Lilies have this elegant, trumpet-like bloom that’s both bold and delicate at the same time. When I first tried to figure out how to draw a lily step by step, I found myself overwhelmed by the curves and overlapping petals. But once I broke it down into large shapes first and let go of getting it “right,” it became one of my favorite flowers to draw.
This guide walks you through how I personally sketch lilies in a loose, observational way. No rulers, no erasers—just drawing what I see, and adjusting as I go. If you’ve ever checked out my guide on how to draw flowers, this follows a similar mindset: focus on shape and expression, not perfection.
How to Draw a Lily Step by Step
This is how I approach drawing a lily from the ground up—starting with structure, then slowly building in detail. I try to keep it light and flowing the entire way.
Step 1: Starting with the Basic Shape
I always start by blocking in the main shape of the flower. I keep it super light and loose. Usually, I picture an oval or a slightly rounded triangle that captures the space the lily is going to occupy on the page. That might sound simple, but it sets up everything that follows. It’s like sketching in the invisible container the petals will grow from. Depending on how the lily is angled—whether it’s facing up, sideways, or tilted—I shift this shape to match that perspective.
Step 2: Sketching the Stem and Center
After that, I sketch in the stem and central structure. The stem is never just a straight stick—it bends slightly, sometimes curves dramatically, and I try to let my lines reflect that. I draw it with a relaxed wrist so it feels organic. Then I move to the center of the bloom, where the stamen and pistil are. These little elements are what make the flower feel alive, and I draw them using quick, broken lines or dots. I don’t fuss too much here—just enough to imply their presence.
Step 3: Drawing the Front Petals
Once I have the base shape and center in place, I begin drawing the main petals. Lilies usually have six, and I start with three—these are the ones facing forward. I spread them out in a triangle, keeping the lines long, flowing, and slightly curved. I make sure the tips of the petals taper a bit, and I often exaggerate the curves to add more energy. At this stage, I’m not worried about getting them perfectly even. In fact, a bit of variation helps the drawing feel more natural.
Step 4: Adding the Back Petals
Next, I add the three back petals. These usually peek out from behind the first set, and they overlap or sit slightly askew. I keep these slightly smaller or angled differently to give the flower depth. Sometimes I even let parts of them disappear behind the front petals if that’s how they appear in my reference or what I’m imagining. I’ve learned that drawing what I see rather than what I think a lily looks like is key.
Step 5: Refining the Details
Once all the petals are in place, I go back in and refine things a bit. I add some waviness to the edges, maybe a few creases or veins, and let my lines overlap where needed. I’m not trying to hide the sketchiness—I actually like when the construction lines show through. They remind me that the drawing was a process, not a product.
Step 6: Finishing Without Overworking
When I’m nearly finished, I remind myself to not overwork it. Lilies have a lot of visual elegance, and I don’t want to fuss that away with too many tight lines. I let some of my looser marks stay, especially if they give the flower movement or a kind of visual rhythm. I don’t erase much. If a line feels out of place, I might draw a new one next to it rather than removing it. Those doubled-up lines often become my favorite part.
Drawing Lilies Naturally: A Few Personal Thoughts
Here are some thoughts I’ve picked up over time that help me draw lilies more confidently and with a bit more personality. It’s all about finding your rhythm and trusting your hand.
Drawing with Energy and Flow
One thing I’ve learned about how to draw a lily step by step is that it’s less about following rules and more about developing a feeling for the form. I like using my whole arm when I draw, especially for the large petals. It gives the lines more life than if I were just moving my wrist. And I don’t chase symmetry. If one petal curves differently or ends up a little longer, that’s okay. That’s nature.
Drawing from Life or Photos
I almost always draw from either a live lily or a photo. When I try to do it from memory, everything gets generic. Having something real to look at—even if it’s just a quick phone pic—makes all the difference. I pay close attention to how the petals overlap, the way light hits them, and the rhythm of the lines in the veins.
Building Texture with Line
When I want to build up more richness in a drawing, I’ll layer my lines. I don’t shade in the traditional way much, but I’ll use repeated directional lines to give a sense of curve or thickness to a petal. This kind of line layering also helps me figure out where the structure of the flower feels weakest—then I can reinforce it visually without adding too much detail.
If You Enjoy Drawing Lilies…
If you enjoy sketching lilies, you might also like some of the other step-by-step guides I’ve put together. The rose tutorial is great if you want to understand how layered petals work.
For something that’s really good practice in shape observation, check out the peony guide. If you’re just starting out, you might find drawing a daisy or a cherry blossom easier and more approachable. The tulip tutorial is also good for practicing smooth petal curves.
Other flowers that have helped me develop a looser hand include sunflowers, hibiscus, and even the flowy shapes of leaf vines. For something softer, poppies are one of my favorites to draw quickly and freely. If you want to practice symmetrical flowers, lotuses are perfect.
And for something a little more challenging, orchids and hydrangeas really push you to observe and slow down. The calla lily tutorial is also a great companion if you’re in the mood for more sculptural, flowing forms.
I’ve also found that drawing lilies pairs beautifully with sketching nature more broadly. If you’re in that mindset, check out my post on how to draw realistic trees step by step. Practicing trees alongside flowers helps you develop a better sense of natural structure and variety in line.