The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration (paperback edition)

Christabel King is the foremost botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. This inspiring guide covers everything you need to know to create vibrant botanical illustrations, from choosing a subject to accurately sketching and coloring leaves, flowers, cacti, and more. It also includes a chapter on travel drawing and many of her beautiful plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Search Press Ltd

Christabel King is the preeminent botanical artist at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, renowned globally for its expertise in studying and conserving plant species. In this captivating guide, she shares her unwavering passion for capturing the beauty of plants through both scientific illustrations and more expressive botanical art. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the skills and knowledge to bring your botanical visions to life.

Choosing a Subject:

Select a plant subject that captivates your imagination and inspires you to create. Consider its unique characteristics, such as vibrant colors, intricate patterns, or fascinating shapes.

Create a Vibrant Composition:

Experiment with different layouts and compositions to make your botanical illustration stand out. Consider the balance, contrast, and visual interest of your design.

Accurately Sketch, Shade, and Color:

Learn to sketch the basic outlines and shapes of your plant subject accurately. Understand the principles of shading and coloring to bring depth and realism to your artwork.

Master Leaves, Flowers, Cacti, and More:

Explore different plant parts and learn to depict them with precision and detail. Practice drawing leaves, flowers, cacti, and other botanical elements to create a diverse range of subjects.

Preserve Your Treasured Specimens:

Learn the proper techniques for pressing and preserving your botanical illustrations. This will ensure that your artwork lasts for years to come and can be cherished as a precious keepsake.

Travel Drawing:

Discover the joys of travel drawing and how it can enhance your botanical illustration skills. Learn to capture the essence of plants in different environments and cultures.

Beautiful Plates from Curtis's Botanical Magazine:

Admire the stunning plates created by Christabel King for the prestigious Curtis's Botanical Magazine. Gain inspiration from her artistic vision and the beauty of her botanical illustrations.

Suitable Subjects for Beginners:

Find guidance on suitable subjects for beginners in botanical illustration. Start with easy-to-draw plants and gradually progress to more complex subjects as you gain confidence and experience.

Glossary of Terms:

A comprehensive glossary of botanical terms will help you understand the technical aspects of botanical illustration. Familiarize yourself with common botanical terms to enhance your understanding and communication.

Embark on a Journey of Botanical Illustration:

With this inspiring guide, you'll embark on a journey of botanical illustration. Discover the joy of capturing the beauty of plants and preserving their essence through your artwork. Whether you're a scientist, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, this guide will empower you to create stunning botanical illustrations that will captivate audiences for generations to come.

Weight: 582g
Dimension: 291 x 218 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800920910