How to Draw a Bonsai Tree

Last Updated: January 21, 2023

Translated, Bonsai means "plantings in tray," as bon means a tray or a low-sided pot and sai, plantings.

With these easy steps, learn to draw a simple bonsai tree. Simply put, you'll learn to draw a miniature tree. Therefore, you can also alter these steps to draw a larger tree!

Steps

1
Draw a pot. It could be a square or round, depending on your preference. Then, start with the trunk as shown.
2
Add in branches. Make double lines for thickness.

Advertisement
3
Draw ovals for basis of the leaves.
4
Add in details! Scribble leaves as shown. Add rocks and grass to add a dramatic look to your tree.
5
Outline your bonsai and erase guidelines. You can shade it lightly with pencil if you like it that way.
6
Color it.
7
Add some light green color on top of the leaves to show sun rays falling on them.
8
Finished. Compare it with a real Bonsai tree and flaunt your creativity.

Community Q&A

Question

What kind of paint and brush sizes and shape would help? Also, what color tones would be suited?

Community Answer

For leaves, you should use smaller brushes and the trunk should have a medium sized brush. The pot should have a much larger brush than the others. For the soil, you can try using the back of a small paintbrush and dab some lighter-colored paint like light brown, and for the rocks you can mix some white/bit of gray. The bottom of the pot should be dark brown, and the trunk should also have a little bit of gray/white. If you're drawing the background, you could have a little bit of light blue/gray and mix them up.
Question

Can I add sun on my art?

Community Answer

Sure. It doesn't have to just be a bonsai tree. You can draw whatever else you want in the picture.
Question

Can I use any colors in my picture?

Community Answer

Of course! Use whatever colors you like.