While the rose is not considered a typically Oriental flower, it is shown here to point out the fact that sumi techniques may well suggest flowers native to other lands.
There is a similarity between the rose's petal and that of the plum. Dampen a soft brush and dip in a rich red paint. Press it sideways to the paper in a cluster of Straight, crossing strokes, which form the center of the flower. Gradually, as the petals widen, increase the width of the stroke more and more, working away from and around the center of the flower. Use all the paint on the brush before reloading, keeping the deepest tones nearer the center. Add a touch of yellow to the center and black lines and dots for accent. The stem is a downward sembyo stroke. Each leaf is composed of two mokkotsu strokes and generally five of these are grouped on each leaf stem. Sharp touches of a small brush with noboku indicate veins and thorns.
The rosebud is one pressure stroke in the deepest color. Leave a white separation and paint the base of the bud with noboku in upward strokes adding a suggestion of outline to the bud.
Paint as many varieties of the rose as possible, noting the characteristics of each.
