How to Draw a Tree: From the Fruit to the Forest: A Step-by-Step Course for the Nature Artist

by Alex Boon

Overview

A Step-by-Step Course for the Nature Artist 

This compact guide to landscape drawing will show you how to capture the elements and detail of Trees and to create great artwork: from the Fruit to the Forest.

• structured in a course format, each section builds confidence
• includes both sketching and coloured pencil drawing
• covers a broad range of techniques and skills for all levels of ability.
• additional sections feature mixed media, collage and using found items such as twigs, moss or seedpods.

Throughout the seasons - and in all weathers - How to Draw a Tree offers a unique insight and understanding of the natural world around us and how to capture its beauty in a sketchbook.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781446314791
Publisher:	David & Charles
Publication date:	07/22/2025
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Alex Boon is an artist and nature influencer from Devon, England. As well as his nature journals, Alex also creates original artwork that is informed by his time spent outdoors. He shares his art through a range of different routes including his YouTube channel, online art school and art club The Nature Journaling Circle. He also holds in-person talks and demonstrations.

Read an Excerpt

The careful observation and creative recording of nature is a passion I have pursued through much of my life. Sketching trees has greatly helped my artistic development, and learning about them has instilled a sense of wonder in the everyday. Watching trees, especially old trees, brings a perspective on life: you are in the presence of elders. It is well known that time among trees is great for our health, and we can give back to trees by getting to know them and caring for the environment they stand in.

Over the years, I have known several special trees that I have returned to draw time and time again. Trees vary through the seasons and, as we sketch them, they introduce us to the world of animals, birds, insects, and plants that they support. We can understand the story of a tree by examining its surroundings and, conversely, we can really come to know and love an area by looking at its trees.

I use a creative method known as nature journaling to explore my personal relationship with nature; it is my favourite way to interact with the world. Through regular nature journaling I have developed my drawing skills, learned to identify different local species, and grown a deep love for my local wild places. I have become a better artist as a result of a concerted effort to observe nature close to home at all times of year.

In this book, I hope to inspire you to document a tree or a group of trees in your local area, whether in a nature journal or just through the pleasure of drawing and creating. I will share a suite of different techniques that you can use to get to know your tree, or trees, and to record the changes that you observe in graphite, ink, and coloured pencil. By following the exercises, you will develop as an artist and naturalist, and come to experience and interact with trees in a mindful and creative way.