Colour for Botanical Artists and Illustrators is a book written by Marjorie Blamey and Richard Lincoln. The book provides a comprehensive guide to colours, pigments, media, paper, and methods for creating botanical art. It contains chapters covering topics such as a history of botanical painting, preparing the subject, understanding the characteristics of colours, and finally, creating the art.
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Botanical Art
The first chapter of the book provides an introduction to the history of botanical art with a focus on its use in the scientific study of plants. It explains the importance of observation when it comes to painting accurate depictions of plants. This includes features such as the size and shape of leaves, the arrangement of petals on a flower, and the various locations that a plant may inhabit. It also explains why some botanical artists choose to use a microscope to view their subject matter in order to produce an even more accurate result. An example of a well-known botanist utilizing this method is Anna Atkins, who created detailed cyanotypes of algae and other underwater plants.
Chapter 2: Preparing the Subject
The second chapter explains the importance of first preparing the subject for painting. This involves selecting the plants that the artist would like to use as reference material, and then learning as much as possible about them so that it can be accurately represented on the canvas. This includes discovering the names of the plants, researching their background and ecology, studying the specimens closely, and documenting the artist’s observations. An example of a botanical artist who took the time to thoroughly prepare their subjects before painting is the illustrator Ferdinand Bauer, whose meticulous watercolour plates are considered to be some of the most accurate and detailed representations of plants in the world.
Chapter 3: Understanding the Characteristics of Colours
The third chapter explains the properties of colour that artists should consider when creating their artwork. It provides information on how light, shade, and texture affect the appearance of colour on a canvas. It explains the different types of pigments, their various characteristics when combined with water or other media, and common mixing strategies. Examples of how different pigments affect the appearance of a painting can be seen in the work of artists such as Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, who pioneered the use of botanical pigments to create vibrant decorative art.
Chapter 4: Choosing Paper and Media
The fourth chapter provides information on the various papers and media that can be used by botanical artists. It explains the difference between different paper types and the various ways to apply media and colour, and provides an overview of the different pigment and paints available. It also covers the importance of surface preparation and how to choose the best medium to use for a particular piece. An example of a project requiring careful paper and media choice is work done by botanical artist Margaret Mee, whose beautiful watercolours of Amazonian plants illustrate the intricate details of the surrounding environment.
Chapter 5: Creating the Art
The fifth and final chapter of the book explains the steps involved in creating the artwork. It begins by discussing the importance of observation when depicting a plant, and then provides step-by-step instructions on how to approach a painting, from sketching the outline of the subject to applying the final touches of paint. It also covers the use of framing and mounting techniques to ensure that the artwork is ready for display. The work of Joseph Banks, who is considered to be one of the earliest botanical painters, provides an excellent example of a traditional approach to painting.
Overall, the book Colour for Botanical Artists and Illustrators provides invaluable knowledge and tips for artists looking to create botanical art. Through its detailed chapters, the book covers a broad range of topics, from the history of botanical art to the various techniques and materials used in creating it.
