Apr 11, 2024

Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower - Painting & Drawing Tips

Spring is REALLY HERE!!! 
and I can Prove It. 

Yellow Wood Violet - Great Sign of Spring!!

Yep, I found my first little Yellow Wood Violet when I was walking my favourite trail.  In fact it wasn't the only flower I found.  There were a few Trilliums, only a few and very small, but they were there.  There was also a patch of Pink Fawn Lilies and even a few Skunk Cabbage.  I could see that the Bleeding Heart was getting ready to bloom and the Lilies of the Valley weren't far behind. 

See Spring is REALLY HERE!!

I had never drawn one of those little Violets and decided this was a great little flower to add to my flower book.  Join me as I take you on a Step-by-Step Directed Drawing.  You can get a copy of the Reference Picture HERE.  I do encourage you to NOT PRINT IT.  Leaving it on your screen gives a much better 'Real Life Drawing' experience.  

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower .  You can get a Free copy of the Reference Photo Here.  

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Ok.  I know using a Photo is not really a Real Life Drawing, but certainly seeing it on a screen rather than as a flat piece of paper goes a long way to giving it a Life Drawing experience. 

Step-by-Step Drawing of Yellow Wood Violet

Draw your basic shape and pick your starting point

1. Draw a Oval Circle the Size of your Flower: The size of your flower determines the size of all other aspects of the drawing.  Everything is drawn based on its size relationship to the flower.  

The second petal takes it's cues from the first one

2. Begin with the first Petal: I chose to start at the bottom as the other petals appeared to build from it.  As you can see my first petal comes out of the circle as it breaks out of the oval shape.  

Draw one Petal at a time, it is a building process 

3.  Draw the next Petal: beginning on the next petal above and on the right of the first petal.  I take my starting and ending points from its relationship to the first petal 

4.  Continue Drawing One Petal at a time: As you move around the flower, be sure and compare the size of each petal in relation to the others.  Also decide if the petal needs to be inside or outside of your starting oval.  

Adding the Stem - take your reference points from the flower petals

5. Drawing the Stem: Using the petal on the left as your reference point draw the stem.  Comparing the size of the petals to the stem will give you clues as to the length and width of the stem.  

Leaves are added one at a time

6. Begin drawing the other leaves: Now that your stem is drawn you have a reference point for drawing the leaves.  I chose to start with the front left leaf and the bits of leaf just behind the stem as my starting point.  I then moved around the stem drawing each leaf, using the previous one as a starting reference point.  At the same time as I was also checking horizontally and vertically how each leaf related to the flower above. Notice the leaves are more just shapes, not a lot of detail.  

Using a Pen, I worked around the drawing, refining each section

7. Time to Refine the Drawing: I chose to use a pen to refine my drawing to further demonstrate how the pencil lines are a guide but not always followed exactly.  Now is the time to put the serrated edges on the leaves.  This also acts as further check that you are happy with how things are placed.  

Adding the veins and details


8.  Add the finishing touches: Add some of the veins in the leaves and of course some lines in the petals to bring them all to life.  
I chose to shade my drawing with pencil.  It gives an interesting look and for demonstration purposes, it doesn't confuse the drawing issues with colour.  I added a simplified ground for my flower to sit on.  I chose not to add the dead leaves and moss on the ground as it did not suit my purpose.  However, I do think that would make for an even more interesting drawing to add those details.  

A Yellow Wood Violet 

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*** Further discussion can be found on my YouTube video: Step-by-Step Drawing of a "Real Live" Flower .  You can get a Free copy of the Reference Photo Here.  

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Coming Up:

All inclusive 4 Day Outdoor Sketching Art Retreat,  June 21-24, 2024 - Includes travel from Lower Mainland, accommodations, instruction and lots of Fun. $500  Wendy will be the instructor and Retreat Hosted by Joanne Dennis.  Only 1 spots left.  Register Here. 
Aventuras Artist Retreats with Joanne Dennis and Wendy Mould.

Outdoor Sketching 2.5hr Classes this summer 2024 - July 4 & 18
August 8 & 15 – 2.5 hr.  $60 Max. 3 per group.  Local parks in N Surrey & Langley 
Contact Wendy  to register.  

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Have a great Artful Day,

  

Wendy