First Year Drawing by D. R. Augsburg First Year Drawing by D. R. Augsburg    

Lesson 11: Four Types of Trees (Objects, Position, and Perspective)

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In this lesson, children master drawing the four types of trees - pointed top, broad top, broad, and round. Note that the bottom part of all trees' foliage touch the horizon line.

The tops of pointed top trees start with a broad base and narrow to a point, as shown in the lesson drawing. The instructor demonstrates drawing a pointed top tree and directs children to copy the drawing.

  1. Use a soft pencil with a blunt point.
  2. Using a horizon line, draw the top of the tree first in a solid mass, but do not use an outline. Ensure the top narrows from a broad base to a pointed top, is roughly triangular, and that the bottom of the foliage touches the horizon.
  3. Draw the trunk.
  4. Draw a little grass around the trunk, which serves as the rest line.
  5. Have children practice drawing their own pointed top trees, until they master it.

The tops of broad top trees start with a narrow base and widen toward the top, as shown in the lesson drawing. The instructor demonstrates drawing a broad top tree and directs children to copy the drawing.

  1. Use a soft pencil with a blunt point.
  2. Using a horizon line, draw the top of the tree first in a solid mass, but do not use an outline. Ensure the top widens from a narrow base and that the bottom of the foliage touches the horizon.
  3. Draw the trunk.
  4. Draw a little grass around the trunk, which serves as the rest line.
  5. Have children practice drawing their own broad top trees, until they master it.

The tops of broad trees are wider than they are tall, as shown in the second lesson drawing. The instructor demonstrates drawing a broad tree and directs children to copy the drawing.

  1. Use a soft pencil with a blunt point.
  2. Using a horizon line, draw the top of the tree first in a solid mass, but do not use an outline. Ensure the top is wider than it is high and that the bottom of the foliage touches the horizon.
  3. Draw the trunk.
  4. Draw a little grass around the trunk, which serves as the rest line.
  5. Have children practice drawing their own broad trees, until they master it.

The tops of round trees are equally wide and tall. The instructor demonstrates drawing a round tree and directs children to copy the drawing.

  1. Use a soft pencil with a blunt point.
  2. Using a horizon line, draw the top of the tree first in a solid mass, but do not use an outline. Ensure the top is equally high and wide and that the bottom of the foliage touches the horizon.
  3. Draw the trunk.
  4. Draw a little grass around the trunk, which serves as the rest line.
  5. Have children practice drawing their own round trees, until they master it.

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