leaves Archives - Page 2 of 2

Botanical Illustration: Ivy

Posted on 22nd January 20157th December 2018 in Botanical Illustration step by step

I recently got to illustrate common Ivy Hedera helix. I’m often asked to do botanical illustrations of this plant, and always enjoy it enormously. Reference is so very easy to come by! I had look on the wall at the back of the garden, and decide the shape of this Ivy sprig is perfect; fluid but […] Read more

Botanical Illustration Workshop drawing leaves

Posted on 9th January 20157th December 2018 in Painting workshops

When I ask Hereford Botanical Art society what they would like to learn, they suggest basic drawing skills. They ask for autumn leaves to be the subject matter. I relish the challenge! Collecting autumn leaves of every shape and size, I set up the workshop. (Here’s a link to blogs on other workshops I’ve taught.) […] Read more

leaf, leaf attachment, botany, botanical terms, leaves, veins, venation,

Leaf Shape: Margins, Venation and Position

Posted on 1st November 201325th November 2018 in botanical terms

In last week’s blog I discussed simple vs compound leaves and basic leaf shape. This week I tackle margins, different venation patterns, and key ways that leaves are attached to the stem. The terms discussed are in bold text. The examples are all illustrations I’ve done over the years. If you find any mistakes feel free […] Read more

Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica, invasives, step by step

Japanese knotweed sketchbook study

Posted on 3rd May 20133rd December 2018 in Biological terminology: Definitions, Botanical Illustration step by step, Illustration techniques

Japanese Knotweed job I’ve been working on a series of three scientific illustrations of invasive plants this week, for Summersault Communications. This blog is about doing a Japanese knotweed sketchbook study. The article accompanying my illustrations will explain how to identify the plants and why they pose a threat. I am fortunate in that the […] Read more

Botanical Illustration: Tips on mixing greens

Posted on 9th March 201325th October 2018 in Illustration techniques

This week I’ve been mixing greens and painting ivy leaves, as have many members of the Botanical Art for Beginners group. Comparing the dark greens of an ivy leaf with those of a yellow butterwort leaf got me thinking. A crash course in mixing greens could be handy. Watercolour paints First, I think it needs […] Read more

Botanical Illustration: Tips on leaf shapes

Posted on 3rd March 201324th October 2018 in Biological terminology: Definitions

Although you can always draw the leaf shapes that you see, and get lovely results; sometimes a bit of background botany can prove invaluable when undertaking a scientific illustration of a plant. Leaf shape: Monocot or Dicot? One of the main aspects to consider is the leaf of the plant. The first thing to […] Read more

Botanical illustration tips on painting leaves

Posted on 22nd February 201324th October 2018 in Biological terminology: Definitions

I’ve been doing botanical illustrations this week, and think perhaps some ideas on how to undertake a scientific illustration of leaves might be useful. Most of these examples are from my botanical sketchbooks (always keep sketchbooks!); although the final pieces are completed works for clients. Getting Reference before you start It goes without saying that […] Read more