How To Draw a Lily Flower

Here are the steps.

Step 1 – Draw the Basic Petal Shape

Begin by sketching a simple vertical oval or elongated teardrop shape in the center of your page.
This shape represents the main central petal of the lily and acts as a guide for proportions.
Keep your pencil pressure very light, as this is only a foundational guideline.
The shape should be slightly narrower at the top and wider toward the bottom to mimic the natural form of a lily petal.
Avoid adding details at this stage; focus only on capturing a clean, smooth outline.
This initial shape helps establish the height, width, and orientation of the flower.
Make sure the oval is centered properly so there is enough space around it for additional petals later.
This step trains your eye to start with simple forms before complex details, which is essential for floral drawing.

From the base of the initial oval, draw two to four additional petal shapes extending outward.
These petals should curve gently and fan out to both sides, creating a balanced, symmetrical look.
Each petal should have a pointed or softly rounded tip, similar in style to the first petal.
Overlap the petals slightly to give the flower a layered appearance.
Use curved lines that flow naturally upward, avoiding sharp or rigid strokes.
At the bottom, allow all petals to meet at a single point to form the base of the flower.
Keep the petals fairly simple, without veins or texture at this stage.
This step defines the overall bloom structure and helps visualize the lily opening.

Add more petals behind the front ones to give the flower a fuller and more realistic shape.
Vary the size and angle of the petals so they do not all look identical.
Slightly curve some petals inward and others outward to suggest depth and perspective.
Clean up overlapping lines by erasing unnecessary sketch marks.
Define the petal edges more clearly while keeping lines soft and natural.
Begin suggesting subtle folds at the base of the petals using gentle curves.
Ensure the flower looks balanced and evenly spread on both sides.
This step transitions the drawing from a simple sketch to a recognizable lily bloom.

Draw the stamens in the center of the flower using thin vertical lines topped with small oval shapes.
Add a slender stem extending downward from the base of the flower.
Sketch a pair of long, narrow leaves along the stem, tapering to sharp points.
Add light vein lines inside the petals to enhance realism.
Thicken or darken important outlines to make the flower stand out.
Erase any remaining construction lines for a clean finish.
Optionally add shading near the petal bases to suggest depth and softness.
This final step brings the lily to life, completing the drawing with structure, elegance, and botanical detail.