Oct 042013
Botanical Illustration Course: With the Eden Project
This is simply the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, with each chapter a perfectly constructed and self-contained class. Created in conjunction with the internationally renowned Eden Projecthome of the only jungle in captivityit’s put together by two leading figures in the Project’s famed art school, and uses many beautiful works from its students. Artists and plant lovers will find a wealth of practical information, with easy-to-follow exercises and
List Price: $ 19.95
Price: $ 12.10
Amazing Book in both the educational and artistic value,
This book is a wonderous compilation of educational guidelines on producing artwork and properly representing the beauty and complexity of plants using pencil and watercolor media. It also could pass as a coffee table book as the images are incredible. I was immediately struck at the techniques covered as every art book should – recommendation on watercolor/paper/pencils to use, other tools needed, shading & highlighting, importance of representing the tiniest details, color development (e.g. how to make the right green – I loved that part), depth and so much more. In many ways I was reminded of my university art classes I took many years ago, but this book covers so much more than I garnered through formal education. Those that purchase the book for learning how to bring plants to life on paper or canvas should follow the educational component of the book from the beginning to the end in order to gain the most on how to illustrate plants. By following this method, each artist will definitely get what this book offers – and makes one wish they could take part of the art classes taught at the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK. I definitely wish I could do so!
Was this review helpful to you?
|Excellent book for Botanical Painting,
This book emphasizes how to produce botanical paintings, and it really succeeds there, with a profusion of color illustrations and explanations of color handling. There are also about 20 pages on pencil drawing.
One thing I do object to is the total absence of pen and ink techniques. This book is described as the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, and yet this cannot be true without pen and ink techniques. The vast majority of botanical illustration – as opposed to botanical art – is published as black and white. (I am a published botanical illustrator, all of the publishers I worked with wanted ink illustrations, not pencil). If someone is hoping to use this book to help start their career, it is lacking. But if you are looking to start painting botanicals as I am, it is great.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Admire Botanical Illustrations? Now you can do them too!,
A fabulous book- explaining all the materials, methods, colors, shapes, and such that make botanical illustrations so very realistic and beautiful. There are marvelous watercolor tips, tips on keeping a sketchbook, showing the roots of a plant, and painting white flowers realistically (somthing I am horrible at).
The book shows you how to create highlights, depth, and texture. It also covers how to show a plant dissected and bisected. More tips include how to make your picture work. A really enjoyable book that has me sketching the leaves from my garden and yard at the kitchen table. Beautifully illustrated throughout.
Was this review helpful to you?
|