Botanical arts Books

Book Synopsis Learn how to start a botanical sketchbook, to improve both your drawing skills and your appreciation of the natural world, with renowned botanical illustrator and tutor Dianne Sutherland.Sketchbooks are a simple and accessible way of becoming more involved with nature, with all the wellbeing benefits that brings, while learning to draw and paint with purpose. This beautiful yet practical book is aimed at those just starting out in botanical art and nature journaling, as well as more experienced artists looking to evolve their sketching practice.? Explore a variety of subjects: From delicate flowers and towering trees to fascinating insects and their habitats.? Learn to compose your sketches effectively: Highlight key features and capture the unique beauty of each specimen.? Experiment with different techniques and materials: Add depth and dimension to your work with expert guidance.? Incorporate colour swatches, notes, and labels: Enhance your sketchbook''s educational value and create a lasting record of your observations.In this comprehensive book packed with step-by-step instructions, Dianne generously shares her knowledge on selecting the perfect sketchbook (or even making your own with simple bookbinding techniques), to the in-depth development of sketchbook pages, covering content and composition, what parts of the plant to include, how to deal with different subjects, and now to bring your work to life with simple watercolour techniques.Illustrated throughout with examples of Dianne''s beautiful sketchbook pages this is a truly inspirational guide that will give you everything you need to start creating stunning nature sketchbooks and journals.Discover the profound therapeutic benefits of botanical sketchbooking, immerse yourself in nature, observe the intricate details of plants and insects, and harness your creativity to capture their essence on paper with Sketching Nature.

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully illustrated book is the first practical step-by-step guide to using coloured pencils in botanical painting and is written by Ann Swan, one of the top exponents of the genre.Water-soluble and oil-based coloured pencils are becoming increasingly popular for botanical painting as they are easier to use than traditional watercolour and are more forgiving, yet they produce the same stunning effects. They are especially suitable for the accuracy needed to paint in the botanical style of illustration.In this book Ann Swan gives helpful advice on all aspects of working with coloured pencils, including the techniques you will have to master underpainting, layering and burnishing. She also demontrates how to mix and build up colour, and how to add those finishing touches that will complete your painting successfully.Several full step-by-step demonstrations are included to show how these techniques are put into practice. The book concludes with a gallery of coloured pencil worksTrade Review‘… a beautiful book… Richly illustrated with impressive examples by the author… The vibrant artworks that result are rich in accurate botanical information.’ – The GardenTable of ContentsThe first book on using coloured pencils for botanical painting Huge increase in the popularity of both water-soluble and oil-based coloured pencils as they are easier to use than watercolour Author is a member of the prestigious Society of Botanical Artists and has a popular following in the UK and the US.

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Book SynopsisThis animal-themed card deck reflects nature through mythical and ethereal means and is rich in animal symbolism, allowing you to spiritually connect with the universe and yourself through the exquisite art of divination. The deck is suitable for beginners, enthusiasts and advanced tarot readers. Featuring 78 unique animal illustrations, it also makes a great gift for art enthusiasts.

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Book SynopsisLearn how to create beautiful and understated decorative stitching motifs. The designs feature surface and dimensional stitches and bead embroidery; with motifs inspired by nature ranging from roses, sunflowers, asters and daisies to little bumblebees, ladybugs and dragonflies. All 20 projects include step-by-step instructions and actual size templates. Learn how to make brooches, small bags and purses, cushion covers, picture frames and more. The variety of motif combinations will keep you stitching all year round.Trade ReviewTake up freestyle hand embroidery and use your new skills to adorn twenty projects. There are some imaginative choices for items to decorate in here, ranging from the ubiquitous cushion, egg cozy and pin cushion, to a hair barrette, decorated coat hanger cover, oven mitt and sewing machine cover. The book is divided into four seasonal sections, starting with a few pages showing the featured embroidered flowers. Then follow the projects, although not all of the flowers are used -- some only appear at the back as patterns. Each project has staged photographic instructions that are easy to follow even for those fairly new to sewing projects, together with a picture of the finished item in situ, a list of what fabric and thread you need, plus a list of stitches. The color palette is shown as a key with actual photographs of stitches worked with the thread (DMC), a nice touch. Some patterns can be measured out directly; others appear as patterns in their projects or at the back, either full sized or requiring sizing. This does not need to be done on a computer or copier, but dimensions are listed so you can draw out the patterns yourself. All the embroidery stitches are shown at the back and have been chosen to suit the subjects, so range from standard freestyle stitches, such as long and short, French knots, and chain to more exotic offerings like granitos stitch, ghiordes knot stitch, and double drizzle stitch. There are also projects involving beads, even a bit of ribbon embroidery, and stumpwork to add interest to the embroiderer and show what a bit of hand stitching can do. At the back are also all the drawn patterns for the flowers etc., with indications as to which stitch goes where, plus how to do the various types of fancier work. Under the heading of "Getting Started," you can find out about threads, transferring methods, resizing, and what you need to kit yourself out as a hand embroiderer. As for the patterns, choose from mimosa, plum blossom, yew berries, cosmos, safflower, wild strawberries and others, along with bees, butterflies, snowflakes and other accents (over 45 of them). This is a lovely book destined for many a keeper shelf that would be ideal for beginners upward. * Rachel Hyde - Myshelf.com *Inspired by nature, Yuki presents over 45 exquisite embroidery designs and 20 projects in this beautiful book. The designs reflect the seasons and include something for everyone, from Acorns to Witch-hazel! Full-size templates are included together with step-by-step instructions, and detailed stitch techniques will ensure success for all abilities. * East Kent Embroiderers Guild *May 2016 This book provides over 45 beautiful floral designs to embroider, plus 20 projects to make, giving endless possibilites for you to mix and match motifs and create designs of your own too. Split into four chapters following the seaons, the flowers for each season are shown stitched on to a plain linen background, followed by a selection of stylish projects, incorporating the motifs, with full clear step-by-step instructions. Comprehensive tools, materials and stitch guide can be found at the back. This book will give you an endless source of inspiration. * Love to Make *'The Hand Stitched Flower Garden is a reflection of my passion for flowers and embroidery, designed to encourage others thinking about trying embroidery to get started and introduce techniques beyond the basics to those looking to advance their skills. The book consists of two parts: a collection of motifs to stitch and project ideas for using those designs. The motifs section is arranged by season and features a variety of botanical motifs with insects here and there, for fun. These motifs range in difficulty from simple ones using just a few easy stitches to ones that use materials like ribbons and beads or dimensional techniques. So there’s a little bit of a variety of things to provide a taste of different avenues to explore and to show that knowing one extra method can really expand the possibilities. The projects section features items for the home and fashion accessories, namely, things that can be used in everyday life. I tend to be a practical person and wanted to offer ideas that would be useful in some way, so an embroiderer can enjoy using the finished piece as much as the stitching process. The projects are generally simple and straightforward to construct to make it easy to adapt them to different motifs and materials. They are intended as blank canvases on which an embroiderer can stitch her favorite motif.' - Yuki Sugishima For the full article visit: http://www.needlenthread.com/2015/11/yuki-sugashima-on-the-hand-stitched-flower-garden.html * Mary Corbett's Needle'n'Thread *I love stitching and I love flowers, so this book combines two of the loves of my life. I know many stitching friends, who like me, will appreciate this book. There are 45 embroidery designs accompanied by 20 projects to make. You can mix and match flower motifs to make your own designs. This book will provide an endless source of inspiration. Apart from the introduction and tools and resources, the book is split into four chapters – following the four seasons of the year. The embroidered flowers are shown in colour, 3 to a page. They include beautiful flowers like tulip, lavender, magnolia and mimosa, but also ladybirds and butterflies. The projects are practical yet beautiful. I love the sewing machine cover, the butterfly pincushion, the oven mitt, all the projects are handsome. Step-by-step instructions are given for the projects. An elegant book of embroidered projects that will appeal to a wide range of stitchers. Highly recommended. * Karen Platt- yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *The cover of this book just gives you a small glimpse in to the beautiful and amazing designs held within this book. There are 45 beautiful floral designs to embroider and 20 projects ideas as well. The projects surprised me the most in this book. Not only are you getting the beautiful designs you also get full instructions, including pictures, to make the different projects. I love the fact that there are step-by-step instructions and the pictures are so clear that you will easily understand how to make everything. The book is split into to season's of the year. Each season provides you with the pattern for the beautiful floral designs and the projects to use them on. At the back of the book everything is covered from the tools, materials and techniques used. You are then also provided with a stitch directory. I cannot express enough how professional and sophisticated the designs in this book are. The book gives you the opportunity to create amazing and beautiful items. You can use the designs on the projects in the book or you can use them to embellish your own projects. This book is worth every penny and more besides. * Crochet Addict UK *Introduction Author, Yuki Sugashima remembers the time she rediscovered her old box of threads and that being the trigger of the interest in embroidery craft. Her previous experience as a floral designer meant she was soon creating floral motifs in thread. Range of information All the information required to make the items is condensed down to 4 pages each, or so, including photographic imagery, diagrams and the method to undertake the making. Each project has a brief introduction, a colour palette, 'you will need' information, diagrammatic instruction and photography. There is a tools, materials and technique guide, plus actual size templates at the back end of the book 9/10 Quality of information The purpose of the short introductions are to share a few tips and to link the themes. There is opportunity to learn/use surface and dimensional stitching and bead embroidery, and though not hugely comprehensive the information does fully support the aim to do the best job at recreating Sugashima's embroidered range of items 9/10 Layout Size and format is similar to a lifestyle/fashion magazine (not glossy). Paperback book is 23 cm Long x 18 cm Wide. Instructions are in fonts that are quite small and fine. One full paged image is included for each project and a lovely double paged feature spread appears in each section which showcases flora and fauna embroidery 8/10 Photography/Illustration Eye catching, full colour photography, images are of high quality 8/10 Features Contains 128 pages. Pages numbers are labeled on each of the double paged features I mentioned in Layout to direct you over to stitching information 8/10 Conclusion I haven't put needle to fabric using this book as a guide as yet so am unable to feedback specifically about the accuracy and effectiveness of the projects. This is a nicely presented book however, with some inspirational designs to embroider. The project ideas are quite traditional i.e. egg cosy, oven gloves and apron, but items such as these, when completed, could get stained easily during food preparation so the time and energy in adding hand embroidery motifs could be regarded as bittersweet if they happen to get spoiled, and if shrinkage occurs, or if dyes from the threads were to bleed out in a warm wash. Personally, I admire the skill and the work involved and I think the outcomes are very pleasing, but delicate embroidery is better applied, I feel, to items such as covers, pouches and fashion accessories. Therefore, I may set up one of the projects as a workshop theme when my craft group next meets, or make an item or two and giveaway as keepsake gifts to the same sewing friends. First, however, I need to get to grips with embroidery techniques and the contents of this book may well send me on the right road. * Debra Hall -Notcompulsory.blogspot.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisSunflowers, roses, succulents, ferns, wildflowers — this rich bouquet of postcards features one hundred botanical postcards from ten celebrated artists from around the world. The colorful cards, in our popular postcard box format, are ideal for correspondence or display. A booklet about the artists highlights their creative processes, influences, and favorite houseplants.

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Book SynopsisLet Your Creativity Blossom with 30 Beautiful Watercolor Projects Immerse yourself in the world of watercolor with Sushma Hegde's array of stunning botanicals. Wildflower Watercolor is the essential comprehensive guide for beginner painters to learn how to create perfect floral masterpieces. With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step illustrations, it's never been easier to master the art of watercolor painting. Inside, you will find everything you need to get started, including how to mix colors and create striking new shades, how to make various types of brushstrokes and more. With over 30 projects to choose from-wild herbs such as lavender and chamomile and gorgeous flowers such as poppies, buttercups and forget-menots- anyone can create their very own watercolor work of art. With just a brush, some paint and a little bit of water, you can take the world's floral beauty to the page.

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Book SynopsisThis charmingly illustrated book is an ideal guide to the art of botanical drawing and painting. You should never hesitate to pull a flower apart to understand how it fits together, to turn the subject round until you are satisfied with its position, or to do pencil sketches of it in various positions. From sketching basic shapes and making volumes to creating textures and visualising the colour spectrum, this book is here to teach you how to look and observe, since you can only properly transcribe what you understand. Through step-by-step demonstrations and with colourful illustrations, Agathe Ravet-Haevermans teaches you how to recognise and draw a wide variety of flowers and leaves, and covers the textures and structural elements of a range of different plants including succulents, vegetables, trees and grasses. Practical as well as beautiful, The Art of Botanical Drawing is a necessary addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in botanical art.Trade ReviewThis book has great visual appeal * Leisure Painter (August 2009) *Ideal for the beginner * Amateur Gardening (August 2009) *...much to inspire... * Wild Flower Magazine (Summer 2009) *...a starting point for the artistically and botanically curious... * www.artbookreview.net (July 2009) *Anyone who has trouble deciphering their field sketches would learn something from the importance of observation stressed in this book. * The Orchid Review (September 2009) *Table of ContentsPreface by Stéphane Marie A Brief History Materials Learning to Draw Anatomy of a Plant Different Media Enhancement Glossary Selected Works to Consult

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Book SynopsisDraw and paint beautiful, vibrant, and realistic birds and botanicals with The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration. Take a sketch and transform it into fine art!The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration is a guide for contemporary artists aspiring to master shape, color, and texture and render beautiful, realistic, and vibrant botanical artwork. Author Mindy Lighthipe, an expert botanical artist, educates you about the tools and materials traditionally used in botanical illustration, including pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, gouache, and pastels. This thorough yet easily digestible guide includes overviews of key illustration techniques and basic color theory and mixing, and it's loaded with exercises designed to help you learn to see shape, value, and form. By learning tounderstand plant life and anatomy, you can craft elegant flowers, leaves, trees, and much more in no time! To bring it all together, The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration includes step-by-step demonstrations to follow along with as you practice taking sketches and transforming them into fully rendered, colorful pieces of fine art.

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Book SynopsisHave you ever thought of citrus fruits as celestial bodies, angelically suspended in the sky? Perhaps not, but J. C. Volkamer (1644-1720) did-commissioning an extravagant and breathtaking series of large-sized copperplates representing citrons, lemons, and bitter oranges in surreal scenes of majesty and wonder. Ordering plants by post mostly from Italy, Germany, North Africa, and even the Cape of Good Hope, the Nuremberg merchant Volkamer was a devotee of the fragrant and exotic citrus at a time when such fruits were still largely unknown north of the Alps. His garden came to contain a wide variety of specimens, and he became so obsessed with the fruits that he commissioned a team of copperplate engravers to create 256 plates of 170 varieties of citrus fruits, many depicted life size, published in a two-volume work. The first volume appeared in 1708, with the impressively lengthy title The Nuremberg Hesperides, or: A detailed description of the noble fruits of the citron, lemon and bitter orange; how these may be correctly planted, cared for and propagated in that and neighboring regions. In both volumes, Volkamer draws on years of hands-on experience to present a far-reaching account of citrus fruits and how to tend them-from a meticulous walk-through of how to construct temporary orangeries, glasshouses, and hothouses for growing pineapples to commentary on each fruit variety, including its size, shape, color, scent, tree or shrub, leaves, and country of origin. In each plate, Volkamer pays tribute to the verdant landscapes of Northern Italy, his native Nuremberg, and other sites that captured his imagination. From Genovese sea views to the Schoenbrunn Palace, each locale is depicted in the same exceptional detail as the fruit that overhangs it. We witness branches heavy with grapefruits arching across a sun-bathed yard in Bologna and marvel at a huge pineapple plant sprouting from a South American town. The result is at once a fantastical line-up of botanical beauty and a highly poetic tour through the lush gardens and places where these fruits grew.Few colored sets of Volkamer's work are still in existence today. This publication draws on the two recently discovered hand-colored volumes in the city of Furth's municipal archive in Schloss Burgfarrnbach. The reprint also includes 56 newly discovered illustrations that Volkamer intended to present in a third volume.Trade Review"It was a longing for warmth and the Mediterranean which people craved, and Volkamer created exactly the stuff that dreams of this kind are made of." * Philographikon Gallery *

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Book SynopsisThis stunning book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine's ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural 'grey'. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example, papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. Each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners; the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artist. Subjects range from bold spring daffodils, delicate summer sweet peas, through to whimsical autumn ginkgo biloba leaves, and finishing with a striking holly star composition to close the winter chapter. With a foreword from Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation: "It is Sandrine’s botanical knowledge that sets her apart, [...] through [her] guidance we can learn to celebrate and document the natural rhythms of our green spaces around us." Readers can work through the book season-by-season, or focus on the plants they know and love. All the recommended materials used in the book are ethically sourced: the paper is from sustainable sources, the brushes are cruelty-free and the paints are vegan.Trade ReviewAbsolutely a mine of information for levels of botanical art. The ultimate botanical and watercolour book, if you’re looking to purchase a botanical book with lots of information, tips and practical advice then you will not be disappointed with this book by Sandrine Maugy. -- Christine Van Oorschot * Amazon Customer Review *There are many ways to organise flower painting books, but seasonal makes a lot of sense. It groups plants as they are likely to be found, providing natural models at all times and also encourages continuing study as new opportunities appear. As the blurb proudly announces, the book follows the rhythm of nature through the year. The excellent introduction to materials and methods is concise yet thorough and includes an interesting aside on the ethical studio – where do materials come from and what is their environmental impact? Structurally, the demonstrations are divided into three levels, allowing you to develop your skills progressively. Subjects include flowers, fruit and vegetation and Sandrine pays plenty of attention to structure and detail as discussing colour and suitable palettes for both the item in question and the time of year. Sewn binding ensures the book lies flat in use, a notable bonus. -- Henry Malt * The Artist *As we cosy up indoors with the arrival of cooler climes, why not immerse yourself in art that transports you to lush pastures? Let Sandrine Maugy whisk you off on a flower-filled journey through the seasons, exploring everything from bold spring daffodils to striking frosty-weather holly from the comfort of your craft room. Each chapter includes recommendations for materials (which, by the way, are all ethically sourced) and step-by-step watercolour tutorials at varying difficulty levels, meaning there's something here for every crafter. * Crafts Beautiful Issue 376 *Sandrine Maugy is an award-winning botanical artist, author and illustrator, whose first book, Colours of Nature, was published in 2013. For her latest book, Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons, she explores the delicate art of painting flowers, concentrating specifically on the four seasons, each including there step-by-step tutorials. These are carefully designed to suit artists at different levels of experience - the first for beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level, and the third for more experienced artists. Of course, readers may want to work through the book season by season, but you can also dot around to find your favourite flowers, whether it's the drama of spring tulips, the delicacy of sweet peas in summer, a magnificent hydrangea in autumn or holly leaves in winter. There's information on important techniques, colour theory and tone, and stunning illustrations throughout. -- Leisure Painter * Leisure Painter *Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine’s ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural ‘grey’. The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example. Papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. We say: Ever so helpful, each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artists. * Craft Focus Issue 91 *Table of ContentsForeword 6, Introduction 8, My ethical studio 10, Working space 12, Painting from life 13, Drawing kit 14, Painting kit 16, Paints and pigments 18, Colour mixing theory 20, My palette 22, Tone 24, Technique 28 Spring 32: Spring subjects and their palette 34, Anatomy of a daffodil 36, Level 1: Daffodil 38, Anatomy of an anemone 46, Level 2: Anemone 48, Anatomy of a tulip 56, Level 3: Tulip ‘Queen of Night’ 58 Summer 66: Summer subjects and their palette 68, Anatomy of a sweet pea 70, Level 1: Sweet pea 72, Anatomy of a rose 82, Drawing a rose 84, Painting a rose 86, Level 2: Rosa 'Odyssey' 88, Anatomy of a sunflower 98, Level 3: Sunflower 100 Autumn 108: Autumn subjects and their palette 110, Anatomy of a ginkgo biloba 112, Level 1: Ginkgo biloba 114, Anatomy of a pear 120, Level 2: Catillac pear 122, Anatomy of a hydrangea 128, Level 3: Hydrangea 130 Winter 140: Winter subjects and their palette 142, Anatomy of a pansy 144, Level 1: Pansy ‘Midnight Glow’ 146, Anatomy of an echeveria 152, Level 2: Echeveria 154, Anatomy of holly 162, Level 3: Holly star 164 Conclusion 170, Paint conversion table 172, Glossary 174, Credits 175, Index 176.

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Book SynopsisJust Draw Botanicals offers creative painting tips and accessible advice, providing both practical information and inspiration.Table of ContentsFlipping through this book Visual index Why botanical? The artworks Botanical fundamentals Materials Further resources Artist index Index Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of one woman's journey from amateur painter to botanical artist, told through the sketchbooks and paintings she produced for the Distance Learning Diploma Course run by the Society of Botanical Artists. Packed with advice and tips, this book will serve as a guide and inspiration to anyone wanting to embark on life as a botanical artist. This book is both a showcase of Mary Ann Scott's work and a record of her achievements, including first-hand accounts of the joys and challenges she faced as she progressed. It contains work from every assignment she undertook, from her first attempts at drawing a tulip to the triumphant paintings she made for her diploma portfolio. Along the way are delicate floral compositions, juicy fruit and vegetables, botanical dissections, and her adventures out in the field. Margaret Stevens's comments on each assignments are also included, giving an insight into the assessment process and an all-round view of Mary Ann's successes and (very rare) failures. The book ends with a glorious selection of Mary Ann's ongoing work as a botanical artist.

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Book SynopsisColour mixing is a key skill for the botanical artist. In this practical guide, Jackie Isard explains how to observe and use colour accurately. She shows artists how to make informed choices when selecting pigments, as well as how to learn about colour mixing and its application. Detailed instruction and advice are given on understanding colour and pigments. The author explains how to 'see' colour and tricky mixes, from greens and reds to the difficult botanical greys. Includes advanced colour application techniques - colour enhancement, shadow colours and colour temperature transition. Finally, step-by-step guides illustrate how to paint with layers, how to use underlaying colours to enhance, and colour and fine detailing.Trade ReviewThe book is illustrated throughout with Jackie’s beautiful watercolours and provides an in-depth look at the way the right colour choices can transform your botanical paintings. * Leisure Painter *

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Book SynopsisDrawing with graphite and coloured pencils enables the artist to capture every detail of a plant, and to enjoy, study and celebrate their wonderful forms. Whether the illustration is a striking monotone or vibrant with colour, pencils give you absolute precision. The book, written and illustrated by an award-winning botanical artist, introduces and explains the drawing skills behind the art. Each chapter concentrates on a different aspect of the plant, working upwards from the root system to include the stem, leaves, flowers and fruit. Fungi have also been included due to their close association with plants. Topics covered include: techniques on using graphite and coloured pencils; practical help on lighting, posture and keeping plants fresh; instruction on composition, colour charts and mixing; advice on portraying texture and hairs, and achieving bloom on fruit and finally, simple explanations of botany to aid the artist's understanding. With tips and advice throughout, the techniques are supported by step-by-step projects, clear exercises and over 300 colour illustrations.

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Book SynopsisGet up close to the beauty and detail of nature through the artwork of award-winning UK artist, Julia Trickey. See how ordinary and sometimes overlooked subjects, such as leaves and fading flowers, can be centre stage and come to life in this beautiful showcase of some of Julia's best-loved botanical watercolours. Having been a tutor of botanical art for many years, teaching as far afield as Moscow and New York, Julia loves to help others explore the potential of watercolour and to discover the keys to a good botanical portrait. In this book she shares some of these insights as well as the motivation behind her favourite projects, together with some of the processes and watercolour techniques involved. Take inspiration from these glowing, contemporary watercolours in a book that is both beautiful and useful.

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Book SynopsisBe inspired to embroider all the elements of an idyllic English country garden. Suitable for beginners as well as accomplished embroiderers, Lorna Bateman’s beautiful book includes 12 practical projects for you to make and adorn with exquisite floral motifs. Lorna walks you through a variety of stitches including raised and textured stitches, teaching you to embroider individual flowers with them and how to incorporate these into an original garden motif. For the nature enthusiast, there is plenty to get excited about: an A–Z of English garden flowers and how to stitch them; a section on stitching common garden insects; and how to embroider iconic garden imagery such as birdbaths and garden ornaments. Roses are the archetypal cottage flower and Lorna describes how to incorporate a climbing rose, rose spray and standard rose in your designs. Embroidered Country Gardens is peppered throughout with seeds of wisdom: invaluable hints and tips from the author to help you develop your own skills and unique style. As well as step-by-step instructions, there are also detailed photographs, outline template drawings and a fully illustrated A–Z of stitches.Trade ReviewThis book is stunning! If you love traditional embroidery designs you'll love this. The projects are varied so there's something for every maker and Lorna Bateman guides you through each project making them simple to follow. I particularly love the fact that there's a section at the back showing you how to finish your work off. -- Lizzie Powell * Customer review *Even if you have never embroidered before you would be confident enough to pick up a needle and start after reading this book. It is probably best suited to beginners rather than more experienced stitchers as the author has gone into lots of detail on techniques such as backing your fabric and transferring designs. There are also detailed illustrations of different stitches as well as templates for 12 very pretty projects which will appeal to those who like their embroidery traditional. There are instructions to create many flowers from agapanthus to wisteria (especially love the hollyhocks and pansies) but also birds, insects, pots, tools and other "accessories". The idea is to give you enough confidence to design your own gardens. Projects range from a wall hanging to a scissor keeper and thread catcher. Practice blooms could easily be used for cards that will be treasured by family and friends. There are also embroidered buttons which would be a very special present for a knitter. Lorna Bateman has been a full-time embroidery teacher for 30 years. She has a business selling her designs in kit form at www.lornabatemanembroidery.com but this is her first book. -- Diane Chalmers * Customer review *I was delighted to receive this wonderful book of traditional embroidery. The instructions are so clear it’s brilliant for beginners of embroidery as well as experienced people like myself. There are a number of projects to complete along with patterns to get you started. I have already used several of the stitches to complete a task I have already started. Brilliant clear instructions to follow for all levels of embroiderers. -- Pauline Pritchard * Customer review *This book is a joy to read and use. Lots of information about different flowers, how and where they grow and how best to capture them in stitches. There're some lovely projects and detailed instructions on how to make and assemble them. It inspired me to create this piece of embroidery. It's a "go to" title for both experienced and novice stitches alike. -- Marion Dickins * Customer review *If you love floral garden embroidery, especially if you like stitching small motifs that have an exuberant garden feel to them, you're just going to love this book. Embroidered Country Gardens is a beautiful book, and it's a thorough book when it comes to instruction for this type of free-style surface embroidery. I didn't see any "cons" to the book. It'll make a beautiful, fun, and attainable addition to your embroidery library, whether for reference or for further project development. * Mary Corbet - Needle n Thread *This beautiful book was one of the most highly anticipated books here at Seashore Creative and it certainly lived up to expectations. What we love is the sheer volume of helpful information, particularly the detailed explanations of how to create each flower, plus the detail in the stitches, the patterns for tracing and templates. An absolutely stunning and gorgeous book! * Seashore Creative *Indulge your love of nature and gardens with this beautiful book on hand embroidery. You don’t have to be a keen gardener to appreciate these lovely designs featuring gardens at their best, flowers and the creatures that live there. This reminds me of the vintage embroidery transfers my mother had collected and with which I learned the craft as a child. There is even a crinoline lady in the garden amid the buttonhole hollyhocks and French knot delphiniums! But Ms Bateman has taken it farther than my old book showing basic freestyle stitches as she has introduced some stumpwork too as well as beads, covered washers, buttons, trapunto and needlelace. This is very much a 21st century embroidery book that takes the traditional idealized garden worked in freestyle stitches and mixes it up a bit; this really brings it all to life. Starting from the beginning you can discover how the author works and what tools and materials you need to obtain. There is advice on buying needles, storing threads and binding a hoop as well as a section with staged photographs showing how to cover buttons and washers, transfer designs, pad designs to make them raised and more. It is all very well explained with clear diagrams and explanatory text accompanying the many photographs. I like the way the best needle for each stitch is given, and there is even a section on perfecting those tricky bullion knots. Following this section is one giving an A-Z of garden flowers, showing the most commonly grown varieties in embroidery and explaining how they are worked. Roses get two whole pages all to themselves (most of the other flowers get a third of a page) and there are several different ways of working them using a variety of stitches. Also shown are things and creatures found in a garden that you might want to add, from archways to trugs, insects and birds together with that crinoline lady. Advice is given on how to design your own garden using very basic art materials like pens and coloured pencils. The rest of the book contains twelve projects showing how you can decorate all kinds of items using the author’s designs. In place of the usual cushions and cards are some items embroiders would enjoy making and using including an ort bag, scissor keeper, pincushion, needle case and sewing bag. My own favourite has to be the lovely clutch purse which doubles as a pencil case. Each project has a list of what you need, photograph of the item in situ and pattern/diagram. Instructions are text only in rather small print – perhaps it is as well that there are patterns for a glasses case and magnifying glass! Even a beginner can practice the stitches and techniques earlier in the book but the actual projects are aimed at intermediate level embroiderers who are also competent at making up items. Instructions for doing this are also given, again text only. This is a lovely book that certainly made me itch to start making that purse; one for the keeper shelf. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel A Hyde * MyShelf.com *I am very passionate about embroidery, I think the art of stitching fabulous designs lie in the ways of the teacher. Lorna Bateman both expertly explains and demonstrates the craft, and her 'pictures' come alive in this very, very beautiful book. The photography is stunning, and with the addition of templates, you will quickly be able to sew an amazing project. It will be easy to become a master of embroidery with just this one book. Embroidered Country Gardens lists all the tools you will need, it also gives you a comprehensive guide to needles.... if you thought there was only one kind think again!! The stitches are in A-Z order and what I loved was that each stitch is given a visual diagram, a hint and tip box and an easy to understand explanation. There are 12 projects, each one is perfect to practice your stitches and once again comes with specialist advice on getting a professional finish to your work. This is a must have book, inspired by nature it is quite divine. -- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *If you have ever been to one of Lorna Bateman's workshops then you will love this book. If you haven't then you are in for a treat. * SEW Region Magazine (June 2019) *Indulge your love of nature and gardens with this beautiful book on hand embroidery. You don’t have to be a keen gardener to appreciate these lovely designs featuring gardens at their best, flowers and the creatures that live there. This reminds me of the vintage embroidery transfers my mother had collected and with which I learned the craft as a child. There is even a crinoline lady in the garden amid the buttonhole Hollyhocks and French knot delphiniums! But Ms Bateman has taken it farther than my old book showing basic freestyle stitches, as she has introduced some stumpwork, too, as well as beads, covered washers, buttons, trapunto and needlelace. This is very much a 21st century embroidery book that takes the traditional idealized garden worked in freestyle stitches and mixes it up a bit; this really brings it all to life. Starting from the beginning, you can discover how the author works and what tools and materials you need to obtain. There is advice on buying needles, storing threads and binding a hoop as well as a section with staged photographs showing how to cover buttons and washers, transfer designs, pad designs to make them raised and more. It is all very well explained with clear diagrams and explanatory text accompanying the many photographs. I like the way the best needle for each stitch is given, and there is even a section on perfecting those tricky bullion knots. Following this section is one giving an A-Z of garden flowers, showing the most commonly grown varieties in embroidery and explaining how they are worked. Roses get two whole pages all to themselves (most of the other flowers get a third of a page), and there are several different ways of working them using a variety of stitches. Also shown are things and creatures found in a garden that you might want to add, from archways to trugs, insects and birds together with that crinoline lady. Advice is given on how to design your own garden using very basic art materials like pens and coloured pencils. The rest of the book contains twelve projects showing how you can decorate all kinds of items using the author’s designs. In place of the usual cushions and cards are some items embroiders would enjoy making and using including an ort bag, scissor keeper, pincushion, needle case and sewing bag. My own favourite has to be the lovely clutch purse which doubles as a pencil case. Each project has a list of what you need, photograph of the item in situ and pattern/diagram. Instructions are text only in rather small print – perhaps it is as well that there are patterns for a glasses case and magnifying glass! Even a beginner can practice the stitches and techniques earlier in the book, but the actual projects are aimed at intermediate level embroiderers who are also competent at making up items. Instructions for doing this are also given, again text only. This is a lovely book that certainly made me itch to start making that purse; one for the keeper shelf. If you cannot find a good range of embroidery and needlecraft materials locally try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers. -- Rachel A Hyde * MyShelf.com *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Tools and materials 8 Preparation 26 A–Z of stitches 40 A–Z of garden flowers 52 In my country garden 72 Designing your own garden 84 The projects 88 Wall art 94 Sewing bag 98 Glasses case 104 Magnifier cover 108 Needle case 112 Pencil case 116 Beginner’s pincushion 120 Pincushion 124 Scissor keeper 126 Tape measure cover 130 Thimble pip 134 Thread catcher 138 Finishing off your work 142 Patterns for tracing 152 Index 160

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Book SynopsisThe definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe.This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species.Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page.Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification. There is also coverage of all the species native to Southern Europe.Trade ReviewPraise for the small format edition: ‘Entertaining and informative. A visual delight' BBC Wildlife 'A remarkable new guide' Guardian 'Outstanding colour paintings…precise and accurate' The Times 'David More's illustrations astonish by their beauty and detail' New Scientist 'Essential for 21st century treehuggers everywhere' Matt James 'Makes identifying trees a piece of cake…something all tree lovers will want to have' Garden News 'As compact as a complete handbook can possibly be' Best of British 'A must for all tree huggers and lovers' The Ecologist 'In the firmament of tree specialists, Dr Owen Johnson is a definite star' The Field 'In addition to the detailed descriptions and illustrations of bark, seed, and leaf, and well-planned structure, lies a host of information gems' Countryside Voice 'This nicely packaged and presented book is a must' Tree News 'Suffice to say that this book is an absolute must-have' New Woodworking

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Book SynopsisDraw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants is a must-have visual reference for student artists, botanical illustrators, urban sketchers, and anyone seeking to improve their realistic drawing skills. This comprehensive book features 600-plus step-by-step sketches depicting a vast array of beautiful botanicals, florals, plant structures, and more. Each begins with simple shapes and lines and builds on those forms, adding details like flower centers, leaf veins, and petal shading, and ending with a finished drawing. Helpful drawing tips are also included. Designed as a contemporary guidebook for artists who want to draw botanical forms, Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants shows flower blossoms, leaves, and plants from a variety of perspectives. By following the guides, artists will become more skilled and confident in their ability to draw any flower or greenery. Among the botanicals featured are: Tropical florals such as plumeria, protea, and African violet Hanging and vine blooms, including wisteria and morning glory Birch, white oak, gingko, and maple leaves Plants with interesting shapes, such as cactus, zebra grass, and bamboo Author Melissa Washburn is a skilled illustrator whose clear and elegant drawing style will make this a go-to sourcebook for years to come. The books in the Draw Like an Artist series are richly visual references for learning how to draw classic subjects realistically through hundreds of step-by-step images created by expert artists and illustrators.

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Book SynopsisThis is the definitive instructional guide to the art of botanical illustration, published in association with The Society of Botanical Artists and featuring detailed step-by-step demonstrations by members of the Society.Botanical illustration has been a popular art form for many centuries, with its appealing traditions of detail and beauty. This beautifully illustrated book covers all aspects of the subject and is an essential book for all serious students of botanical painting.The book includes useful information about materials, basic plant anatomy, flower and leaf shapes, and then explores the techniques for drawing and coloured pencil work, as well as painting with watercolour and gouache. Subjects include exotic and common plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables, as well as flowers in the garden. Packed with step-by-step demonstrations and stunning illustrations, this is an inspiring, practical guide, as well as a visual treat.

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Book SynopsisOriginally developed in the 18th century as a visual supplement to botanical nomenclature, botanical illustration and art uniquely fuse art and science by documenting the parts, details, and life cycles of plant species. In Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists, eminent botanical artist and veteran workshop instructor Karen Kluglein reveals her secrets for rendering leaves, flowers, berries, and branches both accurately and beautifully. The book begins with a brief history of the art form, followed by guidance on developing observational skills for this genre, key botanical terms and concepts, and the differences among botanical illustration, botanical art, and flower painting. The chapters that follow offer detailed guidance and demonstrations for drawing and painting botanicals in a variety of mediums: Drawing. Explore loose gestural drawing, precise measuring and rendering, and working from photographs with graphite, colored pencil, finepoint markers, pen and ink, and silverpoint. Painting. Master color mixing, washes, layering, gradations, values, and adding details in watercolor, gouache, and acrylic, plus guidance on adding “personality” to your work and knowing when a painting is done. Drawing and Painting Botanicals for Artists shows artists at all skill levels how to translate careful observations into stunning works of art. The For Artists series expertly guides and instructs artists at all skill levels who want to develop their classical drawing and painting skills and create realistic and representational art. Table of Contents1 Drawing BotanicalsMEDIUMS AND SUPPLIES Graphite Pencils Colored Pencils Fine Point Markers Silverpoint Paper Erasers Pencil SharpenersESSENTIAL DRAWING TECHNIQUES Live Specimen Working from Photographs Loose Gestural Drawing Precise Measuring Values, Shadows, and Highlights Gradations Lifting GraphiteDRAWING SUBJECTS AND MEDIUMS Drawing Leaves Drawing Flowers and Petals Drawing Fruits and Berries Drawing Stems and Branches 2 Painting BotanicalsMEDIUMS AND SUPPLIES Watercolors Gouache Paintbrushes Painting SurfacesESSENTIAL PAINTING TECHNIQUES Color Mapping Washes Layering Gradations Drybrush in Watercolor Lifting Overlaps Correcting Mistakes and Making Revisions Details and Finishing Adding PersonalityPAINTING SUBJECTS Painting Leaves Painting Flowers and Petals Painting Fruits and Berries Painting Stems and Branches Final Thoughts Resources Acknowledgments About the Author Index

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Book SynopsisMore than three centuries after Maria Sibylla Merian established herself as a scientific trailblazer—and after more than two centuries of obscurity—the work of this pioneering naturalist and artist is being rediscovered. Merian’s work, The New Book of Flowers, raised the artistic standards of natural history illustration. Published in 1675, the book employed impeccable botanic accuracy with artistic expression. In it, Merian moved away from traditional methods that favored single illustrations and instead composed her studies to explore the relationships between flowers and insects. This poster book draws its nearly two dozen illustrations from The New Book of Flowers. Exquisitely reproduced, each illustration reveals the exacting detail and luminous colors that are the hallmark of Merian’s work. Perfect for close study as well as decoration, this treasury of botanical delight will help brighten any room—and inspire anyone drawn to the beautiful world of flowers.

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Book Synopsis"Any landscape architect worth their soil should pick up The Architecture of Trees, an all-encompassing atlas of all things tree-related."—The Architect's Newspaper A 2019 Oprah's Favorite Things Pick A gorgeous, large format volume that shows each hand-drawn illustration in stunning detail. The Architecture of Trees is the result of over twenty years of dedicated study by landscape architects Cesare Leonardi and Franca Stagi. This new edition preserves the original magnificent illustrations and text, translated into English for the first time. Features more than 550 exquisite quill-pen drawings of trees. Each of the 212 tree species are drawn to a scale of 1:100, with and without foliage. Complete with tables of seasonal color variation and projections of shadows cast during the hours of daylight and season by season, no other tree book contains such detailed and scientific drawings. A legendary and unsurpassed botanical masterwork. Considered a standard in many landscape architecture firms, the drawings, essays, and detailed charts are essential for large scale landscaping projects and a helpful tool for backyard renovations. Landscape designers will think in new ways about the effect of seasons and the time of day on trees, and anyone interested in nature and trees will be captivated by the stunning illustrations. "This book could be considered the Bible for tree lovers."—Western Art & Architecture An incredible book for anyone interested in trees: • An oversized, captivating coffee table book for lovers of art and nature illustrations • A helpful tree identification book with accurate drawings of trees and detailed looks at branches, leaves, and fruit • A reference for students of landscape architecture, botany, dendrology, architecture, and illustration

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Book SynopsisThe Cleghorn Collection reproduces more than 200 of the drawings from the Cleghorn Collection in colour, for the first time. These include drawings from nature, copies based on European prints, and Nature Prints made from herbarium specimens. They are the work of several South Indian artists and of pupils of the pioneering Madras School of Art.

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Book SynopsisTo study a plant in detail is to make a fascinating journey of discovery. Even plants we think we know well will often surprise us as we look at the intricacy of their structure and how they are put together. This fascinating guide explains what flowering plants are and their relationship to other groups of plants. With drawings, paintings and photographs throughout, it advises on how to carry out a botanical study and will prove essential reading for botanical artists, photographers and all those wishing to gain a greater understanding of flowering plants.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThere is always something new to learn, in this book Liz helps us to look with understanding and then look again from a different angle to delve deeper into the story of the plant. The book is beautifully illustrated by Liz herself along with members of the Hampton Court Palace Florilegium Society, these images give the reader a good insight into how an informative botanical illustration should be set out to create a good design, as well as at the same time conveying detailed botanical information. -- Valerie Oxley, President, The Institute for Analytical Plant Illustration * President, The Institute for Analytical Plant Illustration *This is not a botany textbook! Instead, by using copious diagrams and drawing on her knowledge as a botanist, Liz Leech explains how to look at plants and dissect flowers in order to make informed and accurate drawings. -- Pam Taylor, botanist, botanical artist. Association of Botanical Artists * Association of Botanical Artists *

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Book SynopsisA collection of vintage-inspired floral designs to embroider, love and cherish with reusable transfers!

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Book SynopsisA sumptuous collection of over 500 images from the Royal Botanic Garden Kew archive for journal or scrapbook pages, collage art, gift-wrapping, card-making, vision-boarding and more. Cut it up, stick it down and watch your creative projects blossom before your very eyes!

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Book SynopsisIn pursuit of both knowledge and delight, the craft of botanical illustration has always required not only meticulous draftsmanship but also a rigorous scientific understanding. This new edition of a TASCHEN classic celebrates the botanical tradition and talents with a selection of outstanding works from the National Library of Vienna, including many new images. From Byzantine manuscripts right through to 19th-century masterpieces, through peonies, callas, and chrysanthemums, these exquisite reproductions dazzle in their accuracy and their aesthetics. Whether in gently furled leaves, precisely textured fruits, or the sheer beauty and variety of colors, we celebrate an art form as tender as it is precise, and ever more resonant amid our growing awareness of our ecological surroundings and the preciousness of natural flora.Trade Review“Art, beauty, and knowledge come together in A Garden Eden. A comprehensive coffee table book on botany with beautiful images. Love of aesthetics is almost the only thing that counts.” * Cosmopolitan *“A selection of the best works in botanical illustration.” * ELLE *“A Marvellian world of botanical delights unfurls. Art blends with science in plates that range from the Byzantine to the Baroque.” * The Times *

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Book Synopsis Botanical tarot cards: Beautifully illustrated cards call on the language of flowers to help you access deeper meanings in your readings Illustrated deck: Containing 78 cards and an 80-page guidebook Attractive gift package: Decorative storage box with a hinged lid. Cards printed on high-quality stock for a smooth, long-lasting finish. Plus a softcover guidebook with spine The perfect gift for tarot collectors and flower fans alike Access the wisdom of flowers using this beautiful, floral tarot deck Use the language of flowers to illuminate your past, present, and future with this 78-card tarot deck and guidebook. Flowers have been used to transmit hidden meanings for centuries—from yellow roses for infidelity to hyacinths for gratitude. Unlock your intuition with floriographic insight from the iconic archetypes of the Major Arcana, including Violet as the High Priestess, Sunflower as

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Book SynopsisCreate beautiful botanical artworks, engage with the natural world around you, and take pleasure in the changing seasons with A Year of Watercolour. Award-winning and bestselling artist and tutor Harriet de Winton takes you through more than 30 step-by-step botanical paintings that span the seasons. Learn to paint cherry blossoms and lambs in the spring, honeybees and wildflowers for summer, oak leaves and harvest mice in autumn, and pine trees and snowdrops in winter. Plus, enjoy charming bonus features like a recipe for wild garlic pesto in springtime, or guidance on how to paint a festive wreath with winter berries and foliage. The perfect primer for creating seasonal cards, personalized stationery and stunning artworks to decorate your home or give to friends and family.

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Book SynopsisCelebrating the magick of the natural realm, Volume IV of The Library of Esoterica, delves into the symbolism, ceremony, and our ritual relationships with the botanical world. A visual journey through our interdependent evolution with nature, Plant Magick celebrates botanicals as creative muse – from ancient Greek sculptures to Renaissance paintings to visionary art inspired by psychoactive plants, cacti, and mushrooms. Our myths, beliefs, and shared stories are continually reflected in nature; purity represented by the white lily or spiritual awakening by the bloom of the lotus. Our joys and laments are mirrored in the cycle of the seasons, in the seed birthing sprout, or in the dead leaf falling softly from winter branches. Plants, trees, and flowers as signifiers of transition are also deeply embedded within rites of passage rituals across global cultures. Rose petals strewn along the wedding aisle mark the evolution into womanhood and marriage. A wreath of lilies stands sentinel over an open grave. A lover’s bouquet awaits on the doorstep. The wooden May Day pole is circled by girls wearing crowns of woven daisies, celebrating the coming of spring. Birth, unions, and burials – cycles of joyful celebration and deep grieving, all are marked symbolically with herbs, flowers or branches of a tree – the integration of nature into ceremony our method of signifying catharsis. Since time immemorial, plants have also served as potent symbols within the religions of the world; Buddha attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, Eve plucking the Apple of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. From root to vibrant blossom, Plant Magick explores the fertile, interconnected history between plants and people, the multitude of ways in which we embrace plants in spiritual ceremony, as healing medicine, as creative muse and as gateways into deeper explorations of consciousness.Trade Review“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” * John Muir *

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Book SynopsisThe definitive, fully-illustrated guide to the trees of Britain and non-Mediterranean Europe.This brand-new field guide to the trees of northern Europe contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, and these provide the starting point for identification by leading you to a ''key'' species.Within each tree family there is a list of key species and a guide to the most important features to look for when identifying a particular tree from that family. Then individual species are clearly described and a detailed illustration is given on the same page.Covering all the tree species found outside the major arboretums, from the olive tree to the eucalyptus, this is one of the most important tree guides to have appeared in the last 20 years. The illustrations are annotated with essential identification features, and the text highlights the most important things to look for

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Book SynopsisBilly Showell is a well-respected botanical watercolour artist, and her exceptional eye for detail and ability to re-create the form, texture, colour and patterning of a wide range of plants have earned her a formidable reputation worldwide. Her compositions are given a contemporary, sometimes playful twist, while retaining all the beauty and accuracy of traditional botanical paintings. In this inspiring and indispensable guide for botanical artists, she reveals the materials, methods and techniques she uses to attain her stunningly beautiful portraits of flowers, fruit and vegetables. There is expert guidance on tools and materials, working from life, observation, and drawing and painting techniques, as well as detailed sections on pattern, texture, and colour and colour mixing. With numerous step-by-step studies, close-up photographs and examples of Billy's exquisite paintings, this book is not only packed full of invaluable advice and information but also a visually stunning showcase for the work of this amazing artist.Trade ReviewDec 2016 Billy Showell has written a number of books on flower painting but these have so far concentrated on the less formal flower portrait. Where this one differs is that is approaches it entirely from the technical side. You'll look in vain for specific examples. As well as avoiding repeating what has already been said, this method fills the inevitable void left by the specimen-led way of working. It is not, however, a primer in flower painting. For all the attention given to negative shapes, brushwork and colour mixing, this is not a book for the complete beginner. In order to tackle the discipline of botanical illustration, you need to be competent and confident with your style and your materials. Informative, practical and rewarding, this meets a long-felt need. * The Artist *This is a beautifully presented book, lovely to look at, but even better than that every page is full of clearly written, simple to understand information and techniques about the subject. It covers everything from the choice and use of materials to a range of drawing and painting skills which cover every technique one would need to paint any type of plant or flower. The techniques for handling watercolour, the flow etc would be useful for anyone learning to use this medium in any form, not just botanical paintings. I found the section on colour mixing particularly good and very comprehensive, especially the mixing blacks chapter. It is one of the few books which actually acknowledges that mistakes happen, even to the best, and explains various methods of correction, and also that it takes practice to achieve these type of results. I wish it had been available when I started with botanical illustration several years ago, I think life would have been a bit easier, in short its a fabulous book, extremely informative and beautiful to look at. * Anne Chalkley *A beautiful and comprehensive book for both beginners in botanic art and for the more experienced artist. There is something here for everyone. Billy Showell has produced beautifully illustrated examples throughout the book accompanied by explicit text with highlighted tips and hints. The introductory chapters allow the novice artist to identify the materials needed and to use them as a course in developing botanical painting skills. The chapter on troubleshooting is helpful too and especially for the beginner. The more experienced artist will find it an essential reference book for observation techniques and ideas on composition. Colour mixing is explained in detail and forms the largest section of the book and could be produced as a separate book in its own right. Techniques with identified examples for painting detail, texture and patterns are included and ideas on multiple flowerheads as well as methods for painting from photographs. The glossary is useful and the index logical so that specific topics are easy to find. The principles and practices described and illustrated could be applied at any level to all water colour artists This is an essential book on any artists bookshelf! * Mary-Christine Levett *Stunning and beautiful book – I love it! Yet another stunning addition to my Billy Showell collection and an absolute must for anyone with a desire to master botanical paining. Highly recommended and well worth the money. I was so excited to receive this book and I have certainly not been disappointed. This is a beautifully presented book with stunning art work. Every single page offers hints, tips and techniques with an amazing level of detail. Whilst it shows some more advanced techniques, beginners should not be put off and the help and ideas offered is exemplary. I can’t wait to try out some of the new ideas offered such as using lifting preparation and I absolutely love the colour mixing charts. * Hazel Walters *Discover many step-by-step studies in this wonderful book, illustrated throughout and learn how to paint the plants you love - there is a wide range of flowers, foliage, fruits and combinations of flowers. The Contents include Getting Started, Working From Life, Observation, Drawing, Using a Brush, Painting Techniques, Troubleshooting, Painting Detail, Adding Pattern, Creating Texture, Painting Multi-Headed Flowers, Painting From Enlarged Photographs, Colour and Colour Mixing, Composition and Stretching and Finishing. It provides tips and techniques throughout such as how to keep stems fresh when painting from life. This book is like a how-to of all the things you have ever wanted to paint - how to remove a bloom for instance or how to create a prickly surface or which brush to use. The medley of daffodils is fabulous and the purple and blacks are sumptuously captured. A great guide for all who love botanical painting. * Karen Platt -yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *Exquisitely presented and beautifully painted, if you ever wanted something to encourage you to start botanical painting, this would be it. For such a specialist, technical subject there’s a surprising number of books on botanical art. I’m not talking about flower painting in general – there are even more of those! – but ones that specifically identify themselves as belonging to the genus of scientific representation. We could quibble over how many are actually that deeply technical. In its pure form, botanical illustration is used to aid identification and has very specific requirements. For a start, you don’t paint a single example, but rather include specific characteristics that a worker in the field would look for. This may then be used to identify an existing species in an unknown location, or maybe a new one altogether. I’ve always divided botanical art into three genres. We start with flower painting, where the purpose is to produce something that looks like what it’s meant to represent without necessarily getting every petal perfect, and where the flower itself may not be the main subject. Then there’s the flower portrait (Billy Showell’s previous speciality), where detail becomes more important and the subject may be a single stem. Finally, there’s botanical illustration, which we dealt with above. This book adds, I think, a new dimension: botanical art that goes into considerable detail, but isn’t obsessed with total scientific accuracy and can be a record of the single example you have in front of you. As such, it’s ideally suited to the artist who isn’t a scientist but nevertheless enjoys at least some of the perfectionism that goes with full-on illustration. The book is a joy to handle and very thoroughly illustrated, going into plenty of detail regarding the stages of completing a painting. This includes not only step-by-steps, but also examples and technical exercises that deal with things like water droplets – which are well outside scientific work. It’s inspiring, enjoyable and very thorough. * Artbookreview.net *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Materials 8 Getting started 18 Working from life 20 Observation 22 Drawing 28 Using a brush 44 Painting techniques 54 Troubleshooting 82 Painting detail 88 Adding pattern 110 Creating texture 118 Painting multi-headed flowers 130 Painting from enlarged photographs 136 Colour and colour mixing 140 Composition 178 Stretching and finishing 186 Glossary 190 Index 191

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Book Synopsis50 colour botanical postcards stored in a chunky keepsake box.

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Book SynopsisA miniature treasury of medicinal plants, drawn from the work of a pioneering woman artist. Healing Plants is the perfect little gift for anyone interested in herbalism, botany, or gardening.

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Book SynopsisCreated by illustrator Kevin Jay Stanton, Botanica is a 78-card tarot deck featuring vibrant traditional paintings that delve into the lore and symbolism of the plant kingdom. Sprouting from years of research into botany, mythology, and history, Botanica marries the tradition of Tarot to a lexicon far more ancient: the natural vocabulary of life on Earth. The deck features the complete set of major and minor arcana as plants, all painted in luscious and colorful acrylics and paired with the objects from their suit. This box set includes the full 78-card deck in a gilded paperboard box, saddle-stitched booklet explaining the symbolism of meanings behind Botanica, and six mailable tarot-sized postcards.

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Book SynopsisFrom Petal to Pattern teaches us to discover the meditative and creative joy of drawing floral patterns with trendy botanical pattern artist Michelle Parascandolo.Trade Review"Techniques to be used by any skill level and provides guidance for hand drawing, for using digital means, and for patterns that could be used in either format. Interesting to those looking to experiment with a new medium or discover a new way to view the world around them." * Library Journal *Table of ContentsContents: Introduction The Basics The Projects Additional Resources

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