How to Draw Peonies

The peony is highly prized flower in the east and the west. In China, peony bark and roots were first used in traditional medicines to cure ailments. In Chinese art, the peony is referred to in literature, the decorative arts and painting, while European artists such as Renoir and Manet painted the blooms. The showy flower of the peony is what attracts artists to this flower. The large layers of petals, which range in color from white to maroon, surround bright yellow stamens. Some forms with double flower petals have more petals in the center rather than stamen. To draw a peony, form the petals of the flower.

Draw four small oval petals in a pinwheel shape connecting the bottom of each petal on a piece of drawing paper with a pencil. This is will become the center of a double flower peony, which is prized for its showy bloom.

Draw larger rounded ovals around the center four petals. The double flower peony is layer upon layer of petals. The center petals are small, while the outside petals are larger.

Add another layer of slightly larger petals around the last layer of petals. Each layer will have slightly larger petals.

Add another layer of petals. Repeat one last layer of petals. These petals should form the peony flower.

Draw a stem that comes out from the bloom. It should be two parallel lines that are close together. On each side of the stem draw almond-shaped leaves.