New Botanical Painting

Synopsis

Award-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.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to New Botanical Painting

* Definition and history of botanical painting, from ancient herbals to contemporary art.
* Importance of accuracy, observation, and artistic interpretation.
* Example: A detailed watercolor painting of a rose, capturing its intricate petals and delicate stamens.

Chapter 2: Materials and Techniques

* Overview of essential materials, including brushes, paints, paper, and magnifying glasses.
* Step-by-step guide to painting techniques, such as washes, blending, and stippling.
* Example: A demonstration of creating a smooth color gradient by using multiple washes of ink on paper.

Chapter 3: Drawing from Observation

* Importance of sketching and drawing to capture accurate plant structures.
* Guidance on using pencils, charcoal, and other drawing tools.
* Example: A series of pencil sketches illustrating the different stages of a flower's growth.

Chapter 4: Painting from the Specimen

* Preparation and preservation of plant specimens for painting.
* Setting up the workspace and arranging the specimen.
* Example: A setup for painting a live daffodil, with natural lighting and a magnification tool.

Chapter 5: Color and Light

* Understanding color theory and how it applies to botanical painting.
* Importance of observing and capturing the changing effects of light on plants.
* Example: A side-by-side comparison of two paintings of the same plant, one painted under natural daylight and the other under artificial light.

Chapter 6: Composition

* Principles of composition, such as balance, contrast, and focal points.
* Guidance on arranging plants and creating visually appealing paintings.
* Example: A composed painting of a bouquet, featuring different flowers in varying sizes and colors.

Chapter 7: Backgrounds and Textures

* Role of backgrounds in botanical painting, from solid colors to detailed landscapes.
* Techniques for creating realistic textures, such as bark, leaves, and flowers.
* Example: A painting of a bird of paradise with a watercolor background simulating the tropical rainforest.

Chapter 8: Botanical Illustration

* Characteristics of botanical illustrations, including scientific accuracy and detailed annotations.
* Guidelines for labeling and documenting plants for research purposes.
* Example: A detailed botanical illustration of a new species of orchid, complete with annotations and a scientific description.

Chapter 9: Contemporary Botanical Painting

* Evolution of botanical painting into contemporary art forms.
* Exploration of abstract, conceptual, and experimental approaches.
* Example: A modern interpretation of a sunflower, using vibrant colors and bold lines.

Chapter 10: Conclusion

* Summary of the key principles and techniques of new botanical painting.
* Encouragement for artists to blend traditional methods with innovative ideas.
* Future of botanical painting as an artistic and scientific endeavor.