Botanical Drawing

This book provides a thorough and expert guide to the subject of botanical drawing, through detailed text, examples of the author’s own studies, short exercises and larger projects. Penny Brown produces traditional botanical drawings primarily rendered in pencil.

The book touches on the history of botanical drawing, the rules and practicalities, and includes an accessible, basic study of botany for the absolute beginner. From creating an initial line drawing to adding tone and then creating more complex compositions, Botanical Drawing is a detailed study of the practice for anyone wishing to explore the subject in great depth, led by an expert artist.

Book Contents

Introduction6
Botanical art: a personal perspective8
Materials and tools12
GETTING STARTED20
Drawing an elliptical flower28
Line and tone exercise
Drawing a mushroom34
Line and tone exercise
Project 1: William Pear38
Step by step
Project 2: Poppy seed head42
Step by step
Understanding plant structure48
Examining your subjects56
Gathering information60
Project 3: Peas and pods70
Step by step
Composition74
Project 4: Apple blossom80
Step by step
Project 5: Common grape hyacinth86
Step by step
Project 6: Cape Gooseberry92
Step by step
Project 7: Dutch Iris96
Step by step
Project 8: Freesia102
Step by step
Project 9: Sweet vernal grass108
Step by step
Project 10: Pot marigold122
Step by step
Index128