Here is a basic outline of a pine tree. Getting the outline is the most important part, as it lays the base down for the rest of your detail. If the outline does not look right, good detail cannot make up for it. Pine trees tend to be fairly slender, and thin to a fine point at the top. Branches are long and extend upwards, especially towards the top.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2Fk9dec5eip%2Fimage.png&hash=d6cce72701f93924cde97e1cff825e75)
If you're going for the best realism, inserting branches at various points on the tree will help create a 3D look. All trees have different branches! If you need help, use references!
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs30.postimg.org%2Ffm7cadr5t%2Fimage.png&hash=bc7b5f7580b2996ef7d426559831239b)
Next up will be doing the bark:
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.org%2Fmlw8qj7a5%2Fimage.png&hash=9d4763d94e00e329a781c208f9e5261c)
In general, you cannot go wrong with small, round lines while detailing bark on trees. Pine trees tend to have large bark plates lower on the tree, and small plates on up the trunk. While you work your way up, keep that in mind. If you're new to realistic detail, I recommend using either all black or all scenery (grey) lines for bark. Using both requires some work and messing around with.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.org%2Forqjl1aql%2F4_Ref.png&hash=6cd679c25ec8f7ea30a320599b3246c6)
Here is an idea of what I did for pine needles on this tree. You don't have to use black, you can use scenery if you like. I tend to use scenery more often for leaves but black worked better with this tree. Pine tree needles come in bunches typically at the end of curved branches.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.org%2Fs38kxwkfv%2F5_leaves.png&hash=56b8108f1f478ecc17d45da1d0dcfc13)
What it will look like as you continue to add bunches of needles/leaves:
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.org%2Fng2iw4x2z%2Fimage.png&hash=f0f4b9b7ff452664902408f0f4a80b7e)
It is important to note I drew needles over the top of the tree trunk in some areas. This can add a lot to a tree if done well.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.org%2Fffo87ng57%2Fimage.png&hash=99f07e4b49947faec36b3336423f8bf5)
I noticed while filling in this tree that there were more open spots than I cared for, and since I was going for a fuller tree, I added some new branches, most of which I colored in all black to suggest they were in the background.
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.org%2F89wh57723%2Fimage.png&hash=d03aa32fb4343dafd85f4dd67ffb3212)
End product:
![[IMG]](proxy.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.org%2Ff1mw81w1n%2Fimage.png&hash=c2c17b21bd12c426d495680d9eb2a847)
Keep in mind a tree like this takes a long time to draw as well as master. Expect spending at least 2 hours on a single tree if you want it to look like this. Ways to cut down the time include: Smaller size/dimensions, sparser tree with less branches/needles, and using a brush tool rather than drawing line by line.