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How to Draw Botanical Illustrations with a Fineliner

Read all reviews (4)
Level
Intermediate
Time
1/2 day
Budget
10 - 30

Learn how to create some beautiful botanical illustrations with the use of fine liner pens. Discover how to draw a variety of precious flowers with our easy to follow, step-by-step guides. Perfect to create and display in your home, or as a hand-drawn gift for someone special!

Project and instructions by Jocelyn Sheppard

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You will need

Black Fineliners 12 Pack

Is $ 18.00

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Is $ 18.00

Shore & Marsh Portrait Kraft Sketchbook A4 50 Sheets

Is $ 11.00

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Is $ 11.00

Sketch Pad A4 30 Sheets

Is $ 6.49

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Is $ 6.49

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How to make

Fine Liner Techniques
Before trying your hand at one of the beautiful illustrations, check out a range of fine liner techniques below.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_tips.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Dandelion - Step 1

Starting with a large leaf, sketch a curve then add jagged lines, similar to a single daisy leaf.

 

In this leaf, sketch uneven veins throughout.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step1a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step1b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step1c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
Sketch another stem next to this leaf, add 3 ovals inside each other.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step2.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3

Start from the inside with these tiny rectangular petals, they will be slightly curved and uneven.

 

Continue to sketch these in a circular method until you fill the furthest oval with petals.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step3a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step3b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step3c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4
Add small, curved leaves underneath.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5

Sketch another stem, then add a circle to the top with a smaller rectangle in the middle and add small leaves pointing downwards.

 

Then, add rough star or circle motions throughout the circle.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step5a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step5b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step5c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step5d.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6
Add a bud by sketching an elongated semi circle, with thin lines coming downwards and some curved leaves surrounding this.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step6a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step6b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7

Use a fine liner to roughly outline the jagged leaves, then add shading in the spine of the leaf, heading outwards.

 

Do this for all leaves.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step7a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step7b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step7c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 8

Draw rough star shapes in your circle and outline the inner rectangle shape and leaves.

 

Then, to create your pollen use a circular motion – similar to the Daisy illustration we made.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step8a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step8b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step8c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 9
Join the stars to the centre with wispy lines.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step9.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 10
Shade the centre of the dandelion and start to roughly outline the rectangular petals, continuing outwards until you are satisfied with your design!
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step10a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step10b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step10c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step10d.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dandelion_step10e.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Poppy - Step 1
Start your design with 4 petal shapes. Please note that unlike other flowers, poppy petals curve differently so ensure to use a reference photo.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step1.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
Add a semi circle inside an oval shape into the middle of the petals – inside of the semi circle, mark a point in the middle to start creating curve effects and follow round the shape.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step2a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step2b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3
From the centre of the poppy, sketch lines upwards to add the rough effect that poppies have - continue this for each petal.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step3a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step3b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step3c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4

Sketch the stem similar to Fern No.1, and add a second stem to add leaves to.

 

The leaves of poppies are similar to those of the ferns as they have waved leaves to!

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5
Using your fine liner, start to roughly outline around the sketch of your petals.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step5a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step5b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6

Once the petals are outlined, bring the fine liner to the centre of the poppy and outline.

 

Add small rough circles around the centre then link to the centre with short lines. Shade in the circles and shade outwards up the petal.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step6a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step6b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step6c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7
Add flicks of shading throughout the petals and add more depth to certain areas. Using a 0.05mm pen, outline your leaves.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-poppy_step7.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Fern - Step 1
Sketch a curved line with a slight flick at the top - make sure to use a light pencil.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step1.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
Add leaf shapes along one side of the curve, then repeat on the other side.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step2a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step2b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3
Draw a line through the leaf shape along the spine.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step3.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4
Along the leaf shape, add little waves along the outside - no leaf is the same so don’t worry about them being identical!
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5
Repeat along all the leaves.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step5.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6
Using 0.05mm pen, outline your leaves, adding flicks of shading throughout the spine and repeat for each leaf.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step6a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step6b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7
Add shading into the stem to finish.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step7a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern_step7b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Daisy - Step 1
Sketch an uneven semi circle with enough room to sketch around it.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step1.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
Draw thin petal shapes, starting thin from the centre and continue this around the semi circle then sketch a stem coming from the end of the petals and add another stem coming off – this will be for the bud.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step2a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step2b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3
Add a U shape to the top of the second stem and sketch a few lines through it, adding a couple of leaf shapes to the bottom of the U.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step3a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step3b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4

Similar to Fern No.1, sketch a curved line and add leaf shapes.

 

As an optional extra, sketch another daisy to add on.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5
With your fine liner, line the centre of the daisy first, then outline all of your petals.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step5a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step5b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6

Draw lines down the centre of each petal.

 

Start to shade from the inside of the petal outwards, adding flicks where necessary.

 

Follow these steps for the bud as well.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step6.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7
Using a circular motion, add to the inner of the daisy, with heavier strokes along the outer to show depth.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step7.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 8

Leaves are slightly different to ferns, they are more jagged around the edges so be sure to use a light hand when you’re lining these and create small, uneven strokes.

 

Repeat along all leaves.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step8a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step8b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 9
Repeat these steps to create more daisies.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations_step9.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Dog Rose - Step 1

Draw an oval shape with petals that are slightly dipped at the top.

 

Following from the bottom petal, draw the stem and add another stem coming off it – this will be for a bud.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step1a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step1b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
For the bud, use a simple heart shape then add 3 curved lines to create an opening effect.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step2.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3
Similar to Fern No.1, sketch a curved line and add leaf shapes.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step3.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4
Roughly sketch the inner of the flower using small, curved flicks and oval shapes.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step4.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5
Using your fine liner, outline the petals, then add flicks of shading along the petal.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step5a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step5b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step5c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6

Start to add small, uneven ovals into the middle to create the pollen, shading outwards up the petal.

 

Top Tip: Rough circles/spirals can be added to the pollen to give it a deeper effect.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step6.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7
Continue to use this method for the bud.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step7a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step7b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 8
Finally, create your leaf shapes using jagged edges up the leaf and continue for every leaf you would like to add.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-dogrose_step8.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Fern No.2 - Step 1
Sketch a question mark shape that turns into a spiral, then add slight depth to it by using the same shape in certain areas.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step1a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step1b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 2
Draw small curves in the centre of the fern, getting bigger as you exit the spiral.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step2.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 3
Then, start to add the same leaf shapes as Fern No.1 but with curved spines and repeat down the stem, getting looser as you come to the bottom of the stem.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step3a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step3b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step3c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 4

Using a 0.05mm pen, start lining from the centre of the fern and work your way out, adding shading and flicks throughout.

 

Make sure your shading follows the same way as your outer lines.

idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step4a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step4b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step4c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step4d.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 5
Follow the shape of the fern and line the outer spine, then add the leaves similar to Fern No.1.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step5a.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step5b.jpg?sw=680&q=85
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step5c.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 6
Continue to repeat for each leaf.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step6.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Step 7
Add shading to the bottom of the stem.
idea_how-to-draw-botanical-illustrations-fern2_step7.jpg?sw=680&q=85
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Clear, well-illustrated instructions Simply, clear, well-illustrated instructions - ideal for a beginner or someone new to botanicals. Very helpful. Thank you
Date published: 2023-07-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Flowers for all Excellent guide, fun for all and great to add into frames as background art of as the main piece
Date published: 2024-07-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awsome..!! Well explained, my daughter enjoyed making these. It’s amazing
Date published: 2024-07-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from So inspiring! Just what I was looking for! Can't wait to start! Thank you.
Date published: 2024-05-04
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