How to draw a Christmas tree.
The Holiday Spirit in Digital Art
Personal Introduction
I’ve always found creating holiday-themed art to be an exciting and heartwarming experience, and Christmas trees are one of my absolute favorite subjects to illustrate. There’s something magical about the way they capture the essence of the season—bright lights, festive decorations, and a sense of joy.
When I create digital art of a Christmas tree, I’m not just drawing a tree; I’m channeling all the warmth and happiness that comes with the holidays. Whether it’s a simple tree or an extravagant one, each one brings a unique, cheerful vibe to the artwork, and that’s what makes it so fun to bring to life digitally.
Why Christmas Trees
Christmas trees are more than just a holiday decoration—they’re an icon of the season. From the moment we decorate them, they become the focal point of our celebrations, representing family, tradition, and festive joy. The beauty of a Christmas tree lies in its layers—lush green branches, sparkling lights, and colorful ornaments that come together to create a symbol of cheer and togetherness.
This makes it an ideal subject for digital art because there are so many ways to experiment with colors, textures, and lights. I love how drawing a Christmas tree brings out all the festive emotions and fills my artwork with a sense of holiday magic.
Overview of What to Expect
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the entire process of drawing a digital Christmas tree, step by step. From setting up your digital canvas to adding those finishing touches that really make your tree shine, I’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced digital artist, this guide will help you break down the process into manageable parts.
We’ll explore how to sketch, ink, add color, and give your tree those magical decorations that make it truly festive. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the skills to create your own unique digital Christmas tree that’s full of holiday cheer!
Choosing Your Digital Tools
Software
When it comes to creating digital art, the software you choose can make a big difference in your workflow and the final result. Personally, I love using Procreate for its user-friendly interface and versatile brush options, making it perfect for everything from sketching to fine details. It’s especially great for beginners, as it’s intuitive and accessible without overwhelming you with too many complicated features.
For more advanced work, I also use Photoshop, which offers powerful tools like layer masks, blending modes, and a wide array of brushes that help me take my artwork to the next level. Both programs allow you to work in layers, which is crucial for keeping your art organized and flexible.
If you’re just starting out, there are also free alternatives like Krita or Clip Studio Paint, which offer similar functionalities and are perfect for honing your skills.
We have also written helpful guides for these programs.
- Best Procreate Tips & Tricks for Beginners
- How to Add Photoshop Textures to Your Digital Art
- Krita for Animation: Easy Tutorial
Hardware
The right tools can make a world of difference when creating digital art, especially for something as detailed as a Christmas tree. A good tablet and stylus are essential for drawing smooth, precise lines and adding intricate details. I personally use the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil for its responsiveness and pressure sensitivity, which gives me a natural, tactile feel when drawing.
However, if you’re on a budget, there are more affordable options like the Wacom Intuos tablet, which works great with software like Photoshop and Procreate. The key is finding a setup that feels comfortable and gives you the control you need to create the detailed branches, ornaments, and lights of your tree. Investing in good equipment is worth it—it not only enhances the quality of your work but also makes the entire digital drawing process more enjoyable.
Workspace Setup
Creating a clean, organized workspace is essential for any digital artist, especially when you’re working on a complex subject like a Christmas tree.
First things first, make sure your canvas is the right size for your project—whether you’re working on a full-page illustration or something more compact for social media. I typically start with a large canvas to give myself plenty of space for all the details.
Next, set up your layers early on. I recommend creating separate layers for the background, tree trunk, foliage, ornaments, and lights. This will help keep your work neat and allow you to make changes without affecting other parts of the drawing.
You can also group layers together to stay organized. With a clear and structured workspace, you’ll be able to focus on your creativity and enjoy the process without feeling overwhelmed.
Setting Up the Canvas
Canvas Size
When setting up your canvas for a Christmas tree drawing, it’s important to choose a size that gives you enough room to include all the details you want while still keeping it manageable. I typically go for a canvas size of 3000 x 4000 pixels, which gives me ample space for creating intricate details like ornaments, lights, and the texture of the tree branches.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry about going too big—something around 1500 x 2000 pixels can still give you plenty of room to work without feeling overwhelmed. The key is to find a balance: large enough to capture the details of the tree but not so large that it becomes difficult to handle. This size also makes it easier to zoom in and out to focus on different sections without losing sight of the overall design.
Resolution
Resolution is a crucial factor when it comes to digital art, especially if you plan on printing your work or sharing it in high-quality formats. For Christmas tree artwork that you want to print, I always set my resolution to 300 dpi (dots per inch). This ensures that the image retains its crispness and sharpness when printed at a larger size. However, if you’re only planning to share your art on social media, you can lower the resolution to 150 or 72 dpi.
This keeps the file size smaller and ensures faster uploads without sacrificing much quality on screens. So, depending on your end goal—whether it’s a printed holiday card or an Instagram post—adjusting the resolution helps you achieve the best results for each platform.
Initial Layer Setup
One of the best tips I can share for creating a successful digital artwork is to set up your layers properly from the start. I always begin by creating separate layers for the rough sketch, line art, and background. The rough sketch layer is where I draw out the basic shape of the Christmas tree—nothing too detailed, just the rough outline.
After that, I create a new layer for the line art, where I clean up the sketch and define the final lines. This separation makes it much easier to adjust the elements later without disrupting the rest of the drawing. I also create a layer for the background to make sure it’s distinct from the tree itself.
By organizing your layers this way, you can work more efficiently, stay organized, and easily make changes throughout the process.
Sketching the Christmas Tree
Rough Sketching
Starting with a basic sketch is one of the most important steps in creating a Christmas tree drawing, and it’s where the magic begins. I always begin by using a light hand and simple shapes to map out the general form of the tree. Think of it like building a structure before decorating it. I start with a vertical line for the trunk and simple triangular shapes for the tree’s layers.
This rough sketch serves as my guide, so I keep it loose and avoid worrying too much about the details at this stage. The goal here is to establish the proportions and overall flow of the tree. By starting with simple shapes, you create a solid foundation that will support all the intricate details you’ll add later.
Adding Details
Once I’m happy with the rough sketch, I start adding more detail to bring the Christmas tree to life. This is where the tree really begins to take shape and feel three-dimensional. I begin with the trunk, adding texture and depth to give it a natural, wood-like appearance. Then, I focus on the branches, making sure they spread out from the trunk in a way that feels organic.
As I layer the branches, I start to think about depth, adding smaller, finer branches toward the top and more fullness at the bottom. This layering effect helps create that beautiful, three-dimensional feel that makes the tree look full and real. I take my time here, adding each detail slowly so that it gradually builds up into something special.
Personal Tip
To keep the rough sketch light and easy to edit, I use a trick that’s made a huge difference in my workflow: I sketch using a completely different color or lower opacity than my final lines. I often choose a light blue or light gray for my sketch layer. This helps me distinguish between the initial sketch and the final lines I’ll clean up later.
By using a color that contrasts with the final black or darker lines, I can see my progress and make adjustments without getting caught up in details too early. This trick not only makes the sketch easier to work with but also allows me to stay flexible throughout the process, making changes without worrying about ruining the whole drawing.
Outlining the Tree
Inking the Sketch
Once I’m happy with the rough sketch, it’s time to bring the Christmas tree to life by inking it with clean, bold lines. I love this part because it’s where all the details come together.
To start, I switch to a new layer and carefully trace over the sketch with a steady hand. I use line thickness and pressure sensitivity to add variety to the lines.
For the trunk and main branches, I use slightly thicker lines to give them more weight, while for the smaller branches and details, I go with finer lines. Pressure sensitivity is key here, especially when using a stylus—pressing lightly creates thinner lines while pressing harder creates thicker, bold strokes.
I always remind myself to go slow and steady, taking my time to make sure the lines are clean and smooth. This part can be tricky, but with practice, it becomes a very satisfying step in the process.
Adding Tree Shape and Texture
With the inking done, the next step is to really bring the tree to life by focusing on the layers of branches and adding texture. I start with the lower branches, making them fuller and thicker, then work my way up, gradually making the upper branches lighter and more delicate.
To give the tree texture, I add subtle lines and shading to the branches to mimic the appearance of pine needles. I use short, curved strokes to build up the texture, making sure to vary the direction to keep it natural. The goal is to make the tree feel full and realistic as if it’s bursting with holiday cheer.
I also pay attention to the tree’s shape—slightly rounder at the bottom, tapering toward the top—to create a sense of depth and perspective. As I continue, I make adjustments, layering the branches and adding small details to make the tree feel complete.
Personal Tip
A technique I use to ensure smooth, consistent lines when inking is adjusting the brush settings to suit my needs. For inking, I love using a brush with a slight texture to give the lines a bit of character, but I also make sure the brush is smooth enough to create clean, precise strokes.
One of my favorite settings is reducing the opacity jitter and increasing the stabilization in my brush settings. This helps me get those steady, fluid lines without too much wobble. I also adjust the flow settings to make sure the lines aren’t too thin or inconsistent.
It’s all about finding the right balance that works for your drawing style, and experimenting with these settings can make a huge difference in how clean and professional your inking looks. This technique has helped me achieve smooth, consistent lines every time I sit down to work on a digital piece.
Adding the Christmas Tree Decorations
Lights and Ornaments
Now comes the fun part—adding all the festive details like ornaments, garlands, and lights to your Christmas tree. I love this step because it’s where the tree really starts to sparkle and come to life! When adding ornaments and garlands, I focus on keeping a balance between variety and harmony. I mix different shapes and sizes of ornaments—round baubles, stars, and even some whimsical ones like candy canes or tiny gifts.
For the garland, I might go for something simple like beads or a more intricate pattern like tinsel. Lights are the key to giving the tree a magical glow, so I’m careful about where I place them. I add a few clusters of lights in different areas and make sure they are scattered in a way that feels balanced.
I also make sure the lights vary in size and brightness to give a more dynamic look. The combination of these elements will give your tree a festive, full, and lively feel—just like the real thing!
Shading for Depth
Shading is one of my favorite techniques to add depth and make the tree and decorations feel three-dimensional. Without shading, everything can look flat and lifeless, but with the right touches, your Christmas tree will really pop off the page. For the ornaments, I focus on adding a bit of shadow on one side to give them a rounded, 3D appearance.
I use a soft brush with low opacity and build up the shading gradually, paying attention to the light source. For the tree branches, I add shading under the edges of each branch to make the tree appear fuller. I also work with the natural curves of the branches to add dimension, darkening areas where the branches overlap and lightening the areas where the light would hit.
This contrast between light and dark makes the tree feel alive and adds a realistic sense of volume. By gradually adding shading, your tree will start to feel like it’s glowing with holiday spirit.
Personal Touches
No Christmas tree is complete without a few personal touches that make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s a twinkling star on top, a pretty ribbon draped over the branches, or a little present tucked under the tree, these details are what truly set your tree apart.
Personally, I love adding a bright, golden star on top of the tree—it’s simple, but it gives the tree that extra bit of magic. Ribbons can add elegance and texture, so I’ll sometimes add a flowing ribbon that weaves in and out of the branches. Even little things like extra twinkling lights or tiny hand-drawn snowflakes on the ornaments can add charm and personality to the scene. These small elements make the tree feel like it’s ready for a cozy holiday celebration.
When I add these personal touches, I think about what represents my own holiday spirit, making the tree feel warm and inviting for anyone who sees it.
Adding Color
Base Colors
When it comes to choosing base colors for the tree, trunk, and decorations, I like to start by thinking about the overall feel I want for the Christmas tree. For a traditional look, I always go for rich, classic colors like deep greens for the tree, browns for the trunk, and reds and gold for the ornaments and decorations. I’ll pick a few different shades of green to make the tree feel more layered and natural. For the trunk, a warm brown or reddish-brown works best to mimic the look of a real tree.
When selecting colors for the ornaments, I’ll stick with festive shades like gold, silver, and red, as these always evoke a sense of holiday cheer. The key is to create a balanced palette that feels cohesive and joyful but also has enough contrast to make the tree pop. I try to avoid using too many similar tones, as I want each element to stand out while still feeling harmonious.
Layering and Blending
One of the most important concepts I use when adding color to my Christmas tree is layering and blending. Instead of coloring everything in one flat layer, I build up my colors gradually using multiple layers. I’ll start by laying down a basic base color for the tree and trunk, then create separate layers for the ornaments, garlands, and lights.
Once I have my base colors down, I like to use the airbrush or blending tool to create smooth gradients and transitions between the shades. The airbrush is great for softening harsh edges and blending colors together in a way that mimics the smooth natural transitions of light and shadow. I’ll go back and forth between the airbrush and the regular brush tool, adjusting opacity and pressure, until I get that soft, seamless gradient effect.
This technique gives the tree a sense of depth and makes it feel more dynamic. Layering and blending also allow me to make changes easily without affecting the underlying layers, which helps me stay organized.
Personal Tip
One of my favorite techniques for adding dimension to the Christmas tree is working with subtle highlights and shadows. To make the tree look more three-dimensional, I’ll add highlights to areas where the light would naturally hit, like the tips of the tree branches and the edges of ornaments.
These highlights add a sense of realism and make the tree feel like it’s glowing. On the other hand, I use shadows to create depth, particularly around the base of the tree, the underside of branches, and the ornaments. I’ll use a slightly darker color than my base and apply it with a soft brush to give a gentle shadow.
By blending these highlights and shadows together, I create the illusion of volume and light reflection, which makes my tree feel more lifelike and dynamic. This small but effective detail really brings my digital Christmas tree to life and makes it feel ready to shine for the holidays.
Enhancing the Background
Simple Background Ideas
When I’m working on a Christmas tree illustration, I love to think of background ideas that complement the festive spirit without overwhelming the tree itself. Snowflakes are always a classic choice—whether they’re delicate and random or large and bold, they give that cozy, wintery feel to the scene.
Another favorite background is a light bokeh effect, where soft circles of light gently fade into the distance, mimicking twinkling lights or street lamps in the background. Sometimes, I go for something more subtle, like a simple night sky filled with stars.
The key is to keep it simple and airy so that the focus stays on the Christmas tree but still adds that extra touch of holiday magic.
How to Make the Tree Stand Out
Contrast is everything when it comes to making the Christmas tree stand out in your artwork! I always pay attention to how the colors of the tree and decorations interact with the background. If the tree is vibrant with reds, greens, and gold, I’ll opt for a darker background, like a deep navy or dark purple.
This contrast allows the tree to feel more vivid and gives it that beautiful pop of color. On the other hand, if I want a more dreamy, glowing effect, I might choose a lighter background, such as soft pastel blues or a light gradient that still complements the tree but lets the colors shine. Creating that contrast makes the tree feel more dynamic and visually striking.
Creating a Magical Feel
One of my favorite tricks to make my Christmas trees look even more magical is adding a soft lighting or glow effect around the tree. This can be done with a gentle brushstroke of light, like a warm yellow or light white, around the edges of the tree and ornaments. It mimics the effect of the tree being illuminated by soft lights and adds an ethereal feel to the scene.
I also like to add a slight glow around the star on top to make it feel like it’s shining in the night. This technique really brings the tree to life and makes it feel like it’s glowing from within, creating that warm, inviting holiday ambiance.
Final Touches and Refining the Artwork
Adding Small Details
When I’m nearing the end of my digital Christmas tree illustration, I love to bring in small, magical details that really enhance the festive atmosphere. Snow is a favorite—it adds a layer of winter charm, especially when it’s gently falling around the tree. I also like to incorporate sparkles, which can give the tree that extra bit of holiday magic.
You can do this by adding tiny, soft glints of light to the ornaments, the tree branches, or even the background. Subtle lighting effects are another great way to elevate the scene, like a soft glow around the star or the garland. These little details make all the difference in adding that final, enchanting touch to your artwork.
Refining the Edges
Now, it’s time to clean things up! Refining the edges of your drawing is a crucial step in making sure everything feels polished and professional. I’ll zoom in and carefully go over any lines that may have gotten too messy or uneven during the process. This includes tidying up the tree’s branches, ensuring the ornaments are neatly defined, and cleaning up the edges of the tree trunk.
It’s also a good idea to check the overall alignment and proportion of the tree and decorations. Sometimes, a little tweaking in areas like the placement of ornaments or the spacing between branches can really make the tree feel more balanced and visually appealing.
Adding the Final Touches and Sparkling Details
One of my personal tricks for adding those final, small touches is to zoom in on my artwork to focus on the tiniest of details. When I get closer, I can really refine things like the sharpness of lines or the placement of tiny snowflakes and sparkles. It’s in these moments of zooming in that I can see the areas that need a little more attention—whether it’s smoothing out a jagged edge or enhancing the shine of an ornament.
I also use this zoomed-in approach to ensure that all the tiny highlights, shadows, and effects I’ve added look cohesive and sharp. It’s amazing how those small adjustments can make a huge difference in the final look of the tree, making it feel complete and polished!
Exporting Your Artwork
File Formats
When it comes to saving your digital artwork, choosing the right file format is essential, depending on what you plan to do with your tree illustration. If you’re looking to share your artwork online, I recommend saving it as a PNG. This format supports transparency, which can be really helpful if you want to use your artwork against different backgrounds, and it’s perfect for web use because it keeps the quality high without making the file too large.
For high-quality prints, I suggest going with TIFF or PDF. These file types preserve all the fine details and ensure that your artwork looks as sharp and vibrant as possible when printed. No matter the format, always make sure your file is saved in the highest resolution possible for the best results!
Sharing Your Tree
Now that your tree is all finished, it’s time to share it with the world! Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Etsy are perfect places to showcase your festive artwork.
For Instagram, keep in mind that square images (1080×1080 pixels) tend to perform best, while on Pinterest, you’ll want to go for a vertical image with a 2:3 aspect ratio, around 1000×1500 pixels, to get more engagement. If you’re selling your artwork on Etsy, make sure your images are crisp and clear, showcasing all the small details that make your tree special.
Also, remember to use relevant hashtags and keywords that relate to Christmas and holiday-themed art to help your work get discovered by others!
How I Export My Work
When exporting my digital art, I’ve learned that paying attention to the export settings can make a big difference in maintaining the quality of my work. I always double-check the resolution, making sure it’s set to at least 300 dpi for print-ready files.
For web files like PNGs, I save them at 72 dpi, which is perfect for online sharing. When exporting, I also ensure that I’m not compressing the file too much, as this can cause a loss of detail. It’s all about balancing file size and quality—small enough for easy sharing, but high enough to maintain the vibrant colors and crisp lines I worked so hard to create.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create your very own digital Christmas tree! If you’re looking for more holiday-themed art tutorials to keep the festive spirit alive, be sure to check out the other posts on the blog. Whether you’re into drawing winter landscapes, holiday characters, or more Christmas decorations, there’s something here for every level of artist.
Plus, joining the Artistic Trio Studio community is a great way to connect with fellow creators, share ideas, and grow your skills. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date on new tutorials, tips, and more creative inspiration!
Bringing Holiday Cheer!
Creating this digital Christmas tree has been such a fun and satisfying experience! There’s something about bringing a little holiday cheer to life through art that’s truly magical. From the initial rough sketch to the final glowing lights, each step feels like a celebration.
It’s so rewarding to see how a few simple lines and colors can transform into a piece that spreads joy. Whether you’re drawing for yourself or sharing it with others, a digital Christmas tree is sure to bring some festive warmth and holiday spirit wherever it goes. It’s like creating a little piece of Christmas magic!
Share Your Work with Us!
Now it’s your turn! I encourage you to try your own version of the Christmas tree, whether you stick to a classic look or add your own creative twist. The beauty of digital art is that there are no limits—experiment with different styles, colors, and textures to make it uniquely yours.
I’d absolutely love to see what you come up with! Share your artwork with me on social media or leave a comment below with your designs. Let’s keep the holiday creativity flowing, and I can’t wait to see how you make this Christmas tree your own!
Stay Inspired,
Greg