How to Draw a Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 6 min read

Are you looking to create a festive masterpiece? With the holiday season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to learn how to draw a Christmas tree! In this step-by-step guide for beginners, we will help you create a beautiful Christmas tree drawing that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Gathering Materials

Before we start creating our Christmas tree drawing, let's ensure we have all the necessary materials. In this section, we will discuss choosing the right pencil and selecting the perfect paper for your artwork.

Choosing the Right Pencil

Having the right pencil can make all the difference in your Christmas tree drawing. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect one:

Opt for a variety of pencils: A mix of hard (H) and soft (B) pencils will provide you with a range of shades and line thicknesses, allowing you to add depth and texture to your drawing.
Consider a mechanical pencil: These are great for detail work and don't require sharpening, making them a convenient option for beginners.
Don't forget an eraser: A high-quality eraser is essential for correcting mistakes and refining your drawing as you progress.

Selecting the Perfect Paper

Choosing the right paper can greatly impact your Christmas tree drawing. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the perfect paper:

Weight: Heavier paper, such as drawing or watercolor paper, is more durable and can handle erasing and shading better than lighter options.
Texture: Smooth paper is ideal for detailed work, while a more textured surface can add depth and interest to your drawing.
Size: Consider the size of your finished drawing when selecting paper. A larger sheet will give you more room to work and can make a more impressive display when framed.

Now that we have our materials ready, let's move on to drawing the basic shape of our Christmas tree!

Drawing the Basic Shape

Creating the foundation of your Christmas tree drawing is simple and fun! In this section, we will start with a basic triangle and then add lower layers to form the overall shape of the tree.

Starting with a Triangle

Follow these easy steps to begin your Christmas tree drawing:

Draw a small triangle: At the top of your paper, draw an equilateral triangle. This will be the top of your tree and will help you establish the overall shape.
Add a vertical line: Draw a vertical line from the midpoint of the triangle's base, extending downwards. This will serve as the tree trunk and help you align the lower layers.
Measure the distance: Determine the distance between the bottom of the triangle and the end of the trunk line. This will help you space out the layers evenly as you add them.

With the top of our tree in place, let's move on to adding the lower layers!

Adding Lower Layers

Lower layers are what give your Christmas tree drawing its fullness and character. Here's how to add them:

Draw larger triangles: Using the measurement you took earlier, draw progressively larger triangles beneath the first one. Each triangle should have its top point touching the trunk line and extend outward, creating a layered effect.
Adjust the angles: If you want a more natural look, vary the angles of the triangles, making some wider or narrower than others. This will give your tree a more organic shape.
Consider the number of layers: The number of layers you add will determine the size and fullness of your tree, so be sure to add as many as you like!

Now that we have the basic shape of our Christmas tree drawing, it's time to add some festive details!

Adding Details to Your Christmas Tree

With the basic shape of our Christmas tree drawing complete, we can now bring it to life by adding ornaments, tinsel, garlands, and a star on top! Let's dive into each of these festive elements.

Drawing Ornaments

Ornaments come in all shapes and sizes, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Circles: Draw various-sized circles to represent round ornaments. You can even add simple patterns like stripes or polka dots to make them more interesting.
Stars: Add small stars throughout the tree for a fun, festive touch.
Other shapes: Don't limit yourself to just circles and stars—try drawing other shapes like hearts, diamonds, or even small gingerbread people to give your tree a unique look.

Adding Tinsel and Garlands

Tinsel and garlands are great for adding texture and dimension to your Christmas tree drawing. Here's how to include them:

Draw wavy lines: Add wavy lines that wrap around the tree, connecting the tips of the triangles. This will create the illusion of garlands wrapping around the tree.
Add tinsel: For a touch of sparkle, draw short, straight lines extending out from the wavy lines. This will give the appearance of tinsel hanging from the garlands.

With ornaments, tinsel, and garlands in place, it's time to top off our tree!

Topping it off with a Star

No Christmas tree drawing is complete without a star on top! Here's a simple way to draw one:

Draw an upside-down "V": At the top of your tree, draw an upside-down "V" with the bottom point touching the top of the tree.
Add a second "V": Draw a right-side-up "V" with its top point touching the bottom point of the first "V." This will create a simple star shape.

Now that we've added all the festive details, it's time to bring our Christmas tree drawing to life with shading and coloring!

Shading and Coloring

With the festive details in place, it's time to make our Christmas tree drawing truly pop with some shading and coloring techniques. Don't worry if you're new to this—it's easier than you might think!

Shading Techniques

Shading adds depth and dimension to your drawing. Here are some simple tips for shading your Christmas tree:

Consider the light source: Before you start shading, decide where the light is coming from. This will help you determine which parts of the tree should be darker or lighter.
Use hatching or cross-hatching: Hatching is a shading technique where you draw parallel lines close together. Cross-hatching involves drawing intersecting sets of parallel lines. Both techniques can be used to create different levels of darkness on your tree.
Blend with a finger or blending stump: To create a smoother look, gently blend your shading lines with your finger or a blending stump.

Using Color Pencils

Once you've added shading, it's time to bring your Christmas tree drawing to life with color. Here are some tips for using color pencils:

Choose a color palette: Decide on a color scheme for your tree, ornaments, and garlands. You can stick to traditional holiday colors like red, green, and gold, or get creative with a more unique palette.
Layer your colors: Start with a light layer of color and gradually build up to create depth and richness. This will help your drawing look more vibrant and realistic.
Blend colors: Use a white or colorless blender pencil to blend and smooth your colors, creating a more polished look.

With shading and coloring complete, we're almost ready to show off our festive masterpiece. Let's wrap up with some final touches and framing!

Final Touches and Framing

By now, your Christmas tree drawing should look festive and delightful. Before we call it complete, let's add some final touches and consider framing options to make it a perfect holiday keepsake or gift.

Erasing Pencil Guidelines

After your shading and coloring is complete, it's time to clean up any remaining pencil guidelines. Remember to:

Let your drawing dry: Give your artwork a few minutes to dry, especially if you've been blending with a blending stump or your finger. This prevents smudging.
Use a soft eraser: Gently erase any visible pencil lines with a soft eraser, being careful not to damage your drawing.

Choosing the Right Frame

Framing your Christmas tree drawing not only preserves your artwork but also adds a touch of elegance. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect frame:

Match your frame to your color palette: Choose a frame that complements your drawing's color scheme. For example, if you used traditional holiday colors, a gold or wood-toned frame might be a great choice.
Consider the frame's style: A simple, understated frame can let your artwork shine, while a more ornate frame can add an extra touch of festivity.
Choose the right size: Make sure the frame is the appropriate size for your drawing. You may need to trim your paper or use a mat to fit the drawing into the frame perfectly.

With your drawing framed and ready to display, you can now proudly show off your beautiful Christmas tree drawing or give it as a thoughtful, handmade gift. Congratulations on creating a festive masterpiece!

If you're looking to add a personal touch to your holiday greetings this year, check out the workshop 'Holiday Season Cards with Squeegee Art' by Clara Cristina. This workshop will teach you how to create unique and memorable holiday cards using the fun and versatile squeegee art technique.