Lotus on the Water Coloring Page

A lotus floating on still water creates one of nature’s most peaceful scenes. The flower rises above the surface while lily pads drift nearby, and you might catch ripples spreading across the water or a dragonfly resting on a leaf. This composition gives you room to play with both the detailed petals of the lotus and the reflective, flowing quality of water.

What colors work best?

Traditional pink and white lotus flowers look beautiful, but you could also try yellow, deep magenta, or even pale blue varieties. For the water, think beyond plain blue – try layering greens, teals, and purples to create depth. The lily pads can be various shades of green, from yellow-green to deep forest, with brown or reddish edges where they’re older. Consider leaving some white spaces in the water to suggest sunlight glinting off the surface, or use light blues and silvers for a moonlit scene.

Did you know?

Lotus flowers close up at night and sink slightly underwater, then emerge and reopen when the sun rises. The leaves have a special coating that makes water bead up and roll off, carrying dirt with it – scientists have actually copied this “lotus effect” to create self-cleaning materials. Despite growing in muddy water, lotus flowers stay remarkably clean because of this natural coating.

How to color this one

Start with the lotus petals, building up color gradually from light at the edges to deeper tones at the base. Colored pencils work wonderfully here for layering subtle color shifts. For the water, work in horizontal strokes and let colors blend into each other rather than making hard lines. Watercolor pencils or markers can create that fluid, reflective look. If you’re using gel pens or white pencils, save them for final touches like light reflections on the water or dewdrops on the petals.

Who’ll love this?

This page suits anyone looking for a meditative coloring session – the subject matter itself is calming. Adults who enjoy nature scenes will appreciate the balance of detail in the flower and the opportunity for soft, flowing work in the water. It works well as an evening wind-down activity or during a quiet afternoon when you want something absorbing but not stressful.