Botanical Illustration Course with the Eden Project Drawing and watercolour painting techniques for botanical artists

by Martin, Rosie; Thurstan, Meriel

• ISBN13: 9780713490749
• ISBN10: 0713490748
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-03-30
• Publisher: Batsford

Summary

This is simply the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, with each chapter a perfectly constructed and self-contained class. Created in conjunction with the internationally renowned Eden Project--home of the only jungle in captivity--it's put together by two leading figures in the Project's famed art school, and uses many beautiful works from its students. Artists and plant lovers will find a wealth of practical information, with easy-to-follow exercises and case studies. The priceless advice encompasses everything from honing observational skills and plant dissection procedures to color mixing and applying watercolor. Adding highlights, producing a pleasing composition, and developing a personal style--all the building blocks for achieving excellence are here.

Author Biography

Rosie Martin holds a Gold Medal from the RHS for her botanical watercolour painting. She is an elected member of the Society of Botanical Artists and teaches a variety of art-based subjects, including botanical illustration in both. She has worked in fashion, ballet and theatre; her clients have included David Bowie, Anthony Caro, Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Muir, for whom she produced textiles and interior design prints.

Meriel Thurstan discovered botanical illustration while working at the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. She later became a pivotal member of the Friends team at the Eden Project, organising and running talks, visits and courses. She holds a Silver Lindley medal from the RHS for her watercolours of fungi and a Bronze medal for an exhibit of different coloured potatoes. Meriel founded the South West Society of Botanical Artists in 2006, which aims to promote and encourage botanical art to the highest standard. Her own botanical paintings hang in England, France and Australia. She lives in Somerset.

Table of Contents

• Pencil Drawing

• Shapes in Nature

• Plant dissection and bisection

• Perspective

• Use of tonal contrast

• Line drawing and pencil shading

• Colour and pigment mixing

• Application of watercolour

• Highlights and shiny surfaces

• Composition and arrangement