This easy drawing tutorial shows how to draw a carnation step by step. You will build the flower from simple shapes and gentle wavy lines. Take your time, and enjoy a calm drawing for beginners.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen or marker (optional for outlining)
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers (optional)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
22 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Sketch the Carnation Bud Shape
Start with a small curved base, like a shallow bowl. Add three to four rounded petals rising from it, using soft wavy edges to show gentle ruffles. Place a few short curved lines inside the petals to suggest folds.
Pro Tip: Keep the petal tops rounded, not pointy, for a true carnation look.
Step 2: Add the Larger Outer Petals
Around the bud, add bigger wavy petals that wrap from the sides and lower area. Place one wider petal at the bottom to broaden the flower’s silhouette. Keep the outer edges more ruffled to suggest a full carnation bloom.
Pro Tip: Make the outer petals larger than the inner ones, but not too even.
Step 3: Build More Layers and Add Petal Folds
Add another ring of larger wavy petals behind the bloom to make it feel fuller and rounder. Place a few short curved marks on key petals to show folds and ruffles. Let the lines point outward from the center, but keep them light and simple.
Pro Tip: Keep fold lines short and sparse, so the petals stay soft.
Step 4: Add the Calyx and Flower Base
Just under the bloom, sketch a small curved cup that touches the lowest petal. Above that cup, add a short zigzag edge made of tiny pointed tips, like little leaves holding the flower. Keep these shapes small so the bloom stays the main focus.
Pro Tip: Keep the calyx low and small, so it does not cover the petals.
Step 5: Draw the Curved Stem
From the bottom of the calyx, extend two long, slim curved lines downward, letting the stem bend gently to one side. Round off the tip of the stem instead of making it sharp. Keep the gap between the two lines fairly even for a tidy look.
Pro Tip: Use one smooth big curve for the stem, not several bends.
Step 6: Add Two Leaves and Veins
Add one long, narrow leaf on each side of the lower stem, with the tips pointing up and outward. Let each leaf start close to the stem and taper neatly at the base. Finish by drawing a gentle vein line down the center of each leaf.
Pro Tip: Make the two leaves slightly different sizes for a natural look.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Carnations are known for their ruffled petals and sweet scent.
- They come in many colors, and each color can have a different meaning.
- Carnations are popular flowers for bouquets because they last a long time.
Pin it now, Draw later!
You now have a complete carnation with layered petals, a small calyx, a curved stem, and two leaves. For coloring, try a lighter shade on the petal tops and a slightly darker shade near the center folds. A common beginner mistake is adding too many fold lines, which can make the petals look stiff. Practice this step by step drawing again with different petal sizes, and try drawing a small bunch of carnations next.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Carnation Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the carnation look fluffier?
Add one more outer petal layer and make the edges a little more wavy. Keep the fold marks short and spaced out.
What if my petals look too flat?
Try overlapping a few petals more, especially near the top. You can also curve the fold lines slightly to show the petal bending.
Can I draw a carnation from the side?
Yes. Use a taller bud shape, show fewer petals, and let the calyx cover more of the base of the flower.
