Comments on: Step by Step Everlasting Sweet pea botanical illustration

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Thu, 14 May 2020 09:07:30 +0000

Hi Linda

Thanks so much! I really think it’s so easy to share what you do, and I do try to make it accessible by adding a bit of silliness. I truly believe anyone can do decent illustrations if they just put the hours in, and I’m keen to dispel any barriers that make people not want to start drawing and painting. I’m so glad my mix works for you, and many thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. x

By: Linda Ashley

Linda Ashley — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 01:32:19 +0000

Lizzie thank you! Your generous sharing of your stunning work and methods, together with your wonderfully relaxing humour Is truly a treasure that I have stumbled upon!!!

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:25:09 +0000

In reply to Tee. I love that sort of exchange. I have a very gifted dress-making friend who exchanged a couple of my illustrations for 2 hand made skirts. We were both VERY pleased. Im really glad you found my sweet pea blog helpful; you're right to feel intimidated by the flowers, they're not nearly as straight forward as I thought before I drew them! (To be honest, most plants are rather that way inclined...) And you're also right in thinking that having live ref makes things soooooo much easier, I couldnt agree more. Hope your friend is suitably grateful for your hard work, and thanks for leaving a comment. x

By: Tee

Tee — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:48:21 +0000

Thank you so much for this! A friend gave me a beautiful set of polychromos pencils in exchange for a sweet pea drawing. I’ve been trying for months but am terrified of the shape of the flower and how delicate it is + it’s winter so practically impossible to find a live reference. This has helped me so much in deconstructing the basic shape and outline of this beautiful flower

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 11:09:18 +0000

In reply to Pat James. Ah, lovely Pat! Thanks for the comment, and Im glad it didnt bore you to tears! x

By: Pat James

Pat James — Sat, 28 Sep 2019 20:53:48 +0000

Thank you for such a detailed and very helpful guide. There’s nothing better than seeing painting in action!
Pat x

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 10:55:04 +0000

In reply to Margaret. Hi Margaret...exactly! Lots of traditional botanical illustrators build up layers, working from light to dark and I admroe them enormously. But I get so lost doing that! Plotting in those darks to begin with gives you a real road map to work from. Your comment is really perceptive. Thanks, and also many thanks for the compliment on my work! Yours x Lizzie

By: Margaret

Margaret — Sat, 14 Sep 2019 06:15:49 +0000

I love the way you work from darks to light. To me it helps to see where your going more easily. Your paintings are beautiful.

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 08:14:37 +0000

In reply to Emily. Hello Emily, How exciting to have a whole course to look forward to! Do be aware that the way I work is often seen as a little unconventional (working from darks to lights not the other way round), but the way I see it, if it works, do it! Enjoy your course, I hope it's wonderful. Yours Lizzie. PS Thanks for the compliments!

By: Lizzie Harper

Lizzie Harper — Wed, 28 Aug 2019 08:12:01 +0000

In reply to Margo. Glad to be of use! x Lizzie