How to Draw a Eucalyptus Tree Step-by-Step for Beginners

As an amateur artist and nature lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the unique, twisting shapes of eucalyptus trees. Their knotted trunks peeling bark, and cool blue-green leaves make them one of the most interesting trees to capture in a drawing.

If you want to learn how to draw realistic eucalyptus trees, you’ve come to the right place! In this simple, step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through my process for sketching these beautiful trees using basic art supplies. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll be rendering your own eucalyptus masterpieces in no time.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before we get started let’s gather the tools and materials you’ll need to complete the drawing

• Drawing paper – I prefer a heavier paper that can handle erasing and blending well. Strathmore 400 series sketch paper works great.

• Graphite drawing pencils – Pick up a set of pencils ranging from 6B (very soft) to 4H (very hard). This will allow you to create dark tones as well as fine, crisp lines.

• Kneaded eraser – These erasers can be molded into different shapes, making them easy to erase small details.

• Blending stump – You’ll use this to softly blend the graphite and create gradients.

• Ruler – Helpful for measuring proportions.

• Reference photo – Find a good quality image of a eucalyptus tree to reference. Look for photos with interesting shapes and textures.

Sketching the Basic Tree Shape

Let’s start by lightly sketching the basic shape of the tree using a 2H pencil. While eucalyptus trunks have a random, twisted shape, they tend to follow a basic silhouette:

• Draw a vertical, slightly curved line to represent the trunk. Leave white space on the page to later add the foliage.

• At the top, draw an oval or teardrop shape for the dense leaves and branches.

• Add some V-shaped strokes at the base to indicate roots.

• Draw lightly at this stage in case you need to erase and modify the shapes later.

• Use curved lines when sketching to capture the organic nature of the trunk. Straight lines will make it look stiff.

Adding the Trunk Details

Once you have the basic shape down, it’s time to start developing the texture and form of the trunk. Here are some tips:

• Use your reference photo to sketch the knots, ridges, protrusions and hollows that give the trunk uniqueness.

• Draw the peeling bark by layering wavy lines of varying thicknesses down the trunk.

• Shade certain areas darker to show how the bark curves into crevices and around protruding shapes.

• Erase highlights along any ridges and raised areas to make them stand out.

• Use an HB pencil to begin defining the cast shadows, drawing over your initial 2H sketch.

Detailing the Foliage

Let’s move up into the branches and leaves. Take a close look at your reference to capture the foliage:

• Draw small, overlapping ovals to represent clustered leaves, keeping them tighter at the interior.

• Add a few smooth curves and strokes radiating outwards to show branches.

• Shade the interior darker than the edges to convey shadows and depth.

• Create interesting silhouettes and shapes by erasing highlights along the edges of branches.

• Use an HB or B pencil to darken overlapping shapes, enhancing the sense of depth.

Refining the Bark Texture

At this point, we have the basic under-drawing down. Let’s start refining the bark texture using some darker pencils:

• Begin shading the deep crevices and hollows with a 4B pencil. Apply heavy pressure to make them very dark.

• Shade lightly over the ridges and uneven bark with a 2B to start defining the texture.

• Use the edge of your pencil tip to make small marks that mimic the rough, grainy bark.

• In areas where the bark has peeled away, shade the exposed inner bark slightly darker.

• Vary your pencil pressure to create darker and lighter tones across the bark.

• Let some white of the paper show through for small highlights and specs in the bark.

Adding Finishing Details and Touches

We’re close to completing the drawing! Here are some finishing steps:

• Soften and blend areas of graphite with a blending stump. Be careful not to over-blend.

• Reinforce the darkest shadows under branches and inside crevices.

• Erase any unnecessary sketch lines using a kneaded eraser.

• Lightly shade the background trees, bushes and grass to frame the eucalyptus.

• Sign your name and date your artwork!