Observe how the lotus looks, not what you think you see.
Drawing a still life has been a part of the art world for centuries. Often the subject of such illustrations is bowls of fruit or vases. A trickier subject can be the focus of a flower, particularly a lotus flower, because they have multiple petals and several various angles to try to achieve visually on paper. With careful observation and a steady focus, you can draw a lotus flower that shines on the page.
Instructions
1. Examine the flower for a moment and observe how it really looks. Take into account the shape, texture, shading, and angle of the flower and its petals. See the subtle details.
2. Keep your focus on the image you are drawing. Your eyes should spend 75 percent of the time on the lotus flower and only 25 percent looking at your drawing.
3. Begin by drawing what you see in the foreground with your 2HB pencil. Certain petals will overlap and cover up petals that rest in the background.
4. Fill in the background with the petals that you do see. Follow this up with any leaves that are present. Use your eraser when necessary.
5. Add details to the picture by adding in any slight wrinkles or texture you see on the flower.
6. To make the final image appear more real, use your 2B pencil to add in shading to push the image to be three dimensional. When needed, gently use your finger to smudge the shading to become smooth instead of a series of pencil lines.
7. Add any background you desire whether it is realistic to your photo or even just a simple horizontal line that extends behind the flower to keep the image from floating on the page.
