How to Draw a Calla Lily

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This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a calla lily step by step using smooth, simple shapes. If you are practicing drawing for beginners, this flower is a calm place to start. Take your time with the curves, and let the lines stay gentle.

Preview of Calla Lily drawing
Preview of Calla Lily drawing

What You Will Need

  • Pencil
  • Eraser
  • Black pen or marker (optional, for outlining)
  • Paper
  • Colored pencils or crayons (optional)

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Time needed:

15 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Sketch the Main Calla Lily Petal Shape

how to draw a calla lily - Simple outline of a calla lily with one large curled petal shape, a small teardrop center, and the start of a stem.

Start with one large curved outline for the petal, narrowing softly to a point at the top like a gently curled leaf. Then add a small teardrop shape near the lower center for the inner center, and pull a slanted line from the right side to begin the stem.

Pro Tip: Keep the outer line smooth and steady so the petal feels soft.

Step 2: Add the Spadix and Inner Petal Folds

how to draw a calla lily - Calla lily outline with a small central oval spadix and added inner curved fold lines showing the petal wrapping inward.

Draw a small vertical oval in the center to form the calla lily’s inner spadix. Then add two upward-curving lines inside the petal, and one overlapping curve to show the petal wrapping around the center.

Pro Tip: Leave a little space between inner curves so the curl feels natural.

Step 3: Extend the Stem with a Rounded End

how to draw a calla lily - Calla lily sketch with inner folds and a long, smooth stem added below, ending in a rounded tip.

From the base of the flower, extend two long, narrow lines downward to form the stem. Let the stem gently narrow near the bottom, then round it off so the tip feels soft.

Pro Tip: Keep the stem sides mostly parallel so it looks strong and upright.

Step 4: Add a Large Leaf Beside the Stem

how to draw a calla lily - Calla lily drawing with a long stem and a newly added large leaf on the lower right side.

On the lower right side of the stem, sketch one large leaf shape with a slightly pointed tip. Use gentle wavy curves along the edge to show the leaf’s natural bend, and let the base sit close to the stem as if it grows from there.

Pro Tip: Draw the big leaf shape first, then add details later.

Step 5: Add the Second Leaf for a Balanced Base

how to draw a calla lily - Calla lily drawing with a tall flower and stem, now showing two large leaves at the base on both sides.

Sketch a second large leaf on the left side of the stem, close in size to the right leaf but with slightly different curves. Let both leaf tops meet near the stem with a small gap, then allow the bottoms to hang down softly.

Pro Tip: Do not make the two leaves identical; small differences look real.

Step 6: Add Veins to Both Leaves

how to draw a calla lily - Calla lily drawing with two base leaves now detailed with a main vein and several short side veins on each leaf.

Inside each leaf, add one longer main vein that starts near the stem and angles toward the leaf tip. Then draw a few shorter side veins branching out, keeping their lengths slightly different for a natural look.

Pro Tip: Use a lighter touch for veins so the leaves keep depth.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

how to draw a calla lily - Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

  • The large “petal” is actually a special bract called a spathe.
  • The center spike is called a spadix, where tiny flowers grow.
  • Calla lilies often grow from bulbs and like moist soil.

Pin it now, Draw later!

how to draw a calla lily pinterest pin

You have drawn a calla lily with a curled spathe, a smooth stem, and two broad leaves. For shading, keep the spathe mostly light and add soft gray near the fold where it overlaps. For the leaves, use a darker green along the main veins and lighter green toward the edges.

One common beginner mistake is making the inner fold lines too dark, which can flatten the gentle curl. Try drawing the same flower again with a slightly different tilt. Practice a few times, and then explore other easy drawing tutorial flowers too.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

Printable Calla Lily Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Calla Lily Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the calla lily look more three-dimensional?

Add soft shading where the petal overlaps, and keep the outer edge lighter.

What if my petal shape looks uneven?

Lightly erase and redraw the curve in one calm sweep, using your wrist.

Can I draw a calla lily bouquet using this method?

Yes. Repeat the flower at different heights, overlap stems, and vary leaf sizes.

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