Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a fir tree: stacked needle layers and a trunk
Position the central axis of the small trapezoidal tree trunk first.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice this visual check: The bottom layer is the widest and shortens upward layer by layer, allowing the treetops to fall on the central axis of the trunk.
Shapes and proportions
Position the central axis of the small trapezoidal tree trunk first. The wide leaves at the bottom are unfolded first, then shortened layer by layer upward and connected with zigzag edges, forming a triangular shape as a whole.
A common mistake
Each layer of leaves has the same width, and the crown becomes a column.
How to fix it
The bottom layer is the widest and shortens upward layer by layer, allowing the treetops to fall on the central axis of the trunk.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Position the basic shape first
Position the central axis of the small trapezoidal tree trunk first. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
The broad leaf layer at the bottom is unfolded first, then shortened layer by layer upward and connected with zigzag edges, forming a triangular shape as a whole. The bottom layer is the widest and shortens upward layer by layer, allowing the treetops to fall on the central axis of the trunk.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
All coniferous layers are dark pine green and trunks are warm brown. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “How to Draw a Fir Tree” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
