Creating Lilies: A Step-By-Step Painting Guide

Painting flowers can be a rewarding endeavour, especially when it comes to lilies, which are known for their trumpet-like shape and layered petals. Before you begin painting, it is important to study the real flower, either by observing it in nature or through photographs, to ensure your artwork resembles the flower as closely as possible. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to paint a lily flower, from choosing the right colours and preparing your canvas to painting the petals and leaves, and finally adding the delicate stamens.

Paint the canvas black

Painting on a black canvas is a simple trick that will make your lily painting dramatic and elevate the flower to another level. If you already have a black canvas, you can skip this step. Otherwise, use a 3/4" flat brush and mars black paint to paint the canvas black. You will likely need two coats of black paint to get the best coverage.

Before you begin, decide whether you want to paint a real lily or create your own. If you want to paint a real lily, study the real thing so that your painting looks as close to reality as possible. You can take photos of the flower to refer to as you paint. If you want to create your own lily, consider the story you want to tell and what you want to focus on. For example, you might want to focus on the delicacy of the flower or its contrasting textures.

Once you have decided on your subject, prepare your canvas. If you are painting on paper, complete your initial drawing before transferring it to the canvas. If you are painting directly onto canvas, be aware that the surface can be delicate, so strong rubbing or scrubbing is not recommended.

Now you are ready to start painting your canvas black. Remember to constantly check your arms and hands to ensure you do not have any paint on them so that you do not accidentally smear the paint as you work. Start painting from the center of the canvas and work your way out. This way, if you accidentally lay your hand on the canvas, you will not smudge the paint everywhere.

Study the real flower

Studying the real flower is an essential step in creating a lifelike painting of a lily. This process involves keen observation and analysis of the flower's unique characteristics and physical structure. Here is a step-by-step guide to studying a real lily flower before painting it:

Observe the Number and Arrangement of Petals

Count the number of petals on the lily. Typically, lilies have six petals arranged in a layered pattern. There are three outer petals, called tepals, which overlap with three inner petals. This arrangement creates a star-like shape with six vertices, resembling the horn of a trumpet.

Examine the Shape and Texture of Petals

Notice the shape of each petal. Lily petals are long, narrow, and spear-like, with a distinct layered structure. Observe the texture and surface details of the petals. Look for subtle variations in colour, shadows, and highlights. These elements add depth and dimension to your painting.

Understand the Overall Structure of the Flower

Study the overall structure and proportions of the lily. Observe the length and thickness of the stem and the angle at which the flower emerges from the stem. Notice the spacing between the petals and how they overlap or curve. Pay attention to the negative spaces created by the arrangement of the petals and leaves.

Analyse Light and Shadow Effects

Consider the lighting conditions and how light interacts with the flower. Lilies often have translucent petals, so observe how light shines through them and how it reflects off their surface. This will influence the opacity and thickness of your paint application. Look for shadows cast by the petals, leaves, and stem, as they contribute to the overall composition and sense of depth.

Notice the Colour Variations

Analyse the colours present in the lily. While lilies are often associated with specific colours like white, pink, or orange, observe the subtle variations and nuances within each petal. There may be gradients of colour, highlights, and shadows that give the petals depth and realism.

By closely studying the real lily flower and considering its unique characteristics, you will be able to create a more accurate and captivating painting. This process of observation and analysis is crucial for capturing the beauty and essence of the flower in your artwork.

Choose your subject

Choosing a subject is the first step in producing a painting. It is important to be conscious of why you are choosing it and the story you want to tell. For example, you might be attracted by the delicacy of the flower and the contrasts and texture, so you might focus on expressing that.

As an artist, you don't need to understand the detailed anatomy of a lily (unless you are doing a scientific illustration). Lilies have acquired many meanings over time. This beautiful flower represents purity, love, innocence, and rebirth.

You can choose to work from a photograph of a lily that you found online from websites such as Unsplash.com or Pexel.com, or you can draw flowers from life. Try to practice drawing the different personalities of single flowers from various angles. If you want to sketch curved petals, you can start by drawing a small circle in the center and adding a curved line to draw the first petal. Continue to add curved lines to create the petals. Draw the stem by sketching two lines parallel to one another. Think carefully about how you will position your lily flower on your page. It’s a good idea to position your subject matter off-center to make your artwork more interesting.

Paint the lily petals

Painting the petals of a lily is a fun and creative process. It is important to study the shape and structure of the flower before you begin, as lilies have a unique, trumpet-like shape with long, narrow, spear-like petals. You can use a black canvas to create a dramatic effect, but this is optional.

Firstly, prepare your paint mixture. For a pink lily, mix a punchy pink shade with a small amount of white to create a very light pink/lavender colour. You can also add a touch of Prussian Blue to your mixture for a more complex shade.

Next, paint the inner part of each lily petal with your chosen pink paint mixture. Use a 1/4” flat brush, ensuring it is as dry as possible. Dip the chiseled edge of the brush into the paint, wiping off any excess. Start from the centre of the flower and sweep outwards to the tip of each petal, leaving a white border around the edge. Repeat this process for all petals and allow the paint to dry.

Once dry, add a sweep of white paint to each petal. Using the same brush, dip it into white paint and, starting from the tip of each petal, sweep the white paint over the pink until you reach the halfway point. Again, repeat this for all petals and allow the paint to dry.

Finally, add a thin line of pure cadmium red paint down each petal using your smallest detailing brush. This will add depth and dimension to your lily.

Your lily petals are now complete!

Outline the stamens

To outline the stamens of a lily in a painting, start by lightly sketching where you want the stamens to be with a charcoal stick. Don't press too hard—if you don't like the way it looks, you can wash off the charcoal with a paper towel dipped in diluted dish soap. Once you're satisfied, use a glaze of green paint and a very thin brush to paint over the charcoal outlines.

Alternatively, you can use a fine paintbrush and purple paint to colour in the stamen lines at the centre of the flower. Then, switch to grey or black paint to fill in the top seeds of the stamen. Finish by gently adding hairline brushstrokes with white paint to each petal, enhancing the texture and adding highlights.

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