Creating a forest drawing can seem daunting, especially for beginners. But with the right approach and instruction, anyone can master it. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to create a beautiful forest drawing.
Materials You’ll Need
Before getting started, you’ll need to make sure you have the following materials:
- Sketchpad or drawing paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Sharpener
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
Step 1: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Begin by sketching the basic shapes of the trees in your forest. You don’t have to draw them all at once, start with one or two trees to get a feel for the shapes.
Tip: Vary the Shapes of the Trees
To add variety to your forest drawing, be sure to vary the shapes of the trees. Some trees might be slim and tall, while others are shorter and more stout.
Step 2: Add Details to the Trees
Once you have your basic shapes down, you can start adding details. Draw the outlines of branches and add texture to the tree bark.
Tip: Look at Reference Images
If you’re unsure how to draw the details of a tree, look at reference images. This can also help you determine what types of trees you would like to include in your forest drawing.
Step 3: Draw the Background
Now it’s time to add the background of your forest drawing. Begin by sketching the horizon line where the sky meets the earth. Then draw the ground and any hills, mountains, or other landscape features you’d like to include.
Tip: Use Reference Images for Inspiration
Reference images can provide inspiration for the elements of your forest’s background. Look for photos with forests that have a similar vibe to what you’re looking to achieve.
Step 4: Add Foliage and Underbrush
Once you have the basic background sketched in, it’s time to add some foliage and underbrush to your trees. Use small, circular shapes to draw leaves and other elements.
Tip: Add Depth with Overlapping Foliage
To create depth in your forest drawing, add overlapping foliage to your trees. This can be achieved by drawing leaves in the foreground and background that overlap slightly.
Step 5: Shade Your Drawing
Now that you have all of the elements sketched in, it’s time to add shading. Use light strokes to create the illusion of shadows and depth.
Tip: Practice Shading Techniques
Shading can take some practice to get the hang of. Experiment with different techniques like cross-hatching, stippling, and blending to find what works best for you.
Step 6: Add Depth with Colors (optional)
If you’d like to add more depth and dimension to your forest drawing, consider adding color. Use light and dark colors to create the illusion of shadows and highlights.
Tip: Use Colored Pencils or Markers
Colored pencils or markers can help add more vibrancy and depth to your drawing. Use colors that complement each other to create a cohesive look.
Step 7: Final Touches
After you’re satisfied with your drawing, take a step back and look at it as a whole. Make any final touches or adjustments to bring all of the elements together.
Tip: Sign and Date Your Drawing
Once you’re done, sign and date your drawing. It’s a great way to acknowledge your accomplishment and track your progress as an artist.
Summary
Drawing a forest may seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be done easily. Start by sketching the basic shapes of the trees and background, then add details like foliage and underbrush. Shade your drawing to create depth and optional adds color for vibrancy. Remember to have patience and practice- before you know it, you’ll be able to create beautiful forest drawings with ease.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be an experienced artist to draw a forest?
No, a forest drawing is great for beginners. All you need is patience, practice and the right attitude.
2. Can I use pens instead of pencils for drawing the forest?
Yes, you can use pens, but they don’t have the flexibility that pencils offer. With pencils you can easily adjust pressure and shade as per your preference.
3. Should I follow a reference image or draw from imagination?
It’s always recommended to use a reference image to get an idea of the elements, although you can always add your imagination to bring a personal feel to it.
4. Can adding colored pencils be done by anybody?
Yes, adding colored pencils is easy and should be tried by all beginners once they master basic sketching and detailing.
5. Why should I date and sign my drawing?
Dating and signing your final drawing is important to acknowledge your accomplishment and for tracking your progress as an artist.
6. How much time should I dedicate to drawing a forest?
It depends on your practice and pace. Start by giving smaller durations to keep up the interest and focus which can eventually be increased as you progress.