Imagine a flower that looks like it’s giving itself a cozy hug, with its petals curving in towards the center. That’s the incurved chrysanthemum – a fluffy ball of color and beauty.
Drawing this flower is like telling a story with your pencil. To nail it, observe how the petals are tightly packed and curved. Plus, pay attention to the layered arrangement of these petals, which contributes to the flower’s fullness and depth.
In this tutorial on how to draw a chrysanthemum, we’ll show you simple and detailed steps to recreate this flower’s visually striking and captivating appearance. Its thin petals might make you feel intimidated at first but once you’ve got our guide on hand, you’ll soonly master this drawing and be proud of it.
Now, study the flower carefully and get your supplies ready for the amazing chrysanthemum tutorial below!
How to Draw a Chrysanthemum Flower – Step by Step Tutorial
Step 1: For this complicated bloom, it’s much easier that you have its basic sketch first. Start by choosing its center point on the top half of your canvas. Then, draw light, curved lines radiating out from this center. Vary their lengths for a vibrant look as well as to indicate different layers of the chrysanthemum.
Step 2: Please notice that these curved lines will also represent the direction of the petals. Look at our reference picture (or a real image) of this bloom and you’ll realize that the petals will curve into two main directions: one is upward and inwards, the other is downward and inwards.
The number of petals pointing upward appears to be dominant. So let’s take this as the second notice and complete your sketch.
Step 3: Now, complete the first layer of petals. They’re small inner petals around the center circle. Use slight curved lines to form their shapes and make sure they point inwards.
These petals should overlap slightly, creating a cozy feel. Don’t worry about making them perfect – a little asymmetry adds to the charm.
Step 4: Draw the next layer of petals. It should have slightly larger petals compared to the previous layer. You can use gentle curves or partial “U” shapes to create these petals.
Step 5: Continue adding more layers of petals around the center. Think of them as ripples in a pond, radiating out from the center.
Step 6: Pay attention to the bottom petals of the flower. The petals here might be a bit more spread out. They should still curve slightly inward, but not as tightly as the petals closer to the center.
Well, you might breathe a sigh of relief since you’ve passed the most challenging part of this chrysanthemum drawing – the flower head. Now, moving onto the rest which is much simpler to complete your masterpiece.
Step 7: In this step, you’ll deal with a basic sketch for the stem and foliage. Begin by extending long, slightly curved lines down from the base of your chrysanthemum head. This line will be the stem.
Then draw slightly curved lines from both sides of the stem to represent the main veins of the leaves.
Step 8: Chrysanthemum leaves are often lobed or serrated, so draw wavy, slightly jagged lines extending out from each base of the main vein.
Remember that leaves come in different sizes can be pictured in different view points, so feel free to vary the shapes and lengths.
Step 9: Have you finished your pencil sketch? Well done! Here comes the reward of colors to soothe your eyes and showcase the chrysanthemums’s vibrant beauty.
Chrysanthemums come in a wide range of colors, so you can get creative with your choices. Consider using shades of pinks, yellows, oranges, and whites for a traditional look, or explore bicolors for a unique twist.
Once you’ve decided, apply a flat base of this color to the flower head. Try to keep the color consistent on each petal for now.
Step 10: Next, add a slightly darker shade of the same color to the areas where the petals overlap or near the center base. Blend the colors gently using your coloring tool or by layering strokes.
Then add highlights by using a lighter color to make certain parts pop (usually at the top of the petals). This will create depth and make the flower look more realistic..
Step 11: For the stem and foliage, start with a flat layer of a mid-tone green.
Step 12: Then use a lighter stroke to highlight the edges and add some additional details to the leaves (the extra veins, for example).
Take a step back and review your coloring. Does it get the vibe that you desire? Feel free to make any necessary adjustments or additions. You can add more details, adjust shading, or enhance highlights to make your chrysanthemum even more realistic.
Instructional Video
Final Step
Tadaaa! A beautiful chrysanthemum is right in front of you.
Congratulations on your successful journey of drawing a chrysanthemum. You’ve put lots of time and effort in sketching every intricate detail and now is the time to let your artistic spirit be honored by sharing this flower to everyone.
This tutorial of how to draw a chrysanthemum can be a starting point for your artistic growth and experimentation. Consider taking your artwork further by playing with different color schemes (such as a combination of orange and yellow or lavender and white) or drawing the chrysanthemum from different angles or perspectives to add dynamism.
How about incorporating other flowers or botanical elements to create a rich floral composition? Try familiar blooms that you’ve drawn before or choosing a brand new one (visit other tutorials in our website to get inspiration).
You can also enhance the visual impact by adding a background. It could be a simple colorwash (like we’ve had below) or a garden landscape that complements the chrysanthemum’s beauty.
The ideas are endless. Keep creating, experimenting, and embracing the beauty of natural world right in your sketch book.
