Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers to draw because they have such a bold, cheerful shape and are super forgiving if you're working in a loose, expressive style. If you've ever found yourself wondering how to draw a sunflower step by step without getting caught up in perfectionism, you're in the right place.

In this post, I'll walk you through the exact process I use when drawing sunflowers in my sketchbook — no rulers, no pressure to make it “perfect,” and no fancy tools needed. Whether you're sketching with a ballpoint pen, pencil, or even a brush pen, the key is to enjoy the process and focus on what you see, not what you think a sunflower is supposed to look like.

Before we dive in, you might also want to check out my full collection of flower tutorials at how to draw flowers if you’re looking to keep practicing.

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Key Points Before You Start

Start with the big shapes — Sketch the general form of the flower and placement of petals before adding detail.
Don’t fear messy lines — Loose, layered lines can give your sunflower energy and personality.
Draw what you see — Observational drawing trains your eye. Use a photo or real flower and try to capture what’s actually there.

How to Draw a Sunflower Step by Step

The method I use is simple: I start big, stay loose, and refine gradually. Here’s how I approach drawing a sunflower from scratch.

Step 1: Draw the central circle

I always begin with the center of the flower. Not a perfectly measured circle — just what I see. I look at a photo or a real sunflower, and I draw the shape I observe, not the one I assume it should be. I go in with confidence and draw a bold, slightly wonky circle that feels true to the reference. That wobble gives it character.

Step 2: Add the petal layout

This next part is like plotting the rhythm of the flower. I glance at the angles of the petals radiating out and draw short marks to map that flow. I'm not guessing where things go — I'm scanning what I actually see and putting that on paper. I don’t tiptoe with faint lines — I commit to each mark. It’s more fun that way and less stressful. It’s like setting the dance floor for the petals to follow.

If you want to explore other petal shapes and how they radiate from the center, try comparing with other flowers like the daisy or poppy.

Step 3: Draw the petals

Now I start drawing the actual petals. I look at the real angles and shapes — some petals are narrow, some are more rounded, and a few might be bent or tucked behind others. I make sure not to copy a petal formula. Instead, I stay locked in on the reference and draw each one as it appears. I let my lines be layered and rough. Sometimes I draw the same petal line more than once. That buildup gives the drawing life.

Step 4: Add detail and texture

This is where I let loose a little. Sunflower centers have so much texture. I look closely at the density of seeds and use loops and dots to mimic that energy. I press harder in areas where it looks darker and keep it light in others. The goal here isn't precision — it's to capture that buzzy, speckled feel. Petals get a bit of shading where they overlap or curl. Again, I follow the real shadows I see.

If you enjoy shading organic forms, the how to draw realistic trees post dives into similar techniques that apply well here too.

Step 5: Draw the stem and leaves

Sunflower stems are thick and sturdy. I don’t try to make mine look perfect — I just draw what I see. Sometimes the stem is angled or leans, and I include that. The leaves are jagged and uneven, which makes them fun. I sketch them the same way: looking, drawing, and not second-guessing myself. You can see similar leaf structures in flowers like the lily or calla lily.

Tips for Loose and Expressive Drawing

I almost never erase when I draw flowers. Even if something feels off, I keep going. I’ve learned to treat those “mistakes” as part of the charm. I’ll draw right over a line if I need to. The final drawing ends up looking more alive that way — like it’s still growing. If you're into that style, you might also enjoy practicing flowers like the rose or peony that have layered, expressive petal structures.

I love drawing sunflowers with a ballpoint pen. No eraser means I just focus on the lines and the shape in front of me. It forces me to stay engaged and make confident decisions. Even when I'm off, I try to own it instead of hiding it.

What to Try Next

Once you've finished your sunflower, try drawing it again but from a different angle or zoom in on the center and just draw that part. I’ve found that repetition helps me notice things I missed the first time — like the twist of a petal or the shape of a shadow.

You can also fill a page in your sketchbook with different flower types — maybe a lotus, orchid, tulip, or hydrangea. Each one brings something different to the table.

And don’t forget the little supporting elements. Adding leaf vines or soft background florals like cherry blossoms or daffodils can help fill out a full page composition.

Most importantly, keep drawing. Imperfect lines are part of the process. Sunflowers don’t grow with rulers — and your sketchbook doesn’t need to either.