- Software: Inkscape (or Illustrator)
- Level: Beginner
- Subject: Hibiscus Flower
This will be a simple step by step tutorial on illustrating a Hibiscus Flower using Inkscape.
Sketch
Use GIMP, any other graphics editors like Photoshop, or even on paper, to create a simple sketch of the hibiscus flower.
You do not need to focus on details. Just the rough shape and composition should be sketched, as we will be creating an illustration out of it.
Illustrate Petals
Import the sketch into Inkscape.
Use the Bezier Curve and Straight Line tool [Shift]+[F6] to mark out the main shape.
Use the Edit Path Nodes tool [F2] to shape these lines to curves, using the sketch as guide.
Draw another set of lines, just marking out the white area of the petals. You can ignore the Pistil and Stamens for now.
Shape them too with the Edit Path Node tool.
Give both these shapes the colors. You can keep the outline of the outer shape to create another gradation. For the inner shape, switch off the outline stroke.
Pistil And Stamen
This is the part of the flower that comes out from the center, and forms the reproductive parts of the plants.
Send back the two sets of shapes you had created for the petal, under the sketch, and then start shaping the remaining part. Remember to make its outline a bit thinner.
Now you can send back the sketch layer or even delete it.
Details
You can give another set of details, like the lighter hue on the petals, and more details on the stamens.
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July 21, 2008 at 12:01 pm
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May 7, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Jude
Nice article! Sketching it out first gives it a more hand-drawn look which is refreshing.
May 7, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Vyoma
Thanks, Jude!
I usually follow two different workflows when I work with Inkscape depending on the style of outcome I wish.
For a more symmetric/geometric look, the artwork is constructed out of basic shapes. For a more hand-drawn/assymmetric look (like this one), I do a quick sketch in GIMP.
July 11, 2008 at 9:14 pm
8i87io
this rocks! i tried drawing so many flower sketches but this is the best
July 29, 2008 at 8:31 pm
aquariumhell
Thank you, great tutorial! - http://aquariumhell.deviantart.com/art/Flower-93132069 - my own minor variant.
July 31, 2008 at 6:05 am
Vyoma
That looks great aquariumhell!
July 31, 2008 at 8:37 am
nicu
You can also draw the sketch in Inkscape using the calligraphic brush.
July 31, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Vyoma
Yes we can nicu.
I just am totally addicted to GIMP when it comes to free form. With GIMP+Wacom, it almost as good as the real thing - and I usually prefer to go through that approach when I would not be using those initial strokes.