How to draw a simple rose

Start out with a fancy looking S.

Add a curve that sort of outlines your S, only add a couple of sharp points and turns.

As you continue to shape your petals, you'll start noticing how the S will later transform into a rose.

Add much bigger petals. You'll start to get that blooming effect that makes the rose look pretty and full.

Now, add one big petal starting off to the right and a smaller petal right behind that.

Add a few leaves. You can leave it like this if you want.

Ouch! This must look awful. This is how I make my shading. Make darker lines where it will be dark, and lighter lines where it will be bright. Don't worry about how terrible it looks!

Now, start smearing it. Rub harder on the darker areas and light on the brighter areas. Carful not to mix everything too much, otherwise the rose will look dull.

Clean up the edges with an eraser and darken the lines.

Erase where you want it to be brighter.

Smear lightly.

Continue to erase and smear until it looks how you want it. You now have a beautiful drawing of a rose!