Drawing Fundamentals for Botanical Illustration I

Drawing Fundamentals for Botanical Illustration I

By Hazel Buys

The first class in the redesigned Certificate Program in Botanical Illustration at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens wrapped up last Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. A delightful and enthusiastic group of six artists, some new to drawing, some renewing their skills, completed the four classes that introduced them to botanical illustration and the fundamentals of drawing. These classes concentrated on botanical subjects, although the classes taught a skill set basic to drawing in any genre.

The students learned the proper way to light their subject and work surface and drew from live or dried botanical specimens. They explored the rich possibilities in line making, the use of tone in creating form and how to use perspective in depicting leaves that fold toward, and away from, the viewer. The classes included a study of the basic elements of composition, the Golden Section and how these principles guide the artist in arranging the subject on the paper. All drawings emphasized accuracy and detail.

Each student succeeded in completing the assignments that showcased what they had learned, and for those interested in pursuing the Certificate in Botanical Illustration, comprise the beginnings of their botanical illustration portfolio.

The next class in the series, Fundamentals of Drawing for Botanical Illustration II, begins March 12, 2013 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Prerequisites include completion of Fundamentals of Drawing for Botanical Artists I OR permission of the instructor.

For information, contact Hazel Buys at 804/740-7159 or email: hazelmbuys@yahoo.com.

Register at http://www.lewisginter.org/adult-education/adult-educationhappeningnow.php#illustration

Botanical Illustration and Botanical Art

 

"Yellow Rose" by Hazel Buys

What is botanical illustration?  Botanical art?  Floral art?  The members of CVABA do all three, plus general nature art.  But there are differences between the three.

Botanical illustration (BI) is considered a scientific discipline, a subset of scientific illustration.  In BI, accuracy and precision are key elements.  The plant being depicted must accurately represent the attributes of the plant.  For example, a flower needs to have the correct number of petals, stamens and anthers (within reason- some are hidden from the viewer, especially when there are many of them!).  The leaves must have correct veining (alternate, opposite or parallel). Colors must be as accurate as possible, though different lighting conditions create some variability in color. The botanical illustrator also strives to depict different parts of the plant (flower, calyx, thorns, hairs, stems, fruit, seeds, leaf and root, for example) in different stages of development.  There are also several conventions that are followed:  in general, light is depicted as coming from the left: the back of a leaf and underside of the flower should be shown: the plant is drawn life size when possible, and any changes in size from plant to drawing should be indicated: and there is no background nor cast shadow (shadow outside of the dimensions of the plant).  Despite these rules, there is still room for artistic expression!  BI is traditionally done in watercolor, but it can also be created using graphite (pencil), pen and ink, colored pencil, and other media.

Botanical art is art that depicts any type of plant.  It does not need to follow the rules of BI and there is greater latitude regarding how the plant is depicted.  Many media can be used. Floral art is similar to botanical art, but focuses on flowers.

Follow us to see examples of each over the coming months!

"Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time."  Georgia O'Keeffe