How to Draw a Scary Tree: Easy 9-Step Halloween Tutorial

Looking for a fun, screen-free Halloween activity? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 6+ to practice organic shapes and expressive line work. Grab a pencil, an eraser, and some paper to bring this spooky, gnarled tree to life in just a few simple steps.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A finished, colorful, and spooky cartoon tree with glowing eyes and a jagged mouth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Spooky Eyes

Pencil sketch showing two teardrop-shaped eyes with pupils for a cartoon tree.

Start by drawing two teardrop shapes with circles inside—think of them like halved avocados. Add small hooks that overlap these shapes to create a brow line. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the 'scary' expression later.

Step 2: Defining the Brow and Mouth

Drawing the brow and jagged mouth shapes for the scary tree face.

Draw loose rectangles above the eyes for a furrowed brow, then sketch five jagged, flame-like triangles beneath the eyes to form the mouth. Add a vertical line on each side to frame the face. Tip: Don't worry about perfect symmetry; trees in nature are wonderfully uneven!

Step 3: Adding the Base Roots

Adding the initial root structures at the base of the tree trunk.

Complete the jagged mouth with more triangles. At the bottom, sketch three horizontal curves and two wavy lines to start the root system. Tip: Use long, sweeping motions to make the roots look like they are gripping the ground.

Step 4: Expanding the Roots

Building out the root system with wavy, uneven lines.

Layer more roots around the base using a mix of curves, hooks, and wavy lines. Aim for a wide, uneven base to give your tree a sturdy, ancient look. Tip: Vary the length of your lines to create depth.

Step 5: Starting the Branches

Drawing the first branch and defining the tree face structure.

Add a root on the right and outline the face with small hills and vertical lines. Sketch a branch using wavy lines that taper into narrow triangles. Tip: Tapering your lines at the ends makes the branches look sharp and spooky.

Step 6: Adding Branch Details

Adding detail to the branches with small triangles and curves.

Add two more narrow triangles and a curve to your branch. On the right side, sketch additional curves and small triangles to create a textured, gnarled look. Tip: Think of these as 'knots' in the wood.

Step 7: Creating Upper Branches

Sketching the upper branches with layered, overlapping triangles.

Draw three narrow triangles curving downward, overlapping them for a layered effect. Add a vertical line and sketch the upper branch with swooping curves and four thin triangles. Tip: Overlapping shapes creates a sense of 3D volume.

Step 8: Finalizing Branch Shapes

Adding final branch extensions to the left side of the tree.

Add a diagonal line and more swooping curves to connect your branches. Sketch additional branches on the left using the same wavy line technique. Tip: Keep your lines loose—the 'messier' the lines, the scarier the tree looks!

Step 9: Texture and Outline

Final line art of the scary tree with added bark texture.

Draw a final top branch and add wavy lines throughout the trunk to simulate bark texture. Once you're happy, outline your drawing with a black pen and erase any stray pencil marks. Tip: Use short, broken lines for the bark to make it look rough and aged.

Step 10: Bringing it to Life with Color

Finished scary tree drawing colored with brown bark and glowing yellow eyes.

Use three shades of brown to create highlights and shadows on the bark. Use muted greens and blues for the background to set a spooky mood, and bright yellow or orange for the eyes and mouth to make them 'glow.'