The two varieties of chrysanthemums on this page are the pompon and the Japanese anemone. The pompon chrysanthemum produces flowers one to two inches across and are more button-like than the larger, more globular types.
The Japanese anemone grows four inches or more across and produces flowers with irregular outlines and, in some cases, resembles forms of anemone sea life.
Follow the steps for each flower type, trying to capture the attitude and personality of each flower and petal formation. It’s best to draw this exercise on plate-finish bristol board using both HB and 2B pencils. Smooth bond paper also provides a good drawing surface.
Side View
POMPON CHRYSANTHEMUM
Observe the difference in texture between the top of the Japanese anemone blossom and its sides. The voluminous, bushy effect is achieved with many short, squiggly lines drawn in random directions, in contrast to the sloping lines of the lower petals.
JAPANESE ANEMONE CHRYSANTHEMUM
Border chrysanthemums produce larger, more bulbous flowers. Their petal arrangement is challenging to draw. Develop the drawing outline with a 2B pencil, then add an interesting background using a flat sketch pencil in random strokes and varying pressures.
The unopened chrysanthemum bud below resembles a miniature pumpkin. Draw in the creases first to make shading the bud easier.
BORDER CHRYSANTHEMUM
Pay equal attention to each petal as you draw it; if you don’t, the drawing may have a sloppy, unfinished appearance.
Follow the arrows when developing the petals. Work from the center outward, allowing each new petal to be overlapped by the previous one.
Step B shows most of the petals in place, but note that changes to their position may occur when you shade.
A flat sketching pencil is best for shading the broad portions of the leaves. Use the corner of the lead to draw the outlines and indicate veining. To create a more interesting “sketchy” look, leave some parts unshaded rather than finishing them off at the edges, as shown earlier.