How to Draw a Tulip – Step by Step

In this step by step drawing lesson, we’ll take a look at how to draw a tulip step by step. This elegant flower is very easy to draw. We’ll break down each step into easy to draw shapes. Grab that pencil and let’s get started.

Step 1 – Draw a Line for the Stem and Lines for the Bottom of the Petals

We’ll start by drawing a long line for the stem. We’ll make it a little thicker later in the process, but for now, a simple line will do. We’ll also draw a couple of lines for the bottom of the flower itself. These lines extend outward from the top of the stem.

Draw lightly at this stage with your pencil. We’ll erase some of these lines after we go over the drawing with ink.

Step 2 – Draw Additional Lines For the Leaves and the Top of The Tulip

Next, we’ll build on the lines that we’ve already drawn. We’ll start by adding a couple of lines for the top of the tulip petals at the top. We’ll also draw a couple of lines for the leaves of the flower at the bottom of the drawing.

Step 3 – Draw Another Line for the Petals and Add More Lines to the Leaves

Now we’ll draw another line at the top for an additional petal of the tulip. We’ll also begin making the leaves look more realistic by adding a couple more lines. These lines can be loose and organic. We’re drawing a natural object here so slightly wavy lines work well.

Step 4 – Add a Little More to the Leaves and Add a Top Petal

We’re not quite finished adding lines to the leaves. A couple more wavy lines are added to make the leaves have some form. While we’re at it, we’ll go ahead and thicken up the stem, using our initial line as a guide.

We’ll also add a few more lines for the petals at the top of the flower.

Step 5 – Add Some Shading to the Tulip

Now we need to add shading to the tulip to make it appear a little more realistic. We’ll do so using hatching. Lines are added so that they follow the form of the flower. You’ll notice that these lines curve slightly according to the form of each section.

By concentrating the lines, we can make the shadows darker. Leaving more space between each of the lines creates lighter tones and values.

Step 6 – Finish the Drawing with Ink

It’s completely optional, but adding a bit of ink over the top of the pencil sketch will make your drawing a bit more polished. It also increases the contrast.

Using a technical drawing pen or a brush, go over your pencil lines. Be sure to add a little variety in the stroke. Some of the lines can be a thicker, while others can be a little skinnier.

After the ink has dried completely, you can use a kneaded eraser to erase away any remaining pencil marks. And now the drawing of a tulip is complete.