What is an easy way to paint a realistic looking rose?

I want to paint roses on my headboard, but I'm having a hard time of it... I want the roses to look fairly realistic, and mine are looking cartoony (is that a word?). Help!
What is an easy way to paint a realistic looking rose?
You may not have the time, but the only way to draw well is to practice again, and again, and again........ You may want to try using a color outline instead of pencil so tha it will not look so "cartoony". If you find yourself in a pickle, get a large photo of a rose and try carbon paper. This will give you a "guide" outline that you can go over with paint. Good luck! :)
Reply:Start with a good drawing or perhaps a copy of one that you like. Once you have the drawing copied or traced on the headboard the painting should be quite easy.



Good luck.
Reply:Maybe you could try doing it from an angle



i love art





xx
Reply:If you want to do it yourself, there is no better way than plain old-fashioned observation and practice sketching.



There are, however, some shortcuts.



You can start yourself off in the right direction by using cutout stencils or tracing (there's no shame in that!) like this one--http://www.lovingyou.com/content/crafts/...



This example I posted gives a non-cartoony outline, so you can fill in the rest worry-free.



Or, you can buy more complicated stencils like the ones here made jsut for home decorating crafts-- http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/R...



In either case, good luck!

and remember, draw what you see, not what you think you see. Your drawings are cartoonish because your idea of what a rose 'should' look like isn't accurate- a bit like how children try to draw people and can only draw smiley faces. Educate yourself and focus on observing carefully.
Reply:Try taking a picture of a rose use it as a reference but focus mostly on the color... where is the shadow? where is the light? blend the colors well... you can also just go get a stencil. or even adhesive flowers. I find out of all flowers roses are the hardest for me to paint... but try looking at how to draw books they help alot.
Reply:Go to your local craft store and get a stencil. Or order one online.
Reply:well janine, i am an experience interior designer and the best to makes roses is , believe it or not , with your anus.yes your starfish dipped in paint will make a perfect rose.just spread dip and press. voila perfection. your welcome have a super saturday
Reply:there is no easy way to realism....sorry to say, you have to discover the mode of thinking required which takes a while. read the book "drawing on the right side of the brain" by betty edwards, it should help a ton. and keep practicing.
Reply:Hi,



I don't want to be a spoil-sport, but if you want realistic roses painted by you the solution is to practice drawing and painting them.

Remember that painting is learning to see. Observe carefuly and note that values(darks and lights) are very important to achieve a realistic painting.



Kind regards,



José