Marigolds are vibrant flowers that boast a range of special characteristics, making them a captivating subject for artists.
They typically have a daisy-like appearance with multiple layers of petals arranged around a central disc. Marigolds are also renowned for their vibrant color spectrum, which includes shades of golden yellows, deep oranges, and even rich reds. These hues create an immediate visual impact and lend an unmistakable charm to the flower.
As you embark on the journey of drawing a marigold, take a moment to immerse yourself in its special features (from its photo on the internet or marigold in real life) so that you can successfully capture them on your paper.
In this article, we’ll show you how to draw a marigold, leading you through every single step that not only makes a complete sketch of this flower but also let it dance in colors. Follow this guide carefully and you’re bound to create a new centerpiece in your life.
How to Draw a Marigold Flower – Step by Step Tutorial
Before coming to details, remember that marigolds typically have multiple layers of petals arranged around a central disc. These petals are both intricate and diverse, with variations in shape and curling that create a fascinating texture. Capturing the gentle center and layers of petals is key to enhancing the dimension of your artwork.
So let’s dive into this tutorial by sketching the central disc floret first.
Step 1: Begin by drawing a few short, curved lines extending from the center. These lines will serve as the small petals that surround the disc.
Not that the central disc of marigolds is often darker in color, which provides an eye-catching contrast to the petals. Thus, it’s essential to add extra light strokes to this part for a realistic effect.
Step 2: Draw two more petals radiating outward from the center and partially overlap the previous ones. Each petal should be relatively short and a bit rounded at the tip.
Step 3: Around the central disc, draw a series of small petals to form layers of the ray floret. Start with some single petals first.
Step 4: When drawing these petals, it’s good that you vary their size and shape to create a natural look.
Step 5: Go over the outlines of the petals to make them more defined (if needed) and add gentle curves along the edges for a natural appearance. Also, add subtle lines or curves within the petals to create a sense of texture.
Step 6: Keep drawing more layers of petals extending outwards. These petals can be slightly larger than the previous layers. They should also overlap the petals for a natural-looking appearance.
Note that we’re drawing this marigold from an angled view. Thus, the petals placed below the central disc will appear to be much larger than those on the top. Mark this difference to apply to your drawing or in case you want to sketch more marigolds in different side views.
Step 7: Repeat the process of adding details to those newly drawn petals. Then you’ve got a beautiful flower head before moving to the next parts.
Step 8: In this step, draw a slender stem from the base of the marigold’s floral disc, extending downward. At the base of this main stem, draw smaller lines branching out at an angle to create a small branch for the foliage.
Step 9: Add the first marigold leaf from the main stem. It usually has an elongated oval shape, pointy on the tip. Then draw slight serrations along the outer edges of the leaf to give it a realistic appearance.
Additionally. marigold leaves are often slightly lobed and have a textured surface. So draw a central vein extending from the base of this leaf then add extra lines branching outwards to the edges for a better effect.
Step 10: To elevate the leaf drawing to the next level, try another one that might be folding and winding.
To start, imagine the centerline of the leaf where it folds or curls. Then draw a slightly curved line that follows this centerline.
On one side of the leaf, draw a wavy line that represents a fold or a curl. On the opposite side, draw another curved line that suggests the leaf winding around its central vein.
Finally, refine the shape then add details to enhance its look.
Step 11: When you’ve already nailed different ways to draw the leaves, add more of them to the main stem and the branch too. Again, it’s crucial to let them appear differently in shape, size, direction, and the way they curve or fold.
Step 12: Coming to this step of coloring is a sign that depicts you’ve nearly finished this tutorial.
We’ll start with the flower head first. As we’ve mentioned, marigolds are known for their stunning and vibrant colors, particularly shades of golden yellow and warm orange. Based on this fact, let’s begin with a coat base of yellow.
Step 13: With a slightly darker shade of yellow, add another layer of color to create texture. Remember to leave some areas lighter to create highlights, usually at the petals’ tips.
Step 14: In this step, apply a dark orange color to the base of each petal where they meet the central disc, extending a bit to its middle. Now you might realize how vibrant and eye-catching your marigold turns out to be.
Step 15: Don’t forget to blend the yellow and dark orange colors where they meet. This will create a smooth transition between the two shades.
Step 16: Moving onto the stem, use smooth and even strokes to cover the entire stem with green.
Step 17: For the leaves, use the same light or medium shade of green that you used for the stem. Apply smooth strokes, covering the entire leaves except for some of their tips or edges’ areas.
Step 18: Now, add dimension to the stem and leaves with a darker shade of green.
Step 19: Then apply a much darker shade for the final touch. It’s usually applied to those areas that are at the base or middle, and the leaves intertwine, fold, or curve.
Finally, it’s time to take a few step backs to review your drawing and many any adjustments if needed.
Instructional Video
Final Step
We’re so glad that you’ve finished this tutorial on how to draw a marigold. Big applause to you!
While it’s essential to revise those drawing and coloring techniques we’ve shared (from layering each petal to blending different colors), we’re looking forward to seeing an upgraded version of your marigold.
Need some ideas for developing? Well, we encourage you to play with different backgrounds (our picture below is an example). There’s no need to make it complicated, a colored backdrop is all you need to enhance the flower’s prominence.
Interested in colors? Then delve into color blending techniques by softly layering different shades, besides yellow-orange. Meanwhile, observe the light and shadow then practice creating realistic shading to enhance three-dimensionality.
It’s also a great idea to push your skills further by incorporating various textures. Focus on creating a tactile sensation in your drawing – whether it’s the crinkled texture of the marigold petals or the smoothness of its central disc.
Feel free to experiment. We hope you enjoyed your time spending with us!
