Author: Emet Lipson
-
Botanical Art Advice: Motivation to Keep Drawing
Celebrate Wendy Hollender with her Joyful Pearls of Wisdom It’s Wendy’s birthday! The only thing Wendy Hollender might enjoy more than the art of botanical illustration is sharing her passion with others so that everyone may experience the joys of botanical drawing. To celebrate Draw Botanical’s founder this year, we are sharing Wendy’s wisdom with … Continued
-
Kraft Paper: My Favorite Things
by Wendy Hollender & the Draw Botanical Team When I study and draw from nature, I feel a presence of something that never fails to take my breath away. I “undress” the plant to study the mystery within, exploring flowers and plants on a micro level, almost as if I were an insect. … Continued
-
Unraveling Roots: A Step-by-Step Botanical Guide for Artists
Easy Techniques to Bring Realistic Roots to Life in Your Art Roots are more than just the part of a plant that holds it in place; they tell a unique story of growth and connection to the earth. While the roots of a plant might look like a tangled mess beneath the surface, … Continued
-
The Art of Identifying Plant Families
A Botanical Illustrators’ Guide to Spot Plant Patterns & Draw What You See Learning how to identify plant families is like discovering nature’s secret code, and it just so happens that observational drawing is one of the best ways to crack it. As botanical artists, we notice delicate details that many people miss: … Continued
-
Quiet Your Inner Critic
Sometimes the hardest part of the creative process is getting started. We have so many other things to do, and our fears subconsciously influence our quick decision-making. If you focus on JOY and don’t worry about results, you will always be in a good place. How to quiet your inner negative voice … Continued
-
9 Steps to Lifelike Leaves
Draw a Leaf in 9 Simple Steps When you create a botanical illustration showcasing a plant’s important parts, you are likely to face the challenge of drawing realistic green leaves. Though there are many different kinds of leaves, this tutorial focuses on how to draw a leaf with net veining (ex. rose, hibiscus, oak, hydrangea). … Continued
-
Here to Help!
Do you ever look at your page and think, “hmm… something’s not quite right, but I don’t know what…”? You are far from alone, friend. And we are here to help! If you’re reading this, thank you for being a member of our Draw Botanical family. If you subscribe to one our online courses, … Continued
-
Listen to Nature: We All Belong
Nothing is “Normal” What We Have to Learn from Flora and Fungi By Wendy Hollender, with Emet Lipson As I spend time drawing and learning from fungi and flora, I’m reminded again and again: diversity isn’t just beautiful — it’s essential. Nature grows in countless forms, and our lives depend on the cooperation of … Continued
-
The Secret to Watercolor Techniques
The secret to producing the watercolor painting of your dreams is… patience! Wait for it to dry completely between layers. Keep reading for more helpful watercolor tips from our instructors. Go with the flow “Working in watercolor requires not only patience, but also the willingness to relinquish control. With colored pencils, we are mostly … Continued
-
How to Identify & Illustrate The Nightshade Family
How to Identify & Illustrate The Nightshade Family Exploring Plants in Solanaceae By Wendy Hollender, botanical illustrator & educator The Nightshade Family Solanaceae Fun Fact: The potato is not a fruit but a tuber, part of the plant’s root system. A shout out to Tributary Farm for the majority of these wonderful vegetables. Meet the … Continued
