Wendy’s botanical drawing books provide thorough instruction of her colored pencil and watercolor methods and techniques. Each book has different drawing subjects and is unique in its approach to bring nature to life on the page. For the true beginner, we recommend A Beginner’s Guide or The Joy of Botanical Drawing to get started.
What are the differences between these books?
The Joy of Botanical Drawing, 2020
- Our most current book, with updated techniques and supplies.
- Named the best colored pencil book of all time by Book Authority.
- Has more watercolor techniques than the other books.
Bite-size lessons break down the basics, then increase in complexity, all paired with in-depth illustrations to guide you in using colored and watercolor pencils to bring a botanical subject fully to life.
Lessons include ...
Drawing a Red Tomato in Colored Pencil and Watercolor
Mixing Bright Colors and Shadows
Leaf Front and Back
Drawing a Tubular Flower in Perspective
Advanced Root Overlaps
Drawing a Zinnia (Composite Flower)
Drawing the Pattern on a Strawberry
Plant Process Pages
The Practice of Botanical Drawing, 2017
Perfect for students subscribed to the Practice of Botanical Drawing Course - this book includes all the PDF instructions from the course, spiral-bound.
A “step-by-step” approach.
Mostly colored pencil, with some watercolor.
Enhanced by the video companion lessons, but also a great stand-alone book that follows nature throughout the seasons.
Examples of lessons:
Drawing an Acorn
Drawing Citrus Fruit
Drawing a Rose
Drawing Outdoors
Identifying Plant Families
Creating a Composition
Botanical Drawing: A Beginner's Guide, 2007
Perfect for first-time artists and those who like to work right in the book.
Learn to draw realistic 3-dimensional subjects on a 2-dimensional surface.
A wonderful book for beginners
Colored pencil only.
“Workbook-style” with blank paper inside the book to practice right next to each lesson.
Examples of lessons:
Making a Circle look like a Sphere
Making Circles look like Apples
A Cup becomes a Tulip
Drawing Tulip Petals with Colored Pencils
Botanical Drawing in Color, 2010
Perfect for those seeking more instruction on Wendy's colored pencil method, this book takes The Beginners Guide deeper into more advanced techniques.
Examples of lessons:
Measuring in Perspective*
Drawing Three Views of a Daisy
Basic Color Theory*
Studying a Tree or Plant Year Round
Observing and Drawing Under Magnification
How to Plan a Composition*
*advanced lessons
Which book is right for me?
I am a serious student but have little time to draw
The Joy of Botanical Drawing offers short, gratifying lessons from introductory to advanced drawing topics. Jump in and out as you please!
I love drawing but I seek motivation
The Joy of Botanical Drawing covers specific motivational themes to help you put pencil to paper.
I like to draw all year round, including in the winter time
The Practice of Botanical Drawing follows nature throughout the seasons, and makes a great companion book to our most popular video course.
I'm a total beginner and I can't draw - Help!!!
You CAN draw! Start off with our Botanical Drawing - A Beginner's Guide, for an easy-to-follow workbook with space to practice right alongside each lesson.
I'm a kid!
Botanical Drawing - A Beginner's Guide will instruct even the youngest students to hone their observational skills and practice fine art!
I love colored pencils but I have never tried Botanical Drawing
Botanical Drawing in Color takes an in-depth look at using colored pencils to create beautiful, realistic forms. Since you're off to a great start in your drawing, try this more advanced book!
