Category: Botanical Illustration
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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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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 The Nightshade Family Solanaceae Fun Fact: The potato is not a fruit but a tuber, part of the plant’s root system. A shout out to Tributary Farm for the majority of these wonderful vegetables. Meet the … Continued
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The Art of Drawing Leaves
A Botanical Artists’ Guide to a Realistic Leaf Illustrations Each leaf, with its unique shape, vein pattern, texture, and color, offers a new opportunity to observe and admire beauty in nature. Whether you’re sketching in a garden or from a specimen on your desk, embrace the joy of the drawing process over the pursuit of … Continued
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Why Join an In-Person Botanical Art Workshop?
(Hint: It’s More Than Just Drawing) Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned botanical illustrator, our workshops are designed to nurture your skills with the support of fellow creatives and spark fresh ideas amidst the gorgeous outdoors, where you can let yourself relax and enjoy. These immersive experiences blend creativity, connection, and … Continued
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How To Draw a Tulip in 12 Easy Steps
Scroll through this post for many techniques and step-by-step instructions you can try to improve your tulip drawings. Flowers are notoriously tricky subjects to capture realistically because of their curling petals, tiny reproductive parts, and short life spans. If you feel like flowers are too difficult to draw or too complex for you to … Continued
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4 Tips for Drawing Twists, Rolls, & Folds
To capture 3D forms on a 2D surface, we use light and shadows to create the illusion of depth. This can be tricky, but never fear! We are here to help. Learn how to draw elegant twists, flowing rolls, and delicate folds with confidence! Explore the graceful movement of strappy botanical leaves (like those … Continued
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10 Questions Every Artist Should Ask While Drawing
Whether you’re just getting started with botanical drawing or you’re a seasoned illustrator, make sure you are set for success and ask yourself these 10 questions to produce realistic botanical illustrations. Beginner Artists, Don’t Miss! Everything you need to know to get started on your botanical art journey is as easy as 1-2-3! … Continued
