How to Draw a Magnolia Tree

Large leaves and small flowers are characteristic of magnolia trees.

Magnolia trees are renowned for their colorful blooms that branch out close to the ground in brilliant whites and pinks. Although there are several trees in the magnolia family, the full blossom of the mid-size tree is a common association that comes to mind when thinking about magnolias. Like all objects in the natural world, drawing or painting a magnolia tree means paying attention to the details that are inherent to the subject matter.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Black ink (optional)
• Picture of a magnolia tree (optional)

Instructions

1. Draw a small vertical line, about an inch or so in length, in the right bottom center of your paper. This will serve as a starting point for the trunk. Keep in mind a magnolia's trunk isn't typically straight like an oak or maple tree, so draw another line opposite the one you just drew, making it slightly swerve up and to the right.

2. Lengthen each line to about 2 inches each, then draw a large branch outward to the right. Magnolias have a large plumage that hangs close to the ground, so keep in mind much of the tree's branches will be covered by the large foliage common to this tree. Don't completely draw the branch; instead, leave it open-ended since it'll be obscured by the leaves.

3. Draw a large circle that encompasses the top of the tree. This will serve as the plumage, so don't bother trying to make a perfect circle, as the circle's only a guide. Begin drawing a line over the circle that's very broken and jagged, making several outward points that are the tree's leaves. Add several random flowers throughout the interior of the jagged outline.

4. Complete the jagged circle and erase the first circle you created. You should now have the rough outline of the magnolia tree. Look at a picture of the tree (or a real one if you have access) and take note of the large leaves. Instead of drawing each and every leaf (a painstaking process that may make your drawing appear messy), draw a few of the leaves placed randomly inside the tree-top perimeter.

5. Turn several of the jagged points on the tree-top outline into leaves as well. This gives the viewer the impression of a tree-top packed with large leaves. Draw a horizontal line directly under the tree trunk or slightly behind it to give the impression of a ground to complete the magnolia tree drawing.

Tips & Warnings

• Retrace your drawing in black ink to make your art stand out on the page.

References

• "Drawing Trees"; Denis Naylor; 2004