Author: Emet Lipson
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Turning Passion into Preservation
How can we, as botanical artists, make a difference in the world? We can document what is happening outside, right here, right now! Nature’s only constant is change – what you see outside today could be gone by tomorrow. But drawings last much longer! Botanical illustrations are the perfect way to keep the essence of … Continued
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Celebrate Your Progress
When we look at our own artwork, it can be hard to quiet our inner critics and easy to get caught up in chasing perfection and comparing ourselves to others. While admiring expert artistry can be inspiring, it can also be discouraging with thoughts like, “They’re way better than I am,” “I could never … Continued
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Sketching Summer: Ideas & Botanical Definitions
The Practice of Botanical Drawing started as a year-long Challenge, prompting students to track a tree or woody shrub of their choice through all its stages for a year. The final product becomes a “Sketchbook of the Seasons,” with + color and tonal drawings + herbarium components, and + journal documentation from 1-2 trees … Continued
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Verdant Meditations
Thank you to Taliesin Thomas for this lovely feature on dirt-mag.com, aptly titled, “Verdant Meditations.” The piece explores how I became a botanical artist, the philosophy behind the Draw Botanical Method, and a peek into the magic I’ve been making most recently. (See the full feature here.) Plant Partners I work entirely … Continued
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The Magnolia Family
The Magnolia Family Magnoliaceae Fun Fact: This majestic family is one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet! Magnolia trees grow so tall and straight that Indigenous people used them to craft canoes. Plants in the Magnolia Family share these traits: Flowers Petals and sepals look alike 3 sepals 6 petals or more … Continued
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The Onion Family
The Onion Family Alliaceae, sub family of Liliaceae Fun Fact: Some specialized giant onion varieties can weigh over 10 pounds. Plants in the Onion Family share these traits: Flowers Produced on scapes 6 tepals produced in 2 whorls 6 stamens Leaves Pungent Linear Bulbs reform annually from the base of the old bulb (most are … Continued
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The Rose Family
The Rose Family Rosaceae Fun Fact: Roses possess significant medicinal properties, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidepressant effects derived from their petals, hips, and oil. For free tips on how to draw a rose, click here. Plants in the Rose Family share these traits: Flowers Separate petals in multiples of five … Continued
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Mushrooms of New York 1 (April thru August 2023)
Mushrooms of New York (April thru August 2023) Fungi Kingdom Fun Fact: Luke Sarrantonio (a brilliant, local fungi education, foraging, and cultivation consultant) has been guiding me to the best secret mushroom hideouts and teaching me about how mushrooms grow and develop once they are above ground. (Find Luke on Instagram @mycophilicorganism) If you … Continued
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The Tulip Family
The Tulip Family Tulipa, sub family of Liliacea Fun Fact: Tulip Mania was a 17th-century Dutch economic bubble where rare tulip bulb prices soared, often exceeding the cost of houses or a skilled worker’s annual income. For free tips on how to draw a tulip in 12 easy steps, click here. Plants in the Tulip … Continued
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The Mustard Family
The Mustard Family Brassicaceae Fun Fact: All of the plants in this composition are edible! Taste testing is definitely part of the fun. The colors in this family really delight me. Plants in the Mustard Family share these traits: Flowers 4 petals and 4 sepals 6 stamens (4 tall and 2 short) 2-chambered ovary Seeds … Continued
