Nature · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a smiling potted flower: an oval center and radiating petals
Draw an oval flower center, then place round eyes, a curved smile and oval cheeks inside. Leave room all around for the petals.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice this visual check: Distribute the petals around the center before refining them. Keep the stem near the pot midpoint, make the rim wider than the base and contain the veins inside the leaf.
Shapes and proportions
Draw an oval flower center, then place round eyes, a curved smile and oval cheeks inside. Leave room all around for the petals. Radiate the petals around the center and extend a thin stem below it. Add soil at the base, attach a pointed leaf with a midrib and short veins, then wrap the pot rim around the soil and taper the pot toward its base. A tiny curved smile makes the potted flower feel like a companion that is growing with you.
A common mistake
Petals crowded on one side or a stem offset from the pot makes the flower look as though it is falling over.
How to fix it
Distribute the petals around the center before refining them. Keep the stem near the pot midpoint, make the rim wider than the base and contain the veins inside the leaf.
Leave room all around for the petals.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser and crayons. Draw lightly while comparing the first shapes.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Place the first shapes
Draw an oval flower center, then place round eyes, a curved smile and oval cheeks inside. Leave room all around for the petals. Leave space for the parts that appear in the complete outline.
Place the first shapes · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect the parts and compare their positions
Radiate the petals around the center and extend a thin stem below it. Add soil at the base, attach a pointed leaf with a midrib and short veins, then wrap the pot rim around the soil and taper the pot toward its base. Distribute the petals around the center before refining them. Keep the stem near the pot midpoint, make the rim wider than the base and contain the veins inside the leaf.
Connect the parts and compare their positions · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Choose a consistent crayon palette
Use soft yellow petals, a warm orange center, pink cheeks, green stem and leaf, brown soil, a pale teal pot and charcoal eyes. Apply light pressure so the contour stays readable.
Choose a consistent crayon palette · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Smiling Potted Flower” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
