How to Draw and Paint a Poinsettia

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When the spiky-leafed, red poinsettia appears in store displays in North America, it is a sure sign that the winter holidays are near. The flower originated in Mexico where it grows wild. Its simplicity and beauty have been celebrated by artists for centuries.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Drawing the Arrangement

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  1. 1
    Use good watercolor paper that will withstand the drawing and later the painting process.  Hold a piece of 9x12 inch paper (or larger) in either orientation. 
  2. Displays are commonplace during the year's end to mark Thanksgiving and Christmas. Study the leaf shape and the cluster of "berries" at the center, which actually contain the true flowers of the plant.
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  3. 3
    Make a light circle as a guide for how far the petals should extend.
  4. 4
    Divide the circle into four sections with light lines. Sketch four leaves, radiating from the center. These are called "modified leaves" or "bracts", and will be the red-colored leaves that are at their brightest in December.
  5. 5
    Draw a series of tiny circles at the center of the page.  These represent the small yellow flowers that form the center of the plant.
  6. 6
    Work between each leaf and add four more.  These will be slightly covered by the original four leaves.
  7. 7
    Go around again and add another layer of leaves.  You will only see the tips of these since they are hidden behind others.
  8. 8
    Color the poinsettia using watercolors, colored pencils or markers.  While poinsettias come in pink and white varieties, keep this one an example of the pure red variety. It is most common and exemplifies the flower.
  9. 9
    Color the center flowers yellow and green. Give each one a tiny stem.
  10. 10
    Create the green leaves. They are shaped exactly like the earlier red leaves but they are green. At the outside border or edge that the pointed petals make, sketch another few petals.
  11. 11
    Color these leaves green.   Add a vein pattern to the interior of the leaves.
  12. 12
    Continue drawing poinsettia. Add three more blossoms to form a bouquet.
  13. 13
    Check to be sure that each blossom has its own character.
  14. 14
    Designate a center of interest. Have a main center blossom just off the middle of the page be the eye-catching center of interest. Accent it by making it more detailed, brighter and more appealing.
  15. 15
    Fill in around the blossoms with leaves.
  16. 16
    Create the container, vase, or basket. Draw lightly the various shapes you desire. For a basket, add a curved handle.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Painting the Arrangement

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  1. 1
    Pick pure red and green watercolor pigments. Or, if using colored pencils or markers, use the brightest, clearest shades of red and green. Test them on a scrap of paper.
  2. 2
    Aim for variety of pigment on each leaf, whether red or green. This slight change in pressure or density of the color mixture will give the artwork interest.
  3. 3
    Paint or draw the basket. Texture is the key. Use brown media such as watercolor on a small pointed brush, or markers to define the basket and handle.
  4. 4
    Create depth or roundness to the scene. Dilute the colors as the object recedes. Make lighter and less intense flowers and leaves.
  5. 5
    Suggest a solid ground for the arrangement to stand on. Just a quick pass with light brown is enough. However, if you wish, create a tablecloth, wood surface, etc. It's your decision.
  6. 6
    Put clusters of red "berries" (the true flowers of the plant) in a few places. This not only fills space but adds interest because the berries are darker and appear hard, giving another visual texture to the arrangement.
  7. Use almost plain water and do a quick wash that is barely pink over the blossoms (the white leaves surrounding the center).
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      Things You'll Need

      • Watercolor paper, 9x12 inch or larger
      • Pencil
      • Watercolors, colored pencils or markers
      • Water (if using watercolors) or scrap paper (if using colored pencils or markers)
      • Set of watercolor brushes (if using watercolors)

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