Botanical Portraits with Colored Pencils - by Ann Swan (Hardcover)

Number of Pages: 128
Genre: Art
Sub-Genre: Techniques
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: B.E.S. Publishing
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: Pencil Drawing
Author: Ann Swan
Language: English

About the Book

(back cover)
This beautifully illustrated book is the first practical guide to creating botanical artworks with colored pencils. Easier to use and more forgiving than traditional watercolor, water-soluble and oil-based colored pencils have become increasingly popular among botanical artists because of the many stunning effects they can produce.

Ann Swan, a well-known botanical artist and a top exponent of the genre, teaches the techniques of burnishing, underpainting, and layering with detailed step-by-step demonstrations. She also provides a gallery of colored pencil works that serve as a wonderful source of reference and inspiration for students and professional botanical painters at all levels.

Book Synopsis

A successfully executed work of botanical art is an exacting blend of scientific accuracy and aesthetic beauty. This lavishly illustrated volume offers practical, step-by-step instruction for creating professional quality colored pencil illustrations of flowers, foliage, fruits, and other botanical subjects. Colored pencils serve as an excellent alternative to the traditional practice of rendering botanical art in watercolors because pencils are far easier to use and control, yet can produce equally outstanding results. The author instructs in the use of both water-soluble and oil-based colored pencils, and presents progressive illustrations that demonstrate the rendering of an artwork from start to completion. She advises on choosing materials and offers guidelines for getting to know each flower or plant before starting an illustration. All aspects of working with colored pencils are covered, including underpainting, layering and burnishing, mixing and building up color, and adding those finishing touches that bring a botanical subject fully to life. She also presents works by other botanical artists to show students a wide range of styles. The book features approximately 200 beautiful and instructive color illustrations.

Review Quotes

"...offers the first practical guide to creating botanical artworks using colored pencils.... Any botanical artist needs this."
--The Midwest Book Review

"A fine guide by an accomplished teacher of colored-pencil methods."
--Library Journal

"An invaluable book for all botanical artists wanting to try this medium."

Society of Botanical Artists (U.K.)