Historically he relationship between art and scientific documentation eventually gave rise to a new artistic genre, the Naturalistic Illustration, whose aim was to capture in a work the particular forms and functions of a given species. The genre found enthusiastic supporters among scientists and wealthy connoisseurs who were intrigued by the novelty of this rigorously
objective “mirror of nature.”
Botanical drawings capture and summarize information for the purposes of research, teaching, and private collectors fascinated by the infinite varieties and complexity of the natural world.
Get started by documenting your floral studying in you “Noncotton” sketchbook noting any difficulties and practice the leaf, floral and notes about your process.
STEP 1: DISSECTION : Pencil-sketch CLICK HERE
Choose your flower and remove a single leaf for a study. Dissect the parts of your plant and photograph a unique composition. ( See below ) Dissections are used to see the large, medium and smallest details of a plant. The various details are often drawn on the same page using different scales of enlargement. Illustrate the leaf, stem, floral , seed and even roots together.
STEP 2: SYMMETRY vs ASYMMETRY CLICK HERE Sketchbook Practice
Getting Started: Understand the unique flower anatomy. Find the symmetry in the plant you are illustrating.
Many leaves, nuts, seeds and flowers are bilaterally symmetrical or irregular.
Step 3: Mixing Greens CLICK HERE Use Cotton Paper
- Take photos just incase your plant wilts over time.
- Plan where you will draw your plant, whole flower, cross-section and various anatomical parts. Leave room for creativity and do not overthink this step. Trust your artistic vision. There is no wrong way to illustrate.
- Trace the leaf/floral onto the paper.
- Add lighter colors and use darker tones for detail.
- Shadows are optional as many botanical drawings do not include stark shadows. View the video above.
Extra Credit : Print out Calligraphy Sheet and Practice your Script