added quickstart info to README.md

README.md

@@ -39,6 +39,29 @@ Or clone the GitHub repository directly.
 
 `git clone [email protected]:KatyBrown/plot_phylo.git`
 
+# Quick Start
+For detailed usage instructions, visit our [ReadTheDocs page](https://plot-phylo.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html).
+
+To draw a phylogeny under the default settings onto a blank figure.
+
+```
+import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
+import plot_phylo
+
+# Create an empty plot, 8in (width) by 10in (height) - matplotlib
+f = plt.figure(figsize=(8, 10))
+
+# Add an axis - matplotlib
+ax = plt.subplot()
+
+# Plot the tree on this axis, using the default settings - plot_phylo
+results = plot_phylo.plot_phylo("examples/primates.nw", ax)
+
+# Save the tree - matplotlib
+plt.savefig("examples/basic_plot.png", bbox_inches='tight')
+```
+
+
 # Cite
 
 If you use this repository in your work, please cite: