As the air grows crisp and the year nears its end, December heralds a time of reflection, joy, and the beauty of winter. Amidst the holiday rush, taking a moment to appreciate the delicate and enchanting birth flowers of December can offer a serene pause. For those with a December birthday or simply a love for floral art, learning to draw these birth flowers can be both a fun and enriching activity. In this guide, we'll walk you through 5 easy steps to drawing December's birth flowers: the Narcissus and Holly.
Materials You'll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let's gather the essentials:
- Sketchbook or drawing paper
- Pencils (HB, 2B, 4B for different shading)
- Eraser
- Fine liner or pen for inking (optional)
- Watercolors or markers for coloring (optional)
Step 1: Understand Your Subject
Every artistic endeavor starts with understanding your subject. Here’s what you need to know about December's birth flowers:
- Narcissus: Also known as the daffodil, it's recognized by its slender stem, trumpet-shaped central corona, and surrounding petals. The narcissus symbolizes new beginnings and hope.
- Holly: Often associated with Christmas, holly has glossy, sharp leaves and bright red berries, representing protection, goodwill, and friendship.
🔍 Note: Take a moment to observe real or reference photos of these flowers to understand their forms and details better.
Step 2: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Begin with the foundation of your drawing:
- Narcissus: Start with an oval for the trumpet, a circle for the center, and guidelines for petals.
- Holly: Draw a squiggly line for the stem, then add smaller lines for leaves and circles for berries.
📏 Note: Use light strokes; these initial lines can be adjusted later.
Step 3: Add Details
Now, let's refine the shapes:
- Narcissus: Sketch the wavy edges of the petals, add the trumpet's rim, and suggest leaves.
- Holly: Emphasize the sharp points on the leaves, and define each berry with a slight shading to give it volume.
✏️ Note: Keep in mind the proportions; narcissus has a balanced composition, whereas holly can be more scattered.
Step 4: Ink or Define
If you choose to ink your drawing or go over it with darker pencil:
- Trace over your final lines, focusing on enhancing the natural curves and edges.
- For the narcissus, capture the elegant flow of the petals; for the holly, define the leaf edges and give life to the berries with texture.
🖍️ Note: If using ink, let it dry before erasing pencil marks to avoid smudging.
Step 5: Color and Finish
With the structural drawing complete, it’s time to add color:
- Narcissus: Typically yellow with an orange center, but variations exist. Add shading for depth.
- Holly: Paint leaves in shades of green, and berries a vibrant red or orange. Add highlights for realism.
As you add color, remember:
- Watercolors can be used for a softer look, markers for boldness.
- Shading is crucial to give your drawing depth and realism.
💡 Note: If you're a beginner, practice shading on a separate sheet first to get comfortable with your medium.
To recap, we've taken you through a journey from understanding your floral subjects to coloring them with life. Drawing December's birth flowers is more than an artistic pursuit; it's an opportunity to immerse in the symbolism and beauty these plants carry. Whether you're sketching as a hobby, preparing a personalized gift, or simply wanting to capture the essence of December, these steps provide a pathway to create your unique rendition of the narcissus and holly.
What does the Narcissus flower symbolize?
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The Narcissus, commonly known as the daffodil, symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and the promise of spring. It’s a flower often associated with the renewal of life and the rejuvenation of the earth after winter.
Can I use other mediums besides watercolors and markers?
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Absolutely! While we’ve discussed using watercolors and markers for coloring, you can also use colored pencils, pastels, or even acrylic paints to add color to your drawing. Each medium offers a different texture and feel.
What are some tips for shading flowers?
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Shading flowers can add depth and realism:
- Observe the light source to determine where shadows will fall.
- Use a light touch to build up layers of shading for more natural results.
- Remember to blend your shading smoothly with tools like blending stumps or your fingers.
- Consider the petal’s translucency and show the veins or internal structure through shading.
