Botanical Drawing in Color: A Basic Guide to Mastering Realistic Form and Naturalistic Color

by Wendy Hollender

A thorough immersion into the world of scientifically accurate, three-dimensional, and artistically rendered natural botanical illustration.

The step-by-step instructions in this invaluable guide, written by one of the nation’s leading experts in the field, Wendy Hollender, will grow your artistic ability, whether you’re just broaching this unique skill or are already an expert. Each lesson in the book increases in complexity to build your skill set in a clear, concise, and accessible way. With a focus on the natural world through the botanical life-cycle, each project is not only a technical study, but a beautiful piece of artwork in and of itself.
 
In this book, you will

   • Single light source toning technique
   • Principles of perspective for drawing flowers
   • The fundamentals of plant anatomy
   • Colored pencil techniques and color theory of the natural world

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

144 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2010

Reviews

[Rebekkah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished reading through the book, but have not started working from it yet. I love the passion she shows for her work in this book, and especially love the level of detail and precision in her instructions. I am a newbie at this stuff, but feel pretty confident that she has given me the tools for a solid foundation. I've started with a more generic learn to draw book, which has frustrated me a lot in its lack of precision and guidance. It is clear that Wendy is not only a practiced artist, but also a practiced teacher who can anticipate what information her students need and what pitfalls they need to avoid.

I also appreciate that her methods are fairly beginner friendly in terms of investment of money in supplies. Because she uses such a relatively limited palette of colors, I can buy everything she recommends without feeling like I'm investing an unreasonable amount of money in a new hobby.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best How To books I've read on this subject. Very easy to follow and exercises are great. Enjoyed it so much that I bought the book

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book for anyone interested in botanical drawing. Fantastic.

[Dil Nawaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Botanical artist, writer, and educator WENDY HOLLENDER. The New York Times, "O," The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Sunset Magazine, The Observer (UK), and a recent significant advertising campaign for the National Peanut Board have all used Hollender's artwork.

Her work was displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum for Natural History, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, and the 13th International Exhibition at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation.

This book and Botany for Artists were purchased together. I adore that book, but I don't think it's appropriate for beginners. I could be wrong, but that's just how I feel.

I adore botanical illustrations; they are more difficult, but if you enjoy plants and gardening, try these books.

Dil Nawaz
Karachi, Pakistan
https://ocdil.blog

[Dee S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice illustrations of how to draw with colored pencils.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a botanical illustration workshop with Wendy Hollander earlier this fall. This book was not only a good accompaniment, but also a good reference to work with since. All the pictures are drawings so there is a lot of inspiration built into the book as well as useful instruction and exercises. I highly recommend it.

[Jodi Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendy is an incredible artist and teacher, not a super common combination. Her book has simple, valuable exercises. She gives straight forward guidance in a way that anyone can relate to. Her book is useful for artists of all levels. Also, her info on materials and supplies is incredibly useful.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was ok. I would have liked more "how to" draw sections. I couldn't get a feel for how to use it to draw better flowers. It could be good as a reference tool, maybe for a more advanced artist than myself.