Materials Needed
- Pencil (preferably HB)
- Eraser
- Paper (preferably sketch paper)
- Coloring materials (optional)
Step 1: Sketching the Basic Shapes
Start by sketching a circle for the center of the cherry blossom. Then draw five to six small oval shapes surrounding the center circle. These ovals should overlap each other and be slightly tilted.
Step 2: Drawing the Petals
Once you have the basic shape of your cherry blossom, it’s time to draw the petals. Start by drawing long, thin ovals from the edges of the circle to the tips of the surrounding ovals. Make the petals wavy and uneven. Draw bigger petals in front and make the ones at the back smaller.
Step 3: Detailing the Petals
To make the petals look more realistic, you will need to add some details. Draw a small line in the center of each petal, going from top to bottom. Make the line curve downwards as you get closer to the tips of the petals. Add some texture to the petals by drawing some lines going horizontally across the petals.
Step 4: Adding the Branch and Leaves
Draw a curved line for the branch. Then draw some zigzag lines that extend from the branch for the leaves. The zigzag lines should be curved and point upwards towards the petals. Draw two or three leaves depending on the size of your flowers.
Step 5: Coloring the Blossom and Leaves
The cherry blossom is typically pink, but you can use any color you want. Add some shading to make the petals look more 3D by coloring the center of the blossom with darker shade and the tips with lighter shade. Color the leaves with a lighter shade of green or mix it with a bit of yellow.
Step 6: Adding Background
If you want to add a background, draw some grass or other flowers to complement your cherry tree painting. You can use watercolor, gouache, or colored pencils to intensify the color of the background.
Step 7: Finalizing the Drawing
Once you are satisfied with your drawing, erase all of the unnecessary guidelines. Then, add more shades to darken the petals and leaves. You can also add color to the background, or create a gradient effect on it for a soft focus effect.
Drawing Techniques
Use Different Shades
Use different shades of pink for the blossom, and different shades of green for the leaves for a more realistic look. You can also experiment with other colors depending on your preference.
Study Actual Cherry Blossoms
Study cherry blossoms to get a better idea of how to draw them. Look at photographs or illustrations, or observe the natural flowers. Notice how the petals are arranged, and their texture.
Blend the Colors
Blend the colors for a softer effect by using a blending stump, cotton swab, or your fingers. This would also smoothen out any harsh lines.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other colors besides pink for the cherry blossom?
A: Yes, you can use any color you prefer. Just make sure to use different shades and add shading to create dimensionality.
Q: How long does it usually take to draw a cherry blossom?
A: It depends on your skill level and how detailed you want your drawing to be. However, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to draw a cherry blossom.
Q: How do I make my cherry blossom look more realistic?
A: Add shading to create dimensionality, and study how real cherry blossoms look like for a reference. Also, make sure to draw overlapping petals for a more realistic effect.
Q: What do I do if I make a mistake?
A: Don’t worry, simply use an eraser to correct any mistakes. If it’s a small mistake, you may also work on it by blending the colors around it.
Q: Do I have to add a background to my cherry blossom drawing?
A: No, you don’t have to. But adding a background would make your drawing more comprehensive.
Q: Can I use a pen instead of a pencil for the outline of my cherry blossom?
A: Yes, you can use a pen if you want to create a more definitive outline. However be careful as mistakes with ink might be hard to fix.