Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to Draw tree bark: Long Grain and Swirling Knots
Explore tree bark through four selected drawing stages. Focus on long grain and swirling knots and a textured crayon finish.
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
Practice tree bark with attention to long grain and swirling knots.
Shapes and proportions
Run long irregular grain lines around the rounded knots rather than across them.
A common mistake
Perfectly repeated straight lines resemble wallpaper.
How to fix it
Vary line spacing and curve the grain as it approaches each knot.
This tree bark study focuses on long grain and swirling knots. Run long irregular grain lines around the rounded knots rather than across them. The exercise is about keeping these visible shapes readable before adding small marks or color.
These are four selected stages, not a complete stroke-by-stroke sequence. Blue guide lines mark additions in the source images. Compare the pictures for the overall shape changes; use the complete LittlePaper lesson for the smaller steps between them.
A few things to start with
Paper, a pencil and crayons matching the example. Leave room around the drawing for proportion checks before making the outlines darker.
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
Selected stage 2: early shapes
This picture shows source stage 2 of 5 for tree bark, not the next single stroke. Run long irregular grain lines around the rounded knots rather than across them. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 2: early shapes · Preview image 1 of 4 - 02Selected stage
Selected stage 3: building the outline
This picture shows source stage 3 of 5 for tree bark, not the next single stroke. Vary line spacing and curve the grain as it approaches each knot. Compare its unfinished edges with the complete outline shown later.
Selected stage 3: building the outline · Preview image 2 of 4 - 03Selected stage
Complete outline: long grain and swirling knots
Compare the finished tree bark outline with the earlier selected stages. Perfectly repeated straight lines resemble wallpaper. Vary line spacing and curve the grain as it approaches each knot.
Complete outline: long grain and swirling knots · Preview image 3 of 4 - 04Selected stage
Crayon color: brown
Use the colored tree bark example to compare the palette after checking the outline. The visible palette includes brown. Keep repeated parts consistent and let small light flecks preserve the crayon texture.
Crayon color: brown · Preview image 4 of 4
A little practice goes a long way
Make room for your own ideas.
The example uses brown. Keep matching limbs and repeated parts in a consistent palette. Use light overlapping crayon strokes so the inner outlines stay visible. Vary line spacing and curve the grain as it approaches each knot.
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Tree Bark Drawing” 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.
