Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw a Leafy Tree Branch
Draw a tree branch that divides into smaller twigs, then add paired leaf shapes and bark lines through four selected stages.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 4 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
Show branching growth by tapering the trunk into thinner forks and small leafy twigs.
Shapes and proportions
Compare the base thickness with each fork. A side branch should be narrower than the branch it grows from, and the leaf tips should point away from their short stems.
A common mistake
Branches drawn with the same thickness from base to tip can look like bent pipes instead of natural growth.
How to fix it
Lightly mark the outer edges of the thick base, then move those edges closer together toward each twig tip. Use uneven fork angles to avoid a rigid mirrored tree.
This tree branch starts thick near its base and narrows toward the twig tips. The forks create the main direction of growth; the leaves sit around those branches rather than forming one solid block. Bark lines repeat the branch direction and help the final drawing feel woody.
These four pictures are selected stages, not the complete sequence. The blue guide lines show additions at the illustrated stage. Use the shape notes on paper, or open the full drawing in LittlePaper to follow the smaller steps between these pictures.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil, brown and muted-green crayons, and a dark drawing pencil for bark details.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 4
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
A thick base and the first fork
This selected stage extends the base into a wide fork. Keep the two sides uneven enough to suggest growth and leave clear spaces between the main branches.
A thick base and the first fork · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Smaller twigs and leaves
In this later stage, smaller forks and pointed leaves have been added. Place leaves near twig ends, with a small stem connecting each leaf to the branch.
Smaller twigs and leaves · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Bark lines follow the growth
The completed outline adds long irregular bark lines. Run them along the base and split them into the forks rather than crossing the branch sideways.
Bark lines follow the growth · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Brown bark and green leaves
Color the bark warm brown and keep the leaves green. Use a lighter first layer so the long bark lines remain readable after coloring.
Brown bark and green leaves · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
Use brown for bark and muted green for leaves. Keep the bark lines moving along each branch; short horizontal stripes would interrupt the direction of growth.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Tree Branch Drawing easy” 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.
