Roses

Sketch in Pen and Ink

Try drawing several roses, including buds and leaves, to create a simple, relaxed composition. Don't be obsessive about drawing every petal, but try to suggest the overall shape and flow. Pen-and-ink is an ideal medium for this - try using a felt tip or bic if you don't have a dip pen. Using ink prevents you from messing around trying to 'fix' mistakes - they have to be part of the design. Try keeping your lines as fresh and clean as possible.

Below:Try drawing a loose arrangement of blooms - just laid in a heap - rather than a stiff formal arrangement. Use hatching and scumbling to add detail and texture in the shadows. Using a variety of flowers, some with more defined shapes such as tulips or lilies, and some with looser forms, such as David Austin roses, helps to add structure and interest.

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