Botanical Illustration

Botanical Illustration - the complete guide explains the processes and methods behind this beautiful art genre. It highlights the importance of the requisite skills of close observation, accurate drawing and attention to detail. Leigh Ann Gale is a leading botanical artist and tutor, and she generously demonstrates her approach in this book. Her worked example of fuchsia magellanica clearly shows the varied stages of an illustration. Along with step-by-step instructions to a range of subjects, this book is beautifully illustrated with over 350 images, diagrams and paintings of her and her students' work. This book is a source of inspiration as well as a definitive guide, and the contents include: introduction to botany and a comprehensive botanical glossary; a case study demonstrating each stage of a worked example, including the selection and preparation of a subject, observational drawings, composition skills and painting processes; step-by-step instruction covering many subjects, from creating shine on leaves and berries, to painting white flowers and depicting hairs on leaves and stems; a guide to colour theory and how to mix colours accurately to match your specimens and make the most of your watercolour palette; and ideas on how to continue, and develop your own style of botanical illustration. This book will be of great interest to all botanical artists, natural history artists, watercolourists, gardeners and natural historians and is lavishly illustrated with 391 colour images.

Leigh Ann Gale is a professional botanical artist. She is a qualified tutor of botanical illustration who is known for her encouraging and supportive approach to teaching students, and is highly regarded as a mentor and advisor on the subject. She has been awarded medals for her work and has exhibited extensively around the world. Some of her paintings are held in private collections, as well as the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, the Florilegium Society at Sydney Botanic Gardens, the Hampton Court Palace Archives, and the Nymans Florilegium in Sussex. She is Vice Chairman/Chairman Elect of the Hampton Court Palace Florilegium Society.