Getting Started
For those looking to take their artistic endeavors to the next level, learning how to draw a cherry blossom tree can be a great way to do just that. Cherry blossom trees are among the most beautiful springtime blooms available and learning how to draw one properly can help you create a lasting piece of artwork. To do so, you will need to gather a few essential supplies, including paper, pencils and erasers. Additionally, a reference image of the tree will be helpful in replicating its details accurately.
Drawing the Tree Trunk and Branches
Begin by sketching the trunk and branches of the tree. Start with a simple line that indicates the center of the tree trunk and work your way outward. When drawing the branches and twigs, it is important to create them in an outwardly expanding pattern. This will help create a sense of depth and perspective when the blossoms are added. Additionally, to reinforce the naturalistic look, use curved and irregular lines for your sketch. Make sure the branches spread outwards in all directions for a balanced shape.
Sketching the Blossoms
When you move onto adding the blossoms, use a light pencil to ensure that you can easily erase mistakes. First, draw a cluster of five petals radiating off of a circle that represents the center of the blossom. After that, you can draw in additional petals as desired. To mimic the realistic look of a cherry blossom tree, use your reference image to make sure the petals are of varying shapes and sizes. If needed, eraser lines can be used to add more texture and definition to the layers of petals.
Adding Color
Now that the core elements are sketched out, it is time to add color. To do so, you will need a variety of pencils and color tools. The colors used can be up to your discretion. Pair together shades of pink and white for a more natural look, or you can use any other hues as desired. Make sure to use lighter colors for the blooms and darker hues for the thicker parts of the trunk and branches. Additionally, you can use shades of green for the leaves.
Final Touches
Once the coloring is complete, use a pencil to shade the areas of the sketch which are more shadowed. To make the blossoms truly stand out, you may choose to make their petal edges thinner and more subtle. Additionally, the center of each blossom can be darkened to define their centers. Once these final touches are in place, examine your art and make any desired adjustments before considering it complete.
Incorporating Background
To take the piece to the next level, you may wish to add a background. Start by using a light pencil to sketch some mountains and rolling hills that are far away. For texture and depth, you can add in additional elements such as rivers, trees, birds, and other atmospheric details. Choose a range of colors to create a dominant shift from light to dark tones, helping to set the senses at ease with a vast horizon.
Creating Depth
Showcase your cherry blossom tree’s three-dimensionality by creating a sense of depth. Start by lightening the backgrounds and near-background elements, such as the trees, hills and rivers. To further enhance this effect, use a sharp pencil to etch in fading lines around your tree and its branches. Doing so will help create the illusion that the background elements are further away, while the tree remains the central focus of the art piece.
Wildlife
If you are creating a slow-paced, tranquil piece, time can be taken to add some wildlife. To do so, you can use a sharp pencil to lightly sketch small animals such as birds, squirrels, and deer in the shrubbery and forested areas . Next, you can add vibrant color to the creatures to make them stand out against the greenery. Doing so will create a sense of life and motion, leaving your piece with a unique finish.
Creating a Background for the Tree
In order to bring the cherry blossom tree into full focus, contrast can be added to the background using simple pencil strokes. Start by adding an extremely light beige color to the entire canvas, then use darker shadings to differentiate the sky and the trees. Add in contrast to the tree by sketching in shadows and highlights, as doing so will help make the blossom’s core elements better defined.
Adding Texture
Create texture in your drawing by juxtaposing stark contrast with softer tones. A wonderful way to do this is to use a pencil and lightly shade in the softer parts of the tree, such as the trunk and branches, to give them a hint of roughness and grain. Additionally, apply pressure to the petal studs of the cherries to make them stand out against the background. This will make a an interesting visual pattern and will add an interesting texture to your piece.
Giving the Blossom Tree Dimension
To truly imbue your cherry blossom tree with an extra level of realism, you can create the illusion of depth within the branches. This can be done by sketching a few extra petals and stipples onto the area behind the core elements of the blossom. Doing so will make the petals of the tree seem as if they are receding into the background, and will help to give the tree a more realistic 3D appearance.
Finishing Touches
For the finishing touches, use any remaining elements that you wish to complete the piece. You can add additional foliage, shadows and depth to the trunk and branches, or even draw in some foreground elements. The addition of a few leaves and flowers will provide the perfect completion to your artwork. Finish by signing your name and taking a look at your beautiful cherry blossom tree in all its glory.
