Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a redwood tree: a tall trunk and tiered cloud canopies
Two long lines that diverge downward form a tall tree trunk.
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: First lengthen the main trunk, then stagger the leaves from top to bottom, and connect them with short branches.
Shapes and proportions
Two long lines that diverge downward form a tall tree trunk. Short branches stretch out on both sides of the upper part, and the small cloud-like crowns are first placed in layers, and then connected back to the central axis with branch lines.
A common mistake
If the trunk is too short and the crown is piled at the bottom, the towering feeling of the redwood will be lost.
How to fix it
First lengthen the main trunk, then stagger the leaves from top to bottom, and connect them with short branches.
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
Two long lines that diverge downward form the tall tree trunk. 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
Short branches are stretched out on both sides of the upper part. The small cloud-like crowns are placed in layers first, and then they are connected back to the central axis with branch lines. First lengthen the main trunk, then stagger the leaves from top to bottom and connect them with short branches.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The crown of each layer is olive green, and the trunk and branches are uniformly reddish 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 Redwood 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.
