Materials Needed
Drawing cherry blossom trees can be quite a challenge for even seasoned artists, but having the right supplies is half the battle! Having the right tools will make creating your masterpiece much easier. Here is a list of supplies needed for successful cherry tree drawings:
- Graphite pencils: Staedtler, Faber-Castell, or any brand of graphite pencils of various thicknesses.
- Pencil sharpener: Make sure to get a good quality sharpener, as this will help keep your pencils in tip-top shape.
- Kneaded eraser: This will help to lighten up shading and erase any excess graphite buildup.
- Drawing paper: Any thicker grade of drawing paper will do, but a semi-gloss type paper is great for cherry tree renders.
- White Charcoal Pencil: This will help highlight the white petals, and really make your pencil renderings pop.
Preparing to draw
Before you can start putting down your first pencil strokes, it’s important to go through some preparation steps. You should begin by doing some research on the type of cherry tree you’d like to draw. Start by searching some pictures or illustrations of cherry trees. Once you have found a style and image that you like, use that as a reference to help you draw yours.
Next, look for reference lines for where the tree will be positioned in the page. Ask yourself questions like:
- What’s the placement in the drawing?
- How is the tree placed in relation to the other elements of the drawing?
- Should the tree be symmetrical or asymmetrical? Are the branches going to be balanced or uneven?
You can also use a simple grid to help you get the proportions of your tree right. Trace the grid onto the paper with a light pencil stroke and use the intersections to draw the shape of the tree.
Adding Values and Details
Once you have the shape of your tree down, you can start to add shadows and shading to your pencil drawing. Start by covering the surface of your tree with graphite from your pencil, following the shape and texture of the tree. Areas like the trunk, some branches and part of the trunk should seem darker. You can also use shadows to create the effect of a light source, to fill in and give volume to the drawing.
To add more details and make your drawing look realistic, you should look for the real-life shapes of the cherry leaves. A comprehensive understanding of nature and its beauty will help you accurately bring the cherry blossom and its leaves to your drawing. As you finish off the mid-tones and shading, you can add the white charcoal to highlight the petals of the cherry blossom and bring out the bright colors of the tree.
Final Touches
The last step is the outlining of your painting. To give it an extra layer of detail and depth, define some elements and textures with sharp lines. Don’t be scared to make mistakes, rather focus on perfecting your sketch by comparing it to your reference pictures. Drawing small details like splintering bark or cracks in the trunk and branches is a great way to add realism to your final work.
Once you are satisfied with your sketch, it’s time to bring it all together. Use the same page you used for drawing for your outlining and for the final definition of each element. Move in small circles and add texture to certain elements like branches and the trunk. Don’t be scared of the mistakes! Take your time, relax, eraser is your friend.
Using Grayscale Gradients
If you want to add a bit more depth to your cherry blossom tree drawing, you can use a grayscale gradient. This technique is also a great way to make your cherry tree drawing look more 3d. Start by taking a piece of paper and draw a few lines on it. These lines should represent the light sources and shadows of your drawing.
In the next step, you should use reds and purples for the petals and browns for the branches and trunk. Then use the same colors to create a gradual shift from light to dark, from the lightest areas of the sketch to the darkest. This will give your tree more depth and volume. You can also use a brush to blend the colors together within the tree and make it look more 3d.
Using Color
When it comes to cherry blossom tree drawings, colors make all the difference. Using a variety of colors, such as pale blues, purples, and pinks can take your drawing to a whole new level.
Start by creating a base layer of colors, add a mid-tone layer and then an outline layer. For example, you can use a light purple and dab it on the petals. Then, gradually add a pinkish hue and then use a darker shade of the same color to create shadows and depth. Remember to keep the shadows consistent throughout the tree.
Finally, you can use white highlights to really bring your drawing to life. White highlights will create a subtle shine and make your cherry blossom tree drawing look stunning.
Blending
Blending is key when drawing a cherry blossom tree. Using an electric blender, or a tissue, to blend the colors and make them look more natural is a great way to add realism to your drawing. Blending can also help to give the tree more perspective.
Start by taking your electric blender, or tissue and gently blending the colors. If you are using a tissue, you should be careful not to over blend, as this can lead to a muddy look. Once the colors are blended, you can add some white highlights to give your tree a little sparkle.
Adding Finishing Touches
Once all the colors and shadows have been added to your drawing, it is time to finish it off. Start by adding some small, fine details like small droplets of water or petals blowing in the wind. You can also create a spiral effect with your pencils by using long and sweeping marks.
Once you are finished, take a step back and admire your work. Have a look at the whole drawing and analyze if everything looks the way you want it to. If there are any parts you are unhappy with, don’t be afraid to erase and start again.
When you are finished, it is time to take out your trusty eraser and clean up your drawing. Before you put your pencils away, use the eraser to erase any excess graphite and make your work look neat and tidy.
Using Digital Art
For those who prefer to create art digitally, there are many tools you can use to draw your cherry blossom tree. Start by creating your sketch, using a digital drawing tablet or software. To get your proportions and shapes right, use a grid or reference guide to help you draw the tree.
When you are ready to add color and shading to your drawing, use the digital drawing software’s brush tool. Use different shades and tints and adjust the size to get the shadows and highlights just right. To create the look and feel of petals, you can use a mixture of airbrush, smudge and other brushes.
Finally, use the software’s eraser tool to clean up and perfect your drawing. By using a digital software, you can save time and avoid mistakes.
Final Thoughts
Drawing a cherry tree is a great way to showcase your artistic abilities and creative spirit. Even if you are only starting out, with just a bit of practice, you can create stunning cherry blossom tree drawings that you can hang proudly in your home.
By following these tips and techniques and using the right materials, you can take your drawing skills to a whole new level! Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques. With each new attempt, your cherry blossom tree drawings will become more and more beautiful.
