Botanical Drawing Using Graphite and Coloured Pencils

Drawing with graphite and coloured pencils enables the artist to capture every detail of a plant, and to enjoy, study and celebrate their wonderful forms. Whether the illustration is a striking monotone or vibrant with colour, pencils give you absolute precision. The book, written and illustrated by an award-winning botanical artist, introduces and explains the drawing skills behind the art. Each chapter concentrates on a different aspect of the plant, working upwards from the root system to include the stem, leaves, flowers and fruit. Fungi have also been included due to their close association with plants. Topics covered include: techniques on using graphite and coloured pencils; practical help on lighting, posture and keeping plants fresh; instruction on composition, colour charts and mixing; advice on portraying texture and hairs, and achieving bloom on fruit and finally, simple explanations of botany to aid the artist's understanding. With tips and advice throughout, the techniques are supported by step-by-step projects, clear exercises and over 300 colour illustrations.

Sue Vize is an experienced artist and tutor of botanical illustration. Her work is held by RHS Lindley Library, Nottingham University Plant Sciences Division and Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation in Pennsylvania, USA. Sue is a member of both the English and American Societies of Botanical Artists.