Category: Botanical Illustration
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The Power of Light in Realistic Illustrations
Discover the Magic of Highlights, Shadows, and Continuous Toning Learn How to Create the Illusion of 3D Form 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 … Continued
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Strawberry Illustrations Step-by-Step
Strawberries are as fascinating as they are sweet. (Did you know that each tiny “seed” on a strawberry’s surface is technically its own fruit?!) Whether you’re attracted to their vibrant red color, their mighty green crown, or their cute white flowers, we’re here to help you create your own stunning strawberry illustration. Watch … Continued
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Begin with Basics
Many people say things like, “I can’t draw to save my life,” and “I could never draw something like that!”, but the truth is… ANYONE can draw! (Yes, even YOU!) If you have the desire to learn, and you commit to the time it takes, we can show you how. Here’s everything you need to … Continued
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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
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How to Identify & Illustrate The Nightshade Family
How to Identify & Illustrate The Nightshade Family Exploring Plants in Solanaceae By Wendy Hollender, botanical illustrator & educator All year long, I wait for summer to arrive, dreaming of a sun-warmed, heirloom, home grown tomato bursting over fresh basil, sprinkled with a bit of salt. The best days involve this delightful snack after … Continued
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How to Draw Flowers That Feel Real
How to Draw Flowers That Feel Real Practical Tips for Painting Beautiful Blooms Realistic flower drawing tips and techniques for adding depth, dimension, and clarity to your botanical art We’ve all seen stunning snapdragons, radiant roses or fascinating foxgloves that made us think, “Wow, I want to stare at this for hours and … Continued
