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Welcome to the (Plant) Family
Did you know that Chocolate, Cotton, Okra and Hibiscus are all related?! Plants are classified by their reproductive structures, so plants in the same family have flowers (and other reproductive parts) that look alike, but otherwise, they are free to be their unique (and delicious!) selves. Plant Awareness The more I draw botanicals, … Continued
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Fall in Love with Winter Magic
As the days grow too dark and cold to hang around outdoors, we need to keep ourselves occupied and our spirits up. Just because we’re not able to comfortably enjoy much time outside doesn’t mean we can’t still spend our time connecting with nature. I want to share with you my favorite botanical subjects to … Continued
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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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The Practice of Botanical Drawing: Ideas for Expanding Lessons
The Practice of Botanical Drawing Lessons are a guide to build on. Expand each lesson with new and different subjects! Watch this video to get advice from Wendy. We know that masters aren’t made overnight, and that consistent practice is the key to success. Think of my books as a template. I show you … 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 Mint Family
The Mint Family Lamiaceae Fun Fact: Gill-over-the-Ground is a versatile, edible, and medicinal member of the mint family often used to support digestive health. Plants in the Mint Family share these traits: -Square stems –Opposite leaves –Usually aromatic –“Mouthy” flowers with 5 petals Learn more about the Mint Family Mint Family Portrait by Wendy Hollender (Buy … Continued
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The Amaryllis Family
The Amaryllis Family Amaryllidaceae Fun Fact: Waxed, pre-potted amaryllis bulbs can bloom indoors without any water or soil. Plants in the Amaryllis Family share these traits: Flowers -Produced on scapes –6 tepals produced in 2 whorls –6 stamens Leaves -Pungent or not –Linear parallel veining Bulbs reform annually from the base of the old bulb … Continued
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The Carrot Family
The Carrot Family Apiaceae Fun Fact: Before the 16th century, carrots were primarily purple, white, or yellow. Dutch farmers are credited with breeding orange varieties during the 17th century. Plants in the Carrot Family share these traits: -Compound Flower Umbels -5 sepals, 5 petals, usually bisexual –Usually hollow flower stalks -Pinnate leaves –Tap root –Aromatic … Continued
