Drawing calla lilies has become one of my favorite ways to practice loose, expressive sketching. They have these elegant curves and bold, sculptural shapes that make them perfect for observational drawing. Today, I want to walk you through exactly how to draw a calla lily step by step, the same way I approach it in my sketchbook: starting big, staying loose, and welcoming all the natural imperfections that happen along the way.

I’ve sketched calla lilies from real flowers on my desk, from photos, and even from memory when I just wanted to play with shapes. What I love about this flower is how the whole form feels like a ribbon caught in motion — there’s something dynamic and peaceful about it at the same time.

This isn't a hyper-realistic, technical tutorial. It’s a friendly guide to help you actually enjoy drawing and let go of the pressure to get it “right.” Whether you're just starting out or you've already worked through some easy drawing ideas for beginners, this method will help you see the flower in a new way.

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Key Points for Drawing a Calla Lily

Start by capturing the overall big shape first, not the details. This helps keep your drawing balanced and expressive.
Embrace loose, expressive lines — the natural wobble is your friend, and the imperfections give your drawing personality.
Focus on drawing what you see, not what you think a flower “should” look like. Observation over imagination here.

How to Draw a Calla Lily Step by Step

Before we dive in, grab whatever drawing tool you like best. Seriously, it doesn't matter. I've sketched calla lilies with a ballpoint pen, a chunky pencil, even some colored pencils on black paper. Sometimes I use a really soft graphite pencil to make thick, painterly lines. Other times I go for something scratchy and light. The important thing is to use what feels comfortable or exciting to you. If you're curious about materials, you might check out what an ebony pencil is or my general approach to sketching.

Step 1: Block in the Big Shape

When I sit down to draw a calla lily, I like to take a few seconds to just look at it. I don’t touch the paper right away. I just let my eyes trace the contours of the flower. It usually helps me figure out the overall shape, which is sort of like a tall funnel or a curved cone. Sometimes I even do a few non-dominant hand drawings to get myself into a more playful, less controlled mindset.

Then I take my pencil and draw a light outline of the main form. It’s never perfect the first time, and I don't erase. Instead, I just sketch a new line next to the old one if I need to shift something. These “mistakes” become part of the finished piece. If you’re just getting into drawing what you see, this stage is the most important. Don’t worry about the petal curves or the center just yet — just get the main shape down.

If you're unsure how to begin, starting with a simple curved line that represents the central axis of the flower can help guide you. From there, you can build out the shape. This approach feels a lot like analytical drawing, breaking the form into understandable sections.

Step 2: Find the Curves and Folds

Once the outer shape is lightly sketched in, I start working on the top of the petal, where it flares outward. This part is really fun — the calla lily curls in on itself, and there are often little ridges or folds that make it feel like it's in motion.

I slow down a bit here and observe how the petal turns. Are the edges smooth or jagged? Is the top wider on one side? I like to emphasize the curves with sweeping, confident lines. Even if they’re not accurate, they often feel more alive than hesitant, overly careful marks. That kind of energy reminds me of what I aim for in expressive drawing.

Use your lines to show how the petal moves through space. If you’ve ever practiced drawing movement, this is the same idea. Let the drawing be a record of how your hand responded to the flower, not a perfect replica.

Step 3: Add the Inner Spadix

This part's quick but essential. The spadix is that central spike-like part nestled inside the flower. It can be very subtle, or sometimes it stands out dramatically depending on the angle.

I usually draw it last because it helps me decide how open or closed the flower feels. The spadix follows the center line, so I use it to reinforce the perspective and depth. Think of it like drawing a cylinder inside a funnel.

Use soft lines here or change pressure to make it feel distinct from the rest of the petal. Sometimes I add a few light shadows around it, or if I’m working in pen, I’ll use line direction to suggest form. This is a great moment to think about how you want to define your line quality.

Step 4: Refine and Add Character

Now I step back and look at the drawing overall. I might darken some areas to show shadow or weight. I might add texture where the petal curves over itself. But I try not to go too far. There’s a sweet spot between unfinished and overworked.

One of my favorite things is when a sketch feels loose but still readable. If I want to add some playful detail, I might exaggerate the wobble of a petal edge or add a scribble of shading where it curls. These are the things that give the drawing character.

A little unevenness is a good thing. That’s something I believe deeply and talk about often in my thoughts on drawing being imperfect. It makes the drawing more you. It makes it real.

Why Drawing Calla Lilies is a Great Practice

Practicing how to draw a calla lily step by step isn't just about flowers — it's a fantastic way to get better at observing big shapes and committing to loose, expressive lines. The simplicity of the form, combined with its elegance, makes it perfect for beginner and experienced sketchers alike.

When I’m stuck or burned out, drawing flowers — especially calla lilies — helps me reset. It's just you, the paper, and the shape. You don’t need a full studio or fancy supplies. And if you’re ever feeling creatively blocked, flipping through random themes to draw or 100 easy things to draw when you’re bored can give you a nudge.

Drawing flowers also helps me explore ideas for sketchbook themes, especially if I’m working through a new sketchbook challenge or just want to fill a few pages with something calming and meditative.

If you're into flower drawing, you might also enjoy:

All of them use a similar approach of observing first, then sketching loosely.

Sketchbook Tips for Drawing Flowers

Here are a few personal tips that help me keep my flower drawings fresh and enjoyable:

Limit your time. Set a 10-minute timer to keep yourself loose. Long drawing sessions can lead to overthinking.
Try different paper. If you’ve never drawn on textured or toned paper, give it a shot. Or explore something weird like drawing on rice paper.
Use unexpected materials. A ballpoint pen, a cheap crayon, or even your non-dominant hand can help you see the subject differently.

If you ever want to push the expressive side even further, try incorporating mark making and materiality into your process. It adds a tactile energy that pairs beautifully with organic subjects like flowers.

Final Thoughts

Drawing a calla lily isn't about making a perfect botanical study. It's about observing, capturing the big gestures first, and letting your hand move expressively. Some of my favorite sketchbook pages came from loosening up and not worrying if the lines got a little wild.

I hope this gives you a more grounded and approachable way to enjoy drawing flowers. Let yourself make weird marks. Let the lines get messy. Let your drawing feel like a human made it. If you want to keep exploring this kind of process, check out more of my posts on drawing themes or this breakdown of how to draw flowers for more inspiration.