Botanical Drawing Using Graphite and Coloured Pencils

Synopsis

Drawing 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.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to Botanical Drawing

* Defines botanical drawing as the art of scientifically and aesthetically representing plants.
* Discusses the importance of observation and accuracy in capturing plant details.
* Example: A detailed pencil drawing of a rose flower, showing its petals, stamens, and pistils.

Chapter 2: Materials and Techniques

* Covers the essential materials for botanical drawing, including graphite pencils, coloured pencils, erasers, and paper.
* Provides step-by-step instructions on pencil holding, sharpening, and shading techniques.
* Example: A demonstration of how to create a smooth gradient using graphite pencils for a leaf.

Chapter 3: Basic Plant Structures

* Introduces the fundamental principles of plant anatomy, including root, stem, leaf, flower, and fruit structures.
* Provides diagrams and examples to help understand these structures.
* Example: A labelled diagram of a plant showing the arrangement of leaves on the stem (phyllotaxy).

Chapter 4: Drawing Leaves

* Discusses the various shapes, sizes, and textures of leaves.
* Covers techniques for capturing leaf veins, margins, and surfaces.
* Example: A coloured pencil drawing of a maple leaf, highlighting its serrated edges and variegated colours.

Chapter 5: Drawing Flowers

* Delves into the complex structures of flowers, including petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils.
* Provides guidance on drawing flower shapes, symmetries, and details.
* Example: A graphite pencil sketch of a daisy, capturing its radial symmetry and overlapping petals.

Chapter 6: Drawing Fruits and Seeds

* Covers the diversity of fruit and seed forms, from fleshy berries to dry capsules.
* Discusses techniques for capturing their textures, colours, and internal structures.
* Example: A coloured pencil drawing of a pomegranate, showing its segmented interior and studded exterior.

Chapter 7: Composition and Arrangement

* Explores principles of composition, such as balance, contrast, and rhythm.
* Provides tips for arranging plant specimens for effective drawings.
* Example: A botanical sketch of a fern, creating a harmonious balance between the delicate fronds and the surrounding space.

Chapter 8: Advanced Techniques

* Introduces advanced drawing techniques, including rendering, stippling, and cross-hatching.
* Covers creating depth, texture, and highlights.
* Example: A graphite pencil drawing of a tree bark, using cross-hatching to convey its rough texture.