How to Draw an Aster Flower Step-by-Step

With their cheerful daisy-like blooms asters are a favorite flower for gardens floral arrangements, and art. Learning how to draw an aster flower is a great way to capture their beauty. In this simple, step-by-step tutorial, you’ll learn how to draw an aster flower bloom in pencil.

Overview of Asters

Before diving into our drawing lesson, let’s do a quick overview of asters.

Asters are a large group of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, which includes other popular flowers like daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. There are over 600 species of asters, including annuals, biennials, and perennials.

Some of the most common types of asters are:

• New England Aster – Bright purple flowers with yellow centers

• New York Aster – Pale purple blooms

• Michaelmas Daisy – Classic daisy-like flowers in white, pink, purple

• Alpine Aster – Compact plants with blue or purple flowers

Asters are characterized by their daisy or sunflower-like flower heads, usually consisting of ray petals surrounding a central disc. They come in colors like white, pink, purple, red, and blue.

Now that you know a little about asters, let’s learn how to draw a simple aster flower bloom!

How to Draw an Aster Flower

Follow along with the steps below to learn how to draw an aster flower. We’ll be creating a single aster bloom in purple, but you can use any color you like.

Step 1. Begin by drawing a circle near the top of your paper. This will be the main part of the flower head.

Step 2. Draw a smaller circle within the first circle, toward the bottom. This will be the central disc.

Step 3. Draw a wavy line across the lower half of the larger circle to separate the disc from the petals.

Step 4. Draw a series of petals around the outside of the central disc. Start at the bottom and work your way around.

• The petals should be irregular shapes with rounded ends
• They can overlap slightly
• Make some petals larger and some smaller

Step 5. Draw some lines on the petals for detail. These represent the veins of the flower.

Step 6. Darken the tips of the petals. Add some shading on the petals and disc as well. This helps give the flower depth and form.

Step 7. Draw a curved line under the bloom to represent the stem. Add a leaf on one side.

Step 8. Erase any pencil lines you don’t want. Now it’s ready to color! Use purple for the petals and green for the stem and leaves.

And there you have it – a beautiful aster flower drawing! Follow these simple steps and you can create your own aster flower art.

Once you get the basics down, you can start drawing more complex asters. Try combining several blooms on one stem, overlapping flowers, or drawing the whole aster plant. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Drawing Realistic Asters

Here are some tips to take your aster drawings to the next level:

• Study photos of asters – Observe the subtle curves of the petals, the variations in size, the details of the disc florets. Recreate what you see.

• Use colored pencils – Layer different hues to capture the richness of the petals. Dark purple tones on the edges transitioning lighter toward the center works well.

• Pay attention to form – Use shading to show the roundness of the flower head and dimension of the petals receding into space.

• Draw the foliage – Don’t forget the leaves and stems! Asters have long slender leaves that complement the flowers nicely.

• Try different angles – Draw a side view of an aster or an overhead perspective looking down at the bloom.

• Add details – Decorate your asters with dewdrops, fragments of petals falling, or a butterfly perched on top!

Drawing Asters in Different Styles

One of the great things about drawing asters is they lend themselves to many artistic styles. After learning the basics, try rendering your aster drawings in different ways:

Realistic Style

Aim for an accurate, lifelike portrayal using shading and details. Study botanical illustrations.

Loose, Expressive Style

Use scribbly, sketchy lines and loose watercolor washes. Let the colors run together.

Geometric Style

Simplify the shapes into circles, ovals and triangles. Use straight lines and strong graphic colors.

Whimsical Style

Play with proportions and add fun details. Surround your bloom with smiling critters!

Abstract Style

Focus on colors, shapes and textures.Experiment with different marks and compositions.

The options are endless when drawing asters! Find a style you enjoy and have fun with it.

Simple Aster Flower Drawing Tutorial

If you’re a total beginner, follow this simplified step-by-step tutorial to learn the basics of drawing an aster flower bloom.

Supplies needed:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Eraser

Optional: coloring supplies

Step 1

Draw a large circle near the top of your paper.

Step 2

Draw a smaller circle inside the first circle toward the bottom.

Step 3

Draw a curved line between the two circles. This separates the inner and outer parts of the bloom.

Step 4

Draw a series of petal shapes around the outer circle.

Step 5

Add a stem and leaves beneath the flower.

Step 6

Erase any pencil lines you don’t want. At this point you can color your drawing if desired.

And you’re done! With this easy method, you have the basis for drawing simple, stylized asters.

Practice Makes Perfect!

Like any new skill, drawing lifelike asters takes practice. Be patient with yourself as you learn.

Set time aside each day to draw for 10-15 minutes. Starting with basic shapes and lines will help develop your flower drawing abilities. Sketch loosely and don’t worry about perfection.

Over time you’ll gain confidence in recreating the curves and angles that bring asters to life on the page. Enjoy the creative process as you practice this relaxing, rewarding art form.

Drawing Asters – Final Tips

Here are a few final tips for your aster drawing adventures:

• Start with a basic pencil sketch to work out the composition
• Add color later with colored pencils, markers, paint or pastels
• Mix colors on the page to create subtle hues
• Try drawing on toned paper for richer backgrounds
• Depict asters at different stages – buds opening, full bloom, going to seed
• Draw asters from life for most accurate results
• Learn basic botanical drawing techniques like form shading
• Look at aster drawings you admire and study the artist’s style

Now get out your art supplies and start drawing these beautiful flowers! With a little practice your artwork will blossom. Let the graceful asters inspire your creativity.