How To Draw Roses

I have spent some time experimenting with drawing roses and have discovered a simple technique that anyone can try. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the process. It may take some practice, but I assure you that soon your house will be adorned with delightful sketches of roses. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Quick Guide to Drawing Roses

To get started right away, take a look at this poster I’ve created. If you prefer more detailed instructions, scroll down. I’ve used different colors for each step: pink/red for the first line, purple for the next, and blue for the final touch. The light green indicates areas that were erased afterwards. Once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s all about visualizing and assembling the petals to form a beautiful flower. Whether you’re drawing from a side view or a top view, the key is putting the petals together.

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For the three roses I’ve drawn below, I used the Macro Refine Colored Pencils that I received as a birthday gift. Although they are different from my beloved Prismacolors, they are a more affordable option for those interested in coloring with pencils. Additionally, I used Strathmore Bristol Paper, 11 by 14 inches for this drawing.

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions for Drawing Roses

Let’s dive into the process of drawing roses step by step. I have drawn three roses: one facing the viewer, one at a slight angle, and one facing away.

1. Start by sketching a small oval shape, which will serve as the center of the rose. Add a few lines inside and outside the center to create depth. Then, begin adding petals.
2. Gradually add more rose petals, radiating from the center. These petals are slightly curved lines that encircle the circle.
3. Keep adding petals, making some of them slightly pointy towards the center.
4. For the rose facing the viewer, continue working in a circular manner, adding 3 to 5 petals for each layer.
5. Strive to maintain overall balance in the flower. On the right side of the photo, I have marked the order in which the petals were drawn.
6. Add a few more petals, evenly distributed around the circle. Congratulations, your first flower is complete!
7. Don’t forget to draw a stem and a few leaves to complement the rose.

Here is the finished first rose and the initial stages of the second rose.

8. Move on to the second flower. Start with a tube-like shape with a slight opening. Then, indicate the petals by adding curved lines.
9. Continue adding petals, focusing on creating a sense of depth by curving the lines and indicating bends in the petals.
10. Add lines extending from the edge of each petal down to the base of the rose. Include one petal facing outward to add variation.
11. Expand the number of petals, making the flower appear more open. Ensure that the petals are connected to the base of the rose.
12. Lastly, add a few more petals, including one that bends outward, partially covering the base.

Time to draw the third rose, which faces away from the viewer. Begin with a heart-shaped petal, as shown in the photo above.

13. Add a few more petals, attaching them to the base of the rose.
14. Continue adding petals, now showing from behind the initial part of the rose.
15. Include one more petal facing outward, similar to the second flower. Don’t forget to add a stem and some leaves.

To create a backdrop resembling an open sky, use light blue to draw a few clouds. Use the same shade of light blue to add shadows to the roses, leaves, and sky. Keep the background color consistent.

To add depth, darken the bottom of the page with black. Use dark pine green to bring out even more dimension and add details to the leaves. Apply light green to enhance the color of the leaves and stems, along with shading for the white roses.

Since white is a combination of various colors, add shadows to the roses using pink, tan, and yellow pencils. Additionally, use silver to highlight the clouds and incorporate more shades of blue into the sky and the roses.

Here are the colors I used from left to right. Whenever I used a color on the drawing, I made sure to also use it to darken the bottom portion of the picture.

To further enhance the sky and roses, add touches of purple and additional shades of blue. Utilize the white pencil generously on the white areas of the flowers and clouds. Lastly, intensify the greens on the leaves and stems.

Voila! You have completed the drawing. While I wish the colors were a bit richer, there is always room for improvement. Give it another shot next time and see how your skills progress!