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Kraft Paper: My Favorite Things
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. White or Cream paper used to be my … Continued
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The Great Book of Nature is Always Open
If you’re ever in need of inspiration, nature is full of fascinating subjects everywhere you look! Each step outside is a wonderful chance to practice listening with our eyes, reading with our hands, and learning with our hearts to enhance our understanding of the universe’s language. Connect with a plant. Observe carefully. What do … Continued
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Florilegium Art Show 2023
WHAT: 2023 Florilegium Art Show Exhibit WHEN: Every Thursday from March 9-30 from 9 am – 12 pm WHERE: NTBG’s Botanical Research Center (3530 Papalina Road, Kalaheo HI 96741) A florilegium (latin for “gathering flowers”) is a collection of illustrations that vibrantly document plants from a particular region or botanic garden. NTBG’s Florilegium is … Continued
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Advantages of Taking a Botanical Illustration Course Online
Nature is our greatest teacher, whether we strive for scientific accuracy as professional botanical illustrators, enjoy creating for the beauty of decoration, or are curious and creative nature admirers who find relaxation in capturing nature’s magnificence. While many great artists are self-taught, learning from talented teachers of botanical illustration is the best way … Continued
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Don't be afraid to be "wrong"
We’re allowed to make mistakes When we are first learning how to be human, we’re allowed to make mistakes. (No one expects a 2 year old’s finger painting to be magnificent enough to deserve an exhibition!) We know that beginners won’t be perfect from the start, so we hold low expectations for their … Continued
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Texture: The Key to Realistic Botanical Art
Infuse your form with texture Transform a basic sphere into a ripe orange, a geometric cylinder into a weathered branch, a cup shape into a delicately petaled tulip, and watch your art come to life. We’re going to explore some premium tips for how to infuse your form with texture. The following tips … Continued
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The Magic of Light
Creating a detailed, three-dimensional plant painting feels like magic to me. I stumbled through the process of uncovering the lesser-known “secrets” behind these botanical drawings. But light source shouldn’t be a mystery to solve! It’s just a visualization exercise that will get easier and easier to do. Your first goal is simple: make your … Continued
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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. Immersing yourself in a study of nature’s beauty … Continued
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Creating Compositions: Holiday Cards
Using the art skills learned throughout our course, The Practice of Botanical Drawing, create a finished composition suitable for printing on holiday or harvest greeting cards to send to your friends and family. To create a finished seasonal drawing, focus on complex compositions and seasonal color combinations. A complex composition of a … Continued
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How YOU CAN Monetize Your Botanical Art
If you love botanical art (like I do!) and want to make money doing what you love, then this is the post for YOU! Keep reading for tips on commercial products, product photography, and how to sell and ship your own products. Create Original Botanical Artwork Nature is full of wild inspiration! Start … Continued
