Sunflowers are undeniably one of the most exquisite flowers. If you’re eager to learn how to draw a realistic sunflower, you’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process with simple steps. All you need is a blank sheet of paper, a pencil, and an eraser to get started. So, let’s begin!
Step 1: Getting Started with Basic Shapes
To make the drawing process easier, we’ll start by creating some guidelines. Begin by drawing a large circle, which represents the round head of a common sunflower. Inside this first circle, draw a smaller circle, and then another even smaller circle within the second one. These circles will serve as the foundation for the sunflower.
Step 2: Drawing the First Layer of Petals
Now it’s time to bring the sunflower to life by adding the petals. Sunflower petals, also known as ray florets, are predominantly oval-shaped. Start by drawing an oval-shaped petal from the second circle to the outer one. Continue adding more petals around the center using the same technique. To achieve a realistic look, make sure the tips of the petals are slightly pointy. Remember, the petals don’t have to be perfect ovals or identical to each other. Vary their shapes and sizes to make them appear more natural.
- Feel free to create wavy tips on some petals.
- Experiment with folding some petals to the back or front.
- Add smaller petals in front of the others for added depth.
Step 3: Adding the Outer Layer of Petals
After completing the first layer of petals, it’s time to add another layer behind them. Fill any gaps between the first layer of petals by drawing additional petals in different shapes and sizes. These petals will only be partially visible, as they will sit behind the first layer. Once you’ve added these petals, you can erase the outer circle that was drawn as a guideline earlier.
Step 4: Creating the Center of the Sunflower
The center of a sunflower consists of numerous small flowers called disc florets, packed closely together. Let’s start by drawing the outer circle of the center. Lightly erase the outline of the first circle and draw smaller rounds around it, gradually increasing in size towards the center. Within the second circle, draw curved lines extending towards the right side. Repeat this step, drawing curved lines towards the left side. The result will be a web-like pattern. Make sure the curved lines are close to each other. Once done, darken the small shapes one by one.
Next, draw small oval shapes along the outline of the inner circle, gradually making them smaller towards the center.
Step 5: Adding the Stem
A typical sunflower is characterized by a long, thick, fuzzy, and rough stem. Draw a long vertical line from the bottom part of the flower to represent the main stem. Then, draw another vertical line symmetrical to the first one. Add two small stems on the sides of the main stem, one to the right and the other to the left. Along these small stems, draw two leaves.
Step 6: Drawing the Leaves
Sunflowers have large, broad, heart-shaped, or ovate-shaped leaves. Begin by drawing a heart-shaped leaf from the right-side smaller stem, facing toward the right. Make the leaf wider in the middle and pointy towards the tip. Now, draw another leaf similar to the first one but slightly facing downwards, from the left-side smaller stem. Finally, draw two more leaves on both sides of the bottom part of the sunflower, facing downwards.
Remember, all these leaves should taper towards the tip, be wider in the middle, and connect at the bottom.
Step 7: Adding Natural Details
To achieve a more lifelike appearance, it’s time to add some details to the petals, the flower’s head, the stem, and the leaves. Start by adding vein-like lines on each petal, following its shape. Next, draw small lines on the stem, mimicking its texture, and add fine hair-like lines all over the stem to give it a fuzzy look. To enhance the leaves, gently erase their outlines and add small spikes to the edges. Don’t forget to add veins for a more realistic touch.
Step 8: Adding Tonal Values
To create depth and realism, we need to consider the direction of the light source. Assuming the light is coming from the upper left side of the flower, shadows should be added on the right side (opposite to the light source) of the sunflower. Start by darkening the center part of the flower. Fill any gaps between the smaller circles and darken the outer areas. Darken the areas where the long petals connect with the head, along with the vein-like lines and below the upper layer of petals. Add more shading to the right-side petals compared to the left. Lastly, add shadows to the leaves and on the right side of the stem by applying small strokes according to their shapes.
And there you have it – your stunning sunflower drawing! We hope you enjoyed the process and are thrilled with your final creation. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your artistic skills and exploring the beauty of nature through your drawings.
