Botanical arts Books

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Book SynopsisA beautiful botanical illustration to be coloured in and unfolded to reveal a frieze nearly five feet long. A new format for sophisticated colourists! Join best-selling botanical artist Leila Duly on a nature adventure in frieze form.

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of tropical plants, showcased through paintings from Kew's archives

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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 SynopsisAward-winning artist Harriet de Winton shows you how to create contemporary watercolour artworks to treasure and share. Through more than 30 step-by-step projects, discover how to paint individual flowers and foliage, as well as beautiful botanical compositions. Use your new skills to make art for your wall, unique cards, invitations, or simply paint for pleasure.

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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 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 Synopsis"Beautiful to behold and to read" - THE SUNDAY TIMES"An arboreal odyssey" - NATURE"One of the most quietly beautiful books of the year" - DAILY MAIL"Jonathan Drori's deep-seated love of nature is contagious in this tree-by-tree journey across countries and continents. A book to take your time over" - WIREDJonathan Drori’s number one bestseller, now available in paperback!Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of 80 magnificent trees from all over the globe.In Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori uses plant science to illuminate how trees play a role in every part of human life, from the romantic to the regrettable. From the trees of Britain, to India's sacred banyan tree, they offer us sanctuary and inspiration - not to mention the raw materials for everything from aspirin to maple syrup.Stops on the trip include the lime trees of Berlin's Unter den Linden boulevard, which intoxicate amorous Germans and hungry bees alike, the swankiest streets in nineteenth-century London, which were paved with Australian eucalyptus wood, and the redwood forests of California, where the secret to the trees' soaring heights can be found in the properties of the tiniest drops of water.Each of these strange and true tales - populated by self-mummifying monks, tree-climbing goats and ever-so-slightly radioactive nuts - is illustrated by Lucille Clerc, taking the reader on a journey that is as informative as it is beautiful. The book combines history, science and a wealth of quirky detail - there should be surprises for everyone.Perfect for fans of Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, this new book will certainly whet the appetite of any tree lover to take an around-the-world trip, or simply visit your local botanic garden. The perfect travel guide for nature enthusiasts.Winner at the Woodland Books of the Year Awards 2018."An irresistible mix of science, culture, botany, history and vicarious travel" - SYDNEY MORNING HERALDTrade Review"Energetic writing accompanied by captivating illustrations that evoke the wonder and magic of trees meant I couldn't put this book down until I'd absorbed every beautiful page. Funny and informative, it's a heartfelt and personal look at the world's best known trees, their links with humanity and role in the natural world. It's hard to look at these towering plants without sharing the same love Drori and Clerc have clearly poured into Around the World in 80 Trees." -- - Jack Wallington, The Telegraph"Around the World in 80 Trees is one of my most treasured volumes in the rather massive library of tree books that I accumulated over the years that I researched and wrote The Overstory" -- - Richard Powers, Pulitzer Prize winning author

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Book SynopsisIn her second book, botanical artist Harriet de Winton shows you how to paint modern watercolour artworks to treasure and share. Picking up where New Botanical Painting left off, this books aims to expand readers' repertoires into fauna as well as flora, with easy-to-follow instructions for a variety of difficulty levels.Through more than 30 step-by-step projects, you'll discover how to paint beautiful butterflies, bumblebees, birds and botanicals from around the world. In the final chapter, you'll find a guide to composing stunning patterns and scenes with your own botanical watercolour creations. Use your new skills to make art for your wall, unique cards, invitations, or simply paint for pleasure.Projects include: Bengal TigerChilean FlamingoPrickly PearZebraBumblebeeGarden Tiger MothPeacockWhite-tailed DeerPolar BearArctic PoppyAnd many more!

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Book SynopsisA passionate advocate of craftsmanship over mass-production, William Morris (1834 1896) designed a huge variety of objects, but it is his highly original carpet, fabric and wallpaper patterns that have continued to capture the imagination and exert their influence on the decorative arts. Around 600 such designs are attributed to Morris, of which the vast majority are based on natural forms, including trees, plants and flowers. This beautifully designed, accessibly priced gift book offers a wealth of designs by Morris in which flowers are the principal motif, bringing together not only completed patterns but also working drawings in pen and watercolour, and examples of his pearwood, floral-pattern printing blocks. It also explores examples of the sources that inspired Morris's flower-based designs: his own gardens at the Red House in Kent, Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire and elsewhere; 16th- and 17th-century herbals; illuminated medieval manuscripts; late medieval and Renaissance tapestries; and a range of decorated objects, particularly from the Islamic world, that Morris studied at the South Kensington Museum (now the V&A). Authored by Rowan Bain, curator at the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, north London, and lavishly illustrated with almost 100 colour illustrations, this exquisite book will both inform and delightTrade Review'Lavishly illustrated' - Leisure Painter'A key inspiration for contemporary designers, the patterns of William Morris are timeless' - Homes & Antiques'Truly magnificent' - Elle

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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 SynopsisFollowing on from its successful launch in 2009, Collins Wild Flower Guide the ultimate reference book for wild flower enthusiasts now enters its second edition.Featuring all flowering plants, including trees and grasses, and ferns, this fully revised and updated field guide to the wild flowers of Britain and northern Europe is the most complete illustrated, single-volume guide ever published.Leading botanical artists have been specially commissioned to ensure accurate, detailed illustrations. Species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. Plants are arranged by family, with their key features highlighted for quick and easy reference. The text offers a complete account of over 1,900 wild flowers of Britain and Ireland, along with a summary of their European distribution.Collins Wild Flower Guide is an indispensable guide for all those with an interest in the countryside, whether amateur or expert.Trade Review'This book is a great achievement that will be hard to match … a beautiful and well-judged illustrated flora.' British Wildlife

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Book SynopsisOn December 15, 1868, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (1794–1868), Professor of Botany at the University of Munich and director of the Royal Botanic Garden, was carried to his grave in a coffin covered with fresh palm leaves. The fronds were a reference to his groundbreaking Natural History of Palms: a work in three volumes, published between 1823 and 1853. This encyclopedic treasury of 240 exquisite chromolithographic illustrations was based on von Martius’s expeditions through Brazil and Peru. From 1817 to 1820, he traveled over 2,250 km (1,400 miles) through the Amazon basin to investigate natural history and native tribes with zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix. The result was an unrivaled catalogue of all known genera of the palm family, outlining the modern classification of palms, describing all the palms of Brazil, and producing the first maps of palm biogeography. Von Martius’s folio is unusual in its inclusion of cross-sectioned diagrams, conveying the architecture of these mighty trees, which central Europeans would have found hard to imagine accurately. Equally remarkable are the color landscapes showing various palms—often standing alone in simple and elegant beauty.Trade Review“An outstanding work: aesthetically as well as in content... A milestone of botanical research.” * FAZ *“Beautifully detailed... A landmark in taxonomic description, botanical illustration, and the realistic representation of species in the landscape.” * The Financial Times *“A beautiful, exuberant book..” * Sebastião Salgado *

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Book SynopsisSnowdrops are known as the 'harbingers of spring' at a time when there is little else in flower in the garden to brighten the dull winter months. No-one should be without these dainty white gems which can symbolize innocence, purity and hope. The author describes all known snowdrop species, the cultivation of garden-worthy varieties and their naming as well as their history in early European and English literature. He includes the earliest reference to the English word 'Snowe Dropps' in 1615, preceding the previous earliest reference to 'Snow drops' in 1633. For novice gardeners and those who have never grown snowdrops before he describes how to grow just a few reliable varieties, with advice on buying, planting, dividing, looking after snowdrops, labelling, diseases and companion plants. He also dispels the myth that snowdrops are difficult and don't survive well in gardens, giving advice on all aspects of snowdrop culture. For galanthophiles varieties are recommended to extend their collection. This advice is based on personal experience from growing over 100 different cultivars in his town garden in Oxford. The sequence of flowering of different snowdrop varieties from October to March is described, including the autumn-flowering Queen Olga's snowdrop. This diary format of their emergence will help gardeners learn how there can be snowdrops flowering for six months of the year. The book is illustrated with a stunning selection of close-up images of different varieties of snowdrops to help aid identification of these dainty flowers. Included in the chapter on snowdrop art are many historical images from the earliest-known snowdrop woodcut in Dodoens' European Herbal, 1568 to more recent 19th century images. No other author on snowdrops has attempted such an extensive description of snowdrop art over the centuries, including advice from Jacquie Hibbert on how to paint snowdrops, or has described the evolution of this art form for snowdrops. The book concludes with a useful index of all 22 recognized species and over 100 varieties with reference to international collections.

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Book SynopsisExperience the joy of discovering the natural world around you with this beautiful pocket guide to British trees, an inspiration and treat designed to enthral all nature lovers.This comprehensive guide to British trees contains some of the finest original tree illustrations ever produced. Covering all tree species commonly found outside the major arboretums, the text highlights the most important things to look for to aid fast and accurate identification, and the illustrations are annotated with essential features.The introduction contains illustrations of the main leaves, buds, and firs you are likely to find, which also 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. Individual species are then thoroughly described and a detailed illustration features on the same page.This is the ideal pocTrade Review‘Entertaining and informative. A visual delight' BBC Wildlife 'Outstanding colour paintings … precise and accurate' The Times 'David More's illustrations astonish by their beauty and detail' New Scientist 'A must for all tree huggers and lovers' Ecologist 'In the firmament of tree specialists, Dr Owen Johnson is a definite star' The Field

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Book SynopsisA book for crafters and gardeners alike, from hugely popular author Kerry Lord. Thirty super-cute yarn flowers are yours to crochet, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips on all the techniques you need to make and finish off. Cro' your own garden from winter Snowdrop to summer Rose.Well known for her crocheted animals, Kerry now takes to the garden and turns your favourite flowers into adorable yarn creatures to give as gifts or display at home. With no watering required, they are low maintenance and always in bloom! The 30 patterns include Snowdrop, Primrose, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Tulip, Allium, Chrysanthemum, Rose, Fuchsia, Sunflower, Gerbera, Marigold and Dahlia, and suggestions for alternative colours give you many variations, too.All the projects are based on a simple bulb shape, allowing you to get started easily. Kerry includes step-by-step instructions and charts for each flower, including how to assemble and finish, plus a guide to all the basic crochet and sewing techniques needed, so this book is perfect for all skill levels. With inspirational photography of the crocheted flowers in the garden with their friends in the soil, it's a fun must-have for any crochet fan.Trade Review For A Partridge in a Pear Tree: 'It seems that Kerry Lord can do no wrong when it comes to designing delightful toys and her latest collection … is no exception!' – Crochet Now For Edward's Menagerie: The New Collection'A lovely collection of cleverly designed, adorable projects.' – Knitting magazine 'Kerry has perfectly crafted every animal again.’ – Crochet Now For How to Crochet Animals: Wild: 'The perfect introduction to crochet.' – Simply Crochet For Edward's Menagerie: Dogs: ‘A must for every dog-loving crocheter.' – Dogs Monthly

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational and beautifully illustrated book that tells the stories of 80 plants from around the globe.In his follow-up to the bestselling Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori takes another trip across the globe, bringing to life the science of plants by revealing how their worlds are intricately entwined with our own history, culture and folklore. From the seemingly familiar tomato and dandelion to the eerie mandrake and Spanish ''moss'' of Louisiana, each of these stories is full of surprises. Some have a troubling past, while others have ignited human creativity or enabled whole civilizations to flourish. With a colourful cast of characters all brought to life by illustrator Lucille Clerc, this is a botanical journey of beauty and brilliance.''A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change''The Herald''This charming and beautifully illustraTrade ReviewThis charming and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a voyage of discovery, exploring the many ingenious and surprising uses for plants in modern science and throughout history * Kew magazine *Who knew that the milky sap from dandelions is similar to that of rubber trees, so much so that, in the 1930s, 260 square miles of Eastern Europe were dedicated to growing Russian dandelions successfully to produce rubber until the end of the Second World War? Or did you know that Cook pine trees tilt towards the equator? These are only two fascinating facts from a book packed with similar gems -- Tiffany Daneff * Country Life *A fun and fascinating read, combining science, culture, botany and travel writing * Flower Arranger *With beautiful illustrations from Lucille Clerc, this captivating book traverses the globe via plants: nettles in England, mangoes in India and tulips in the Netherlands -- Ciara Dossett * Daily Mail *A trustee of the Eden Project, his knowledge is encyclopaedic, but it is the combination of science and storytelling that makes his book stand out... With Drori's evocative prose and Lucille Clerc's exquisite illustrations, this is a book to treasure -- Juanita Coulson * The Lady *AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS by Jonathan Drori is a brilliant and - thanks to Lucille Clerc - a beautiful book. It's an excellent companion to the same author's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES. Everybody who has the slightest interest in plants - and people - and wonders why we need to conserve botanical biodiversity should read this book -- Nigel Chaffey * Botany.one *The book is lively, entertaining and educational and the author's personal comments and witty asides, often made me laugh out loud. It is a credit to his skill and dedication that every fact-filled sentence is rich in information about each chosen plant, be it ethnobotanical, economic, folklore, myth, history, religion, culinary or etymology - not a word is wasted... Lucille Clerc's astonishingly beautiful, vibrantly coloured illustrations are an absolute delight, summing up the key points about each plant perfectly - you will find humour in these too... It would make a fabulous gift, yet contains enough facts to be of benefit to students of plant sciences, it is also a must have for anyone who guides at a public garden or has an interest in the relationship between plants and people in the past, present and future -- Matthew Biggs * Gardens Illustrated *A beautiful celebration of the plants and flowers that surround us and a quiet call to arms for change * The Herald, Portfolio *With its fascinating blend of the cultural, historic and scientific, Jonathan Drori's AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES led readers on a global tour telling the stories of people and plants. Now, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 PLANTS (Laurence King £20) reprises the winning formula with a botanical travelogue ranging from the edible - tomato, vanilla, cacao, artichoke - to the religious - myrrh, lotus - and species such as the opium poppy or sugar cane which have dominated whole economies -- Bridget Galton * Ham & High *[Jonathan Drori] comes to this book with a lifetime of experience and a passion for talking about - and encouraging the preservation of - plants, trees, insects and birds. He brings with him a cheerfully wry sense of humour and a wonderful way of explaining to the previously ignorant the golden nuggets of fact, the "did you knows?" that make the book such fun to read -- Jenni Fraser * Jewish Chronicle *Packed with insights, this is a book to treasure * Saga magazine *Beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc, the book is crammed with great stories. It will appeal not just to gardeners, but to anyone interested in the natural world and the ingenious means by which our ancestors adapted the plants around them for food, clothing, shelter, recreation and artistry * The Herald *A terrifically opinionated guide to a selection of world plants and their place in culture. Our author travels the globe via plants, like a plantsman Phineas Fogg, from Nettle and Mistletoe here to Saffron crocus and mandrake in Southern Europe to damask rose in South Asia to vanilla in Africa. Each is illustrated with panache by Lucille Clere. It's one to browse, and a source of fun facts. Did you know that nutmeg in excess has hallucinogenic effects? Apparently Malcolm X used nutmeg in jail for a high; it was banned in prisons in the US to avoid misuse. Or that myrrh was used in Biblical times for an antiseptic mouthwash as well as for incense and that the body of Admiral Nelson was preserved in myrrh-infused brandy to bring back to England (which the crew is said to have drunk in his honour)? There's lots like this -- Melanie McDonagh * Evening Standard *Monty Don describes Around the World in 80 Plants as 'A delightful book that informs and charms in equal measure' - a brilliant way to sum up a book written by someone with deep scientific knowledge, rather than where information is simply lifted from websites. As you turn the pages, facts illuminate, titillate and inform. I kept saying to myself 'I didn't know that' and was thrilled by my new knowledge. Jonathan Drori writes with passion, gentle humour and command of the subject... anyone interested in the plant world would find it of great interest. The illustrations by Lucille Clerc completment the worlds beautifully * Flora magazine *If you read extensively on many subjects, then here's another fascinating book to add to your collection - you'll love this one. Not only is it beautifully written and superbly illustrated, but it's also informative and fun. And there's a lot to delve into, depending on your moods. Maybe you'll just want to read up on one of the 80 plants or at other times get stuck into a geographic section. Or perhaps you'll opt for the culinary tips, sometimes the medicinal uses or very often the history. In this, Jonathan Drori has written another remarkable book and distilled fascinating content into each two-page exposé... you'll both learn from and enjoy this colourful introduction to the world of wild plants. * Plant Life magazine *The stories from "the riotous and often bizarre plant world" have the power to "intertwine science with history and culture" and that's exactly what Jonathan Drori does in this world-tour cornucopia of growing things. His scientific knowledge of plants is extensive but he wears it lightly as he writes passionately about intoxicants such as absinthe and cannabis, flavourings such as the misunderstood vanilla, and the imaginative and constant search for aphrodisiacs. If you think you know about the humble potato (Drori's paragraph on our Great Famine is admirably balanced) or tomato or nettle or dandelion, you'll learn still more here, while also learning about exotica such as mandrake and carnivorous plants. The book is beautifully illustrated and a must for anyone interested in the world around them -- Brian Maye * Irish Times *It's fair to say that Jonathan Drori, who has spent his life involved with plants and is now a member of the Council of Ambassadors of WWF and The Woodland Trust, has a real place in his hear for the simple and overlooked... Drori describes plants almost lovingly, allowing space for their beauty and ingenuity. Take this particularly appealing description of the nutmeg plant: 'Girdling the shiny nut is a succulent, lacy layer, an utterly sensual blood-red aril, or seed covering, which is itself surrounded by a fleshy husk.' Such descriptions are complemented throughout by drawings of each plant from illustrator Lucille Clerc; combined, they make for a beautiful book that can easily be dipped in and out of as the fancy takes you -- Katie Burton * Geographical *Structured by continent, this book guides the reader around the world, dipping into the stories of the tiny, the towering, the parasitic and the submarine... Helping to paint the picture of not just what each plant looks like, but how it is used, where it sits in the landscape and how it interacts with wildlife, are Lucille Clerc's beautiful illustrations. From the unfurling leaves of the silver tree fern to the colours and impossible shapes of some unique and strange-looking orchids, these drawings add yet another layer of delight... As with much of the natural world, the more one learns about the individual plant species and the stories that tell of our interactions with them-whether positive or negative-the more intriguing they become. Around the World in 80 Plants makes me want to find out yet more about the plants that are so often overlooked as a green background, or seen merely as scenery to frame the animals, yet are vital for supporting life on Earth. As this book so wonderfully shows, they are more than life-support machines: they provide colour, flavour and magic to our everyday lives, and we need to learn to appreciate them * Oryx *

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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 SynopsisNew title in the colourful Artisan Art Notebook collection by Flame Tree Studio, in a range of hues to suit the mood and the moment, crafted with decorated edges and featuring beautiful art on the cover.Artisan Art Notebooks, the new Journals from Flame Tree in a range of hues to suit the moment and featuring magnificent art. They’re hand crafted with decorated edges overflowing with petals, teasing vines and patterns. A unique blend of the practical and beautiful, with two ribbons and lined pages, the Artisan Art Notebooks are perfect for notes, creative writing, poetry, doodles and lists. And, with robust flexi covers, they’re easy to slip into your bag and a pleasure to use. Simply, they feel good!The cover for this latest notebook is based on a hand-painted line-art design, and features a beautiful tree. The green PU leather gives a natural look, while colourful leaves adorn the page edges.

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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 Synopsis"This beautifully produced book will be inspiring to botanical artists and all those who are captivated by the orchid." —Leisure Painter Orchids have long held a place of esteem and fascination in the horticultural world. In the 19th century, orchid collecting reached new fanatical heights, with explorers dispatched to every corner of the globe in search of new varieties that could be auctioned at extravagant prices, and orchids are still one of the most popular flowers to breed and buy to this day. These beautiful, diverse flowers are one of the two largest families of flowering plants, with over 30,000 species and over 181,500 hybrids and cultivars. The RHS Orchid Committee have commissioned watercolours of over 7,000 award-winning hybrids that demonstrate particular value in their fabulous array of colours, patterns, sizes and shapes. Through these paintings, stories of high stakes orchid breeding and exhibiting are explored, with a cast of characters who helped shape the horticultural world we know today, alongside the dedicated artists who still support their endeavours.Trade Review"This beautifully produced book will be inspiring to botanical artists and all those who are captivated by the orchid." - Leisure PainterThe English Garden magazine features ACC Art Books title RHS Orchids on their "recommended to buy" page. - The English Garden magazine"Through these paintings, stories of high stakes orchid breeding and exhibiting are explored, with a cast of characters who helped shape the horticultural world we know today, alongside the dedicated artists who still support their endeavours." - Lovely BooksTable of ContentsIntroduction: Orchids and the RHS: For Good and Ill... 7 Chapter 1: A Burgeoning Interest in Orchids 12 Chapter 2: The History of the RHS Orchid Committee, by Clare Hermans 22 Chapter 3: RHS Orchid Awards 28 Chapter 4: A New Generation of Orchidists 42 Chapter 5: Orchid Mania 62 Chapter 6: The Influence of the Artist 74 Chapter 7: The Northern Orchid Scene 132 Chapter 8: RHS Commissions: The Official Orchid Artists 162 Chapter 9: Life After Roberts 188 Chapter 10: Continuing the Cultivation: The Eric Young Orchid Foundation 240 Endnotes 247 Bibliography 248 Acknowledgements 249 Colour Plates 250 General Index 252 Plant Index 255

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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 SynopsisExperience the joy of discovering the natural world around you with this beautiful pocket guide to British wild flowers, an inspiration and treat designed to enthral all nature lovers.Leading botanical artists specially commissioned to ensure beautifully detailed illustrations feature the most widely common British wild flowers. Species are described and illustrated on the same page, with up-to-date authoritative text aiding identification. They are arranged by family, with their key features highlighted for quick and easy reference.This is an indispensable guide for all those with an interest in the countryside, whether amateur or expert, and is beautifully packaged to lend itself both as gift or self-purchase.Trade Review'This book is a great achievement that will be hard to match … a beautiful and well-judged illustrated flora.'British Wildlife

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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 SynopsisTaking Kew and colouring in a new direction - relax and unwind with enchanting, etherial collages inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens.With over 50 illustrations and collages based on illustrations from the renowned Kew archive, Kew Imaginarium is designed to inspire relaxation and creativity, capturing the essence of the tropical plant collection at Kew. A veritable paradise of colouring, this stunning book is perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and anyone seeking to lose themselves in peace and calm.

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Book Synopsis RHS Staff Pick of the Year 2021 Spectator Gardening Book of the year 2021 'A refreshingly insightful history of plant introductions.' - Roy Lancaster Travel the world with extraordinary tales of the botanical discoveries that have shaped empires, built (and destroyed) economies, revolutionised medicine and advanced our understanding of science.Circling the globe from Australia's Botany Bay to the Tibetan plateau, from the deserts of Southern Africa to the jungles of Brazil, this book presents an incredible cast of characters - dedicated researchers and reckless adventurers, physicians, lovers and thieves. Meet dauntless Scots explorer David Douglas and visionary Prussian thinker Alexander von Humboldt, the 'Green Samurai' Mikinori Ogisu and the intrepid 17th century entomologist Maria Sibylla Merian - the first woman known to have made a living from science.Beautifully illustrated with over 100 botanical artworks from the archives of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this absorbing book tells the stories of how plants have travelled across the world - from the missions of the Pharaohs right up to 21st century seed-banks and the many new and endangered species being named every year.***THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW is a world-famous research organisation and a major international visitor attraction. It harnesses the power of its science, the rich diversity of its gardens and collections to unearth why plants and fungi matter to everyone. Its aspiration is to end the extinction crisis and help create a world where nature and biodiversity are protected, valued and managed sustainably.Trade Review'A well-conceived book that acts as a thought-provoking introduction to a pertinent topic and a timely reminder of our dependency on plants.' - Rory Dusoir, gardener and writer (Gardens Illustrated)'The prose sparkles . . . [Edwards] combines intellectual rigour with a lively style.' * The Spectator *

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Book SynopsisÉlisabeth de Feydeau, a fragrance specialist, advises luxury brands including Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, and Guerlain. She wrote The Story of Perfume: A Lavishly Illustrated Guide and A Scented Palace: The Secret History of Marie Antoinette's Perfumer. Alain Baraton, head gardener of the park at Versailles since 1982, is a best-selling author and host of gardening programs on French radio and television.

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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 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 Synopsis 'This is botanical illustration at the highest level.' – The Artist Christabel King is the foremost botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, world leaders in the study and preservation of plant species. Here she shares her passion for depicting plants, both in scientific illustrations and in looser botanical art. This inspiring guide covers everything you need to know: choose a subject and create a vibrant composition; accurately sketch, shade and colour leaves, flowers, cacti and more; finally, press and preserve your own treasured specimens. A chapter on travel drawing gives a flavour of the author's worldwide experience, and there are many of her beautiful plates from the prestigious Curtis's Botanical Magazine. There is a helpful section on suitable subjects for beginners and a glossary of terms, to get you started in the beautiful art of botanical illustration.Trade ReviewThis is not the first book to have the imprimatur of Kew, but they have high standards, so it's not only worthwhile, but hard to achieve. This is botanical illustration at the highest level. Christabel King is not just the practitioner in the field but one of those selected to work at Kew itself. This is flower painting for the purpose of identification and the results will be used and trusted by botanists the world over. Such work is not for including advice on the use of a microscope, preserving specimens and observing spots and markings. The instruction as a result, is of the highest quality. ― The ArtistEverything you need to know about being a botanical illustrator. A lovely book if you want to know what it’s like to be a botanical illustrator, and learn some of their techniques. The colour chart gives information on why Christabel King uses the colours she does, there’s information on equipment used, including proportional dividers which I brought for myself after reading this book, they are very useful if you want to resize a drawing. The drawing illustrations in this book are beautiful and well done. The book tells of the history of Curtis’s Botanical magazine with some beautiful illustrations from the magazines. It also includes what you need to know about collecting and preserving plant specimens. I would recommend this book if you are interested in how botanical artists work at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. -- Jill Birks * Amazon Customer Review *While the book contains some background information relating to botanical illustration and art its main purpose is to provide excellent, no nonsense information in relation to materials, process and techniques. The explanation of these is clear and supported by drawings. There are numerous beautiful illustrations of a huge variety of plants clearly showing the skill and expertise of the author. I found this book to be very readable and inspirational and it will provide useful information for many years to come. -- Sally Uphill * Amazon Customer Review *Originally published in hardback in 2015, Christabel King's popular book, The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration, is now available in paperback. Christabel is the foremost botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, and her beautifully illustrated book shares her working methods, producing both scientifically accurate representations of flowers as well as flowers in a looser botanical style. There's plenty of practical advice here, such as how to use how to preserve your specimens, and suitable subjects for beginners. * Leisure Painter *If, like us, your first port of call for crafty inspiration is nature, you might want to listen up! Who better to take horticultural art tips from the person behind some of Kew Garden's most iconic botanical illustrations? Christabel King's The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration is a comprehensive guide on all things plants. Learn everything from drawing techniques to pressing and preserving your own treasured blooms. Whether you're a budding artist looking for inspiration or a plant lover who just wants to admire great art, this brilliant book is a must-read. * Crafts Beautiful *Table of ContentsIntroduction 6 Botanical illustration 8 Materials 10 Choosing the subject 14 Choosing the technique 16 Your work space 18 Drawing from life 20 Composition 22 Light and shade 24 Sketching and drawing 26 Magnification 30 Transferring the drawing 34 Using a shading guide 36 Watercolour 38 Gouache 42 Pen and ink 46 Correcting mistakes 48 Leaves 50 Flowers 60 Using a microscope 78 Preserving specimens 80 Working from pressed specimens 82 Cacti and succulents 84 Wild flowers 92 Travel drawings 98 Curtis’s Botanical Magazine 104 Trees 120 Advice for beginners 123 Botanical glossary 124 Artistic glossary 125 Index 126 Bibliography 128

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewVibrant Botanical Painting gives the botanical artist a thorough grounding in every aspect of achieving a successful plant portrait. I appreciate the fact that Jarnie has both written and illustrated her book; her no-frills approach comes through and you feel as though you are in safe hands! -- Emma van Klaveren, Association of Botanical Artists' * Association of Botanical Artists' *

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Book SynopsisJoseph Banks accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage round the world from 1768 to 1771. A gifted and wealthy young naturalist, Banks collected exotic flora from Madeira, Brazil, Tierra del Fuego, the Society Islands, New Zealand, Australia and Java, bringing back over 1,300 species that had never been seen or studied by Europeans. On his return, Banks commissioned over 700 superlative engravings between 1772 and 1784. Known collectively as Banks' Florilegium, they are some of the most precise and exquisite examples of botanical illustration ever created. The Florilegium was never published in Banks' lifetime, and it was not until 1990 that a complete set in colour was issued in a boxed edition (limited to 100 copies) under the direction of the British Museum (Natural History). It is from these prints that the present selection is made, directed by David Mabberley, who has provided expert botanical commentaries, with additional texts by art historian Mel Gooding, setting the works Table of ContentsThe Making of Banks’ Florilegium I: The voyage of Endeavour, Mel Gooding • The Plates, David Mabberley • The Making of Banks’ Florilegium II: The Florilegium, 1772–1990, Mel Gooding • The Modern Printing of the Florilegium, Joe Studholme

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Book SynopsisTaking Kew and colouring in a new direction - relax and unwind with enchanting, ethereal collages inspired by the Royal Botanic Gardens.With over 50 illustrations and collages based on illustrations from the renowned Kew archive, Kew Imaginarium is designed to inspire relaxation and creativity, capturing the magic and majesty of toadstools, fungi and forest floor wonders. A veritable paradise of colouring, this stunning book is perfect for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and anyone seeking to lose themselves in peace and calm.

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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 SynopsisAn illustrated natural history of British native trees, by a celebrated botanical artist and her forester brother-in-lawOur trees are among our greatest national treasures, and yet today many people have forgotten their names, their identifying features and the stories we used to tell about them. In Overleaf, the botanical painter Susan Ogilvy and the forester Richard Ogilvy reacquaint us with the trees of the British Isles through careful study of their leaves. From the water-loving alder to the long-lived yew, Susan paints every tree''s leaf or needle in exquisite, jewel-like detail, at exactly life size, while Richard explores their natural history, the landscapes they inhabit and the ways we use their timber, leaves, flowers and fruit in craft, industry, food and medicine. As vivid and true to life as a book of freshly picked and pressed leaves, Overleaf will delight and inform tree-spotting beginners and seasoned naturalists alike.

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Book SynopsisQueen of the night, Darwin''s comet, lady''s slipper, little dragon, black chimaera - the otherworldly names of orchid species are as beautiful as these sought-after flowers themselves. From flamboyant and colourful to strange and understated, and from alpine meadows to cloud forests, the orchid''s variety and range is unparallelled - and has made it an object of obsession to plant collectors for centuries. With over 250 stunning botanical illustrations and fascinating documents from the archives at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Orchid explores 40 different varieties of this evocative and elusive flower.

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