The Whole Story

Synopsis

Discover a whole new realm of botanical painting - the natural life forms that coexist with flowering plants, revealed in exquisite detail.

Traditionally, botanical art has focused on the flowers, leaves and form of plants. They are depicted in solitary glory on a page, divorced from the life forms that live alongside them in nature. But award-winning UK botanical painter, Christina Hart-Davies, believes passionately that flowers are only part of the picture and loves to explore the different stages, related species, habitats and associated creatures that provide their setting in the wild. She looks at plants and other life forms from all angles - scientific, aesthetic and cultural - to tell The Whole Story.

Showcasing examples of her most popular works, The Whole Story draws on Christina's long and parallel careers in both art and illustration. Take inspiration from her enthusiasm for the details and beauty of all aspects of the natural world and benefit from her experience as she shares techniques for painting moss and insects as well as advice on composition and lettering.

This book will transform your perspective and inspire you to look beyond the flowers.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Telling the Whole Story

* Emphasizes the significance of providing comprehensive, multifaceted narratives to gain a deeper understanding of complex issues.
* Example: A news report about a crime should not only focus on the perpetrator but also explore the victim's perspective, societal factors, and legal implications.

Chapter 2: The Elements of a Whole Story

* Outlines the essential components of a complete story, including the protagonist, antagonist, setting, plot, and resolution.
* Example: In a story about a young woman overcoming addiction, the protagonist is the woman, the antagonist is the addiction, the setting is her hometown, the plot traces her journey, and the resolution shows her triumph.

Chapter 3: Structuring the Whole Story

* Provides guidelines for structuring a story effectively, using techniques such as chronological order, flashbacks, and parallel narratives.
* Example: A novel about a family's struggles might use chronological order for the main storyline and flashbacks to reveal past events that influence the present.

Chapter 4: The Power of Details

* Highlights the importance of using specific and vivid details to bring stories to life and evoke emotions.
* Example: A description of a homeless man's daily routine might include the sound of his shaking hands, the smell of garbage, and the way he avoids eye contact with passersby.

Chapter 5: The Art of Objectivity

* Explores the challenges of writing objectively and the ways to minimize biases, confirm information, and present multiple perspectives.
* Example: A journalist investigating a political scandal would need to interview both supporters and critics, consult official documents, and avoid sensationalizing the story.

Chapter 6: The Responsibility of Storytelling

* Discusses the ethical implications of storytelling, including the need to respect privacy, protect sources, and avoid causing harm.
* Example: A documentary filmmaker should obtain informed consent from participants, verify information, and consider the potential impact of the film on their lives.

Chapter 7: The Art of Enchantment

* Explores the ways to use language, imagery, and storytelling techniques to captivate readers and engage their imaginations.
* Example: A historical novel might use vivid descriptions of daily life, vibrant characters, and compelling plot twists to transport readers to another era.