20 Fall/Autumn Drawing Ideas Focusing on Trees and Leaves

As you settle into your favorite cozy nook by the window with a warm cup of tea, you notice how the leaves outside are turning into shades of amber and crimson. Inspired by the serene view, you reach for your sketchbook, eager to capture the essence of the season. 

After all, Autumn’s charm lies in its fleeting beauty, and what better way to hold onto these moments than through art? 

Focusing on the rich details of trees and leaves, here are some drawing ideas that can help you translate the fall atmosphere onto paper, whether you’re sketching from your quiet home corner or out in the rustling woods. 

Each idea offers a unique perspective on the autumn landscape, perfect for artists seeking to explore the season’s picturesque scenery.

Fall/Autumn Drawing Ideas Focusing on Trees and Leaves

A Wind-Swept Pile of Vibrantly Colored Autumn Leaves

1. Pile Outline: Draw a loose, irregular outline for the pile of leaves.
2. Individual Leaves: Sketch individual leaves within the pile, varying their shapes and sizes.
3. Wind Effect: Show motion by drawing leaves being swept away from the pile.
4. Color: Use vibrant colors like red, orange, yellow, and brown.
5. Shading and Texture: Add shading and texture to give depth and realism.

A Tranquil Pond Surrounded by Autumn Trees Reflecting in the Water

1. Pond Shape: Draw the shape of the pond.
2. Trees: Sketch trees around the pond, showing a mix of autumn colors.
3. Reflections: Mirror the trees’ shapes in the water for reflections.
4. Water Surface: Add gentle ripples to the water surface.
5. Details: Add details like leaves floating on the water and fallen leaves around the pond.

A Squirrel Gathering Acorns Under a Canopy of Orange Leaves

1. Squirrel: Draw the squirrel in a gathering pose, with focus on its bushy tail.
2. Acorns: Sketch a few acorns around the squirrel.
3. Trees: Draw trees with branches full of orange leaves.
4. Ground: Add a few fallen leaves on the ground.
5. Detailing: Add details to the squirrel’s fur and the texture of the acorns.

A Treehouse Nestled Amongst the Autumn Foliage

1. Tree: Draw a sturdy tree trunk with branches.
2. Treehouse: Sketch a small treehouse nestled among the branches.
3. Foliage: Surround the treehouse with dense autumn leaves in various colors.
4. Ladder/Rope: Add a ladder or rope leading up to the treehouse.
5. Details: Include details like windows, a small balcony, and textures on the tree bark.

A Towering Elm Tree with Leaves Scattered on the Ground

1. Tree Trunk: Draw a tall, thick trunk.
2. Branches: Add long, spreading branches.
3. Leaves: Sketch clusters of leaves on the branches.
4. Ground: Draw leaves scattered on the ground around the tree.
5. Shading: Use shading to create depth and highlight the towering height of the tree.

A Family of Deer Resting Beneath Golden-Leaved Trees

1. Deer: Draw a family of deer resting, with different poses for variety.
2. Trees: Sketch trees with branches full of golden leaves.
3. Ground: Add a layer of fallen leaves on the ground.
4. Background: Include distant trees or a forest backdrop.
5. Details: Add details to the deer’s fur and texture to the leaves.

A Row of Trees Alongside a Country Road with Leaves in Transition

1. Road: Draw a winding country road.
2. Trees: Sketch a row of trees alongside the road, with varying leaf colors.
3. Leaves: Show leaves in different stages of transition from green to red and yellow.
4. Ground Cover: Scatter fallen leaves along the roadside.
5. Perspective: Ensure proper perspective to give depth and lead the viewer’s eye along the road.

A Majestic Oak Tree with Leaves Turning from Green to Deep Red

1. Sketch the Outline: Draw the trunk and branches of the oak tree.
2. Add Leaves: Start with green leaves at the top.
3. Transition Colors: Gradually shift from green to red as you move down the tree.
4. Detailing: Add veins and texture to the leaves.
5. Shading: Use light and dark shades to create depth.

A Grove of Maple Trees with Golden Yellow Leaves Falling Gently

1. Draw Tree Trunks: Sketch several maple tree trunks.
2. Add Branches: Draw branches with varying lengths.
3. Leaves: Add clusters of leaves in golden yellow.
4. Falling Leaves: Sketch leaves falling from the branches.
5. Ground Cover: Add fallen leaves on the ground.

A Single Leafless Birch Tree Against a Backdrop of Fiery Autumn Colors

1. Draw the Birch Tree: Sketch the trunk and branches of the birch tree.
2. Add Texture: Use horizontal lines to create the birch bark texture.
3. Background: Fill the background with vibrant autumn colors (reds, oranges, yellows).
4. Contrast: Ensure the birch tree stands out against the colorful backdrop.

An Enchanted Forest Pathway Covered in a Blanket of Colorful Leaves

1. Draw the Pathway: Sketch a winding pathway through the forest.
2. Trees: Add trees on both sides of the path.
3. Leaves: Cover the path with a dense layer of colorful leaves.
4. Detail Trees: Add leaves and branches to the trees.
5. Lighting: Create a dappled light effect to enhance the enchanted feel.

A Tree-Lined Street with Leaves of Crimson, Orange, and Yellow

1. Street Outline: Draw the street and sidewalks.
2. Trees: Add trees lining both sides of the street.
3. Leaves: Fill the trees with a mix of crimson, orange, and yellow leaves.
4. Ground Cover: Scatter fallen leaves along the street and sidewalks.
5. Perspective: Ensure proper perspective to give depth to the street.

Close-Up of an Intricately Detailed Leaf with Dew Drops

1. Leaf Outline: Draw the outline of a single leaf.
2. Veins: Add detailed veins throughout the leaf.
3. Texture: Add texture to the leaf surface.
4. Dew Drops: Sketch small circles for dew drops.
5. Shading: Shade the dew drops to give them a 3D effect.
6. Highlights: Add highlights to the dew drops and leaf for realism.

An Old Tree Stump Surrounded by Fallen Autumn Leaves

1. Tree Stump: Draw a detailed, textured tree stump.
2. Fallen Leaves: Surround the stump with a variety of fallen leaves in autumn colors.
3. Details: Add details to the stump, like rings and bark texture.
4. Ground: Sketch the ground with a mix of grass and leaves.
5. Shading: Use shading to create depth and realism.

A Dramatic Sunset Through the Branches of Bare Autumn Trees

1. Trees: Draw several bare trees with intricate branches.
2. Sunset: Sketch the setting sun behind the trees.
3. Colors: Use vibrant sunset colors (reds, oranges, purples) for the sky.
4. Silhouettes: Make the trees dark silhouettes against the bright sky.
5. Details: Add slight variations in the branches for realism.

A Lonely Bench Underneath a Vibrant Autumn Tree

1. Bench: Draw a simple park bench.
2. Tree: Sketch a large tree with branches full of vibrant autumn leaves.
3. Fallen Leaves: Scatter leaves around and on the bench.
4. Background: Add a subtle background with distant trees or a park setting.
5. Shading: Use shading to create depth and enhance the lonely atmosphere.

A Path Through the Woods with Trees Shedding Their Leaves

1. Path: Draw a winding path through the woods.
2. Trees: Add trees on both sides of the path, with some leaves still on the branches.
3. Shedding Leaves: Show leaves falling from the trees.
4. Ground Cover: Cover the path and surrounding area with fallen leaves.
5. Details: Add texture to the trees and leaves for realism.

A Cluster of Pine Trees with a Floor of Colorful Fallen Leaves

1. Pine Trees: Draw several pine trees with detailed needles.
2. Ground Cover: Cover the ground with a layer of colorful fallen leaves.
3. Details: Add pinecones and small branches on the ground.
4. Shading: Use shading to add depth and texture to the trees and leaves.
5. Background: Include subtle hints of more trees in the distance.

A Leaf Pile with Children Jumping and Playing

1. Leaf Pile: Draw a large, uneven pile of leaves.
2. Children: Sketch children in various playful poses, jumping and throwing leaves.
3. Details: Add details to the children’s clothing and expressions.
4. Leaves: Show leaves being tossed into the air.
5. Background: Include a simple background with a few trees or a park setting.

A Tree Swing Hanging from a Branch of a Grand Maple Tree in Fall

1. Maple Tree: Draw a large maple tree with a thick trunk and spreading branches.
2. Swing: Sketch a swing hanging from one of the branches.
3. Leaves: Fill the tree with autumn-colored leaves.
4. Ground Cover: Add fallen leaves on the ground around the tree.
5. Details: Include details on the swing, like the ropes and seat, and texture on the tree bark.