creating depth by layer is a great way to create a sense of three dimensionality. Start by adding thin branches and gradually build up the complexity of the branches. Make sure each layer has slightly different colors and tones. This will give the tree a realistic, layered look.
Colors and Tones
The key to realistic-looking cherry blossom tree branches drawing is colors and tones. Look at the reference picture closely to get an idea of the colors and tone used. Choosing the right colors and tones is the key to creating a drawing that looks realistic and natural. Pick colors that have a subtle range of values, such as light and dark, which will give the branches more depth.
Proportions and Balance
Proportion and balance are also important when creating a cherry blossom tree branches drawing. When drawing the branches, make sure that the proportions are accurate and the branches don’t look too long or too short. Also, align the branches to the trunk in such a way that it looks balanced. Pay attention to the distorted lines that the cherry blossoms create against the branches and make sure they look natural.
Analyzing Your work
Once you have finished the drawing, analyze your work. First, look at it from far away. Does it look natural? Are the proportions correct? Are there any parts that look too light or too dark? Also, take a closer look at the details. Are the shadows and highlights accurate? Do the colors look natural? Lastly, compare it to the reference picture you used. This will help you to identify where you might have gone wrong and what you can do to improve it.
Using Different Tools
For a different look, you can use different tools when creating your cherry blossom tree branches. While a pencil is still the best bet, other mediums, such as watercolor and colored pencils will also work. Using different tools gives you more options when creating your drawing, giving you more control over the tones and colors. Experiment with different textures and shades to create a unique look.
Finding Inspiration
Creativity can be a tricky thing, so it’s important to find inspiration. Look around you, whether it’s the cherry blossoms in your neighborhood or pictures online. Experimenting with different media and techniques can help you to break the monotony and give you fresh ideas. Try and draw the same branch or tree multiple times, experimenting with different colors and textures each time.
Perspectives from Experts
To get advice from industry experts, consider taking an art class or subscribing to an online tutorial. Professional artists can give you their insights and help you to gain a better understanding of the artistic process. If you are
serious about cherry blossom tree branches drawing, then consider taking a course to get a better in-depth understanding.
Practice and Critique
No matter how good you are at drawing, practice is key. While watching tutorials can help you learn the basics, nothing can replace actual practice. Try and allot some time each week to draw and practice your drawing skills. Each drawing should be different than the previous one, so don’t get stuck drawing the same subject or style all the time. Also, receive feedback from experienced artists and critique your own work. This will help you to learn from mistakes and improve with each sketch.
