Drawing a Christmas tree can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family, regardless of your artistic skills. Here are some tips and techniques to help you create a beautiful and festive Christmas tree.
Starting with the Basics
To begin, you need to decide on the orientation of your paper. For most Christmas tree drawings, it’s best to use a vertical orientation to give your tree the necessary height[1][3].
Choosing Your Method
There are several ways to draw a Christmas tree, each with its own unique charm. Here are a few popular methods:
Triple Triangles
One of the most traditional methods involves drawing three stacked triangles, each slightly larger than the one above it. This creates a classic pine tree shape. You can overlap the triangles to vary the appearance of your tree. Don’t forget to add a small brown rectangle for the trunk and decorations like a star, garland, and ornaments[5].
Zig Zag Tree
For a more abstract look, you can create a zigzag line that increases in width from top to bottom. Start with a small sideways “v” at the top and continue alternating directions, making each row a little longer than the one above. Finish with a brown rectangle for the trunk[5].
Modern Curves
This method involves drawing curved lines that resemble rounded sideways “v” shapes. Start at the top and create each curve slightly larger than the one above, forming a triangular shape. The trunk can be a slightly angled rectangle to match the curves[5].
Lots of Lines
For a simple yet effective approach, draw a series of horizontal lines that start short and get longer as you move down the paper. Let some lines overlap to give a natural, imperfect look. Draw a vertical brown line through the lines to create the trunk[5].
Scalloped Layers
Draw an upside-down “v” shape with three little bumps across the bottom, then add layers with increasing numbers of bumps or scallops. This creates a festive and layered look[5].
Adding Details
Once you have the basic shape of your tree, you can add various details to make it more festive.
Star and Ornaments: Place a star at the top of your tree and add circles or other shapes for ornaments. You can also draw simple lines for garland decorations[3].
Trunk and Ground: Ensure the trunk is visible and add a line for the ground or snow if you’re drawing a winter scene[3].
Background: Consider adding a horizon line, small trees in the background, and even mountains or presents to create a complete scene[3].
Coloring and Shading
To bring your tree to life, use different shades of green to layer the branches. Start with darker shades at the bottom and gradually move to lighter shades towards the top. You can also add shadows to give your tree depth. Use a light green on top and blend it well to create a natural look. For ornaments, add highlights on the top left and shadows on the bottom right to give them a 3D appearance[1][3].
Final Tips
Use the right materials: Drawing paper, stabilo markers, and a black sharpie can make a big difference in the quality of your drawing[3].
Keep it simple: Don’t be afraid to simplify your drawing. The goal is to have fun and create something festive.
Experiment: Try different methods and see what works best for you.
Most Important Facts About Drawing a Christmas Tree
Orientation: Use a vertical orientation for your paper[1][3].
Basic Shapes: Use triangles, zigzag lines, curved lines, or horizontal lines to create the tree shape[5].
Details: Add a star, ornaments, garland, and a trunk to your tree[3].
Coloring: Use different shades of green, starting with darker shades at the bottom and lighter shades at the top[1][3].
Shading: Add shadows to give your tree and ornaments depth[1][3].
Materials: Use drawing paper, stabilo markers, and a black sharpie for best results[3].
Background: Consider adding a horizon line, small trees, mountains, and presents to complete the scene[3].
