To Draw A Tree

I've always wanted to be able to draw.  I mostly wanted to be able to put down on paper the ideas I can see in my mind but I also wanted to be able to draw a tree.  I always thought that if someone could draw a tree then they were a pretty good artist because I think trees seem hard to draw.  Inspired by Lori's drawing lessons that I have featured on The Crafty Crow, I've been practicing a lot lately.  I finished this tree drawing this evening and I have to say I am pretty darn pleased with it.  I see places for improvement but for my first real effort I'm satisfied. 

The kids and I have begun keeping nature journals so consequently we're spending more time looking at the shapes and lines of trees and rocks and water movement at the river.  I pulled out Keeping A Nature Journal that's been sitting on my shelf forever and it has been a practical help as well as an inspirational one.  Besides suggestions on observing nature and how to get started journaling, it has basic drawing lessons and exercises that I have found extremely helpful. 

Comments

[Julie]

The first word that comes to mind when I see your tree is "balance." Beautiful job!

[Kristine]

That is just beautiful. Clever you.

[Kimmie]

I'd say you are quite the artist! I'd love to be able to draw a tree like you. Now I am going to have to look at the lessons and see if I can get past my 'draws like a child' type of tree. (now if I was a child, that would be a grand type of tree, but as I am not, it is always a bit disappointing.!!)

Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted

[leslie]

that tree is beautiful! frame it!

[Melissa]

You did a fantastic job! It's beautiful!

[g]

I don't comment enough on your blog considering how often I read it & how inspiring I find it...but your tree was just too lovely for me not to tell you how it made me smile!

[claudia freitas]

You're too critic. It's more than an effort, it's a great and beautiful drawing. I can only see great things in your future.

[Dallas]

You drew that? Wow. It's great. I thought it was a rubber stamp, but then I thought it was too detailed for that. Good job.

[alison]

wow what a great tree. You obviously have the ability and jsut think what you'll be doing with a bit of practice.

[Vintage Kid's Books My Kid Loves]

can i buy it !?! seriously?

[Stacy]

Wow! That's awesome!

[Heidi]

Beautiful!

[jen]

your tree is beautiful. i'd never guess you were a beginner.

[Erin]

I love your tree! I could look at it for hours, it's so interesting.
It would be pretty to have a grouping of your trees in bright frames.
Great work!

[Corynne Escalante]

I totally think the same way! Your tree is amazing. I guess you must be able to draw then... :-)

[Lori]

ah, the tree looks great! so glad you have been inspired by the lessons - and i have that same book! :^)

[Joanna Maltsberger]

Very impressive.

[Renna]

I think your tree looks fantastic! I've always wanted to be able to draw, too, for the same reasons as your mentioned. I'd be thrilled if I could draw a tree that looked that good.

[Ellen]

Your tree is beautiful.

I too, have the book you refer to and it is sitting on my shelf as well. I do really NEED to start some nature journaling with the kids - I don't know what it is - time (lack of it) or a 'perfectionist' attitude (to 'do' a nature journal and 'do' a nature hunt/visit it has to be planned out or I can't possibly 'do' it on the fly! '~') But with the nicer weather, I need to carpe diem.

BTW - come and see my new giveaway.

[Janet Rhoads]

Cassi, First of all I just want to say that I am really enjoying The Crafty Crow and you are doing a wonderful job!

Your tree is lovely. As a former art teacher for K-8, I am always excited to see children AND adults learning how to express themselves through drawing. It saddens me that most people think this is a skill beyond their reach. Truly, every person has the ability to draw. I stand by that 100%. Is everyone going to be Da Vinci? Of course not. However it is a form of communication and expression that everyone carries inside them in varying levels. With practice, you learn how to write and speak more eloquently and it is the same with drawing!

I just wanted to suggest that if you are looking for more lessons, I highly recommend the books Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes and Drawing for Older Children and Teens by the same author. While geared toward teaching basic skills to children...they have exercises that are very helpful to ANYONE who is interested in sharpening their drawing skills.

I'm excited to see what you do next! :)

[Berlinswhimsy]

That is wonderful! What a great drawing of a tree! You're doing a great job...

I always seem to have a hard time with the branches---getting the angles right. My trees too often turn out looking like some scraggly thing that might grow up in the arctic region ;-)!!

[Anna]

Mission accomplished! You did a great job.

[rebekah at elizabeth anne designs]

The drawing is beautiful! I have "learn to draw" on my list of things to do. I'll have to try the lessons!

[Caminin]

If this is your first attempt i am looking forward to see your 20th, I'm sure there is a great drawer (is this how you say it?)hidden inside you!!

[Gwyn]

You can definately draw a tree - I love the one on the rock also!