How to Draw a Cartoon Tree: Easy 20-Step Guide

Draw two parallel lines that curve slightly toward each other. Teacher's Tip: Keep these lines soft and light; they form the sturdy base of your tree.

Extend curved lines from the base of the trunk to create roots. Connect them at sharp points. Tip: Think of these as little anchors holding your tree in the ground.

Extend a curved line from the left side of the trunk. Add three 'U' shapes above it to begin the branch structure. Tip: Keep your 'U' shapes rounded and bouncy.

Carefully erase the overlapping guide lines inside the branches. Tip: Use a clean eraser and gentle pressure to keep your paper smooth.

Draw a matching branch on the right side using parallel curved lines and a 'U' shape. Tip: Symmetry makes it look balanced, but don't worry if it's slightly different!

Use a series of connected 'U' shapes to form the top of the tree on the left side. Tip: Imagine you are drawing fluffy clouds sitting on the branches.

Continue the scalloped edge of the leaves with five more 'U' shapes. Tip: Vary the size of your 'U's to make the tree look more natural.

Repeat the process on the right side, drawing five 'U' shapes connected to the right branch. Tip: Keep your hand loose and relaxed for smoother curves.

Erase a small section of the left canopy to prepare for a new branch. Tip: This helps create depth in your drawing.

Add a new bough in the erased space using eight 'U' shapes. Tip: Overlapping your shapes makes the tree look fuller.

Enclose the right bough with five 'U' shapes. Tip: Ensure your lines connect smoothly to the existing branches.

Erase a small portion between the right and middle boughs. Tip: This creates a visual gap that makes the tree look 3D.

Draw three curved lines at the very top where the boughs meet. Tip: These small details add character to your tree.

Draw three sets of 'U' shapes inside the canopy to represent leaves. Tip: Don't make them too uniform; nature is messy!

Add texture to the trunk with a 'U' shape near the branches and curved lines near the roots. Tip: These lines suggest the texture of bark.

Add a small bough of four 'U' shapes to the right side of the canopy. Tip: This fills in any empty space.

Add a small branch between the right branch and the bough. Tip: Use two parallel lines to keep it consistent with the others.

Draw a circle on the trunk with a swirl inside. Tip: This looks like a knothole in the wood!

Draw short, jagged lines at the base of the tree to create grass. Tip: Make the lines different heights to look like real grass blades.

Bring your tree to life with color! Use brown for the trunk and vibrant greens for the leaves. Tip: Try using two shades of green to add highlights and shadows.