How to Draw 100 Flowers and Plants with Realistic Line Drawing: A Book Review
Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants - A Review
If you love drawing or want to learn how to draw realistic flowers and plants, you might be interested in this book: Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants by Melissa Washburn. In this review, I will tell you what this book is about, who is the author, and why this book is useful for aspiring artists and designers.
[Pdf ePub] Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers
Introduction
Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants is a visual reference book that features 600-plus step-by-step sketches depicting a vast array of beautiful botanicals, florals, plant structures, and more. Each set of illustrations takes you from beginning sketch lines to a finished drawing. The book also includes helpful drawing tips and information about each plant.
The author of this book is Melissa Washburn, an illustrator and graphic designer living just outside Chicago in the Midwest US. She grew up in upstate New York, in the foothills of the Adirondacks, where she developed a fascination with things that run, fly, and grow. She has a bachelor of fine arts in painting and printmaking from Binghamton University, a master's degree in arts administration from Indiana University, coursework at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and experience as Art Director at advertising firm Group 7even. She has also received an Individual Artist Program grant from the Indiana Arts Commission. You can see more of her work at www.melissawashburn.com.
This book is useful for anyone who wants to improve their realistic drawing skills, especially when it comes to botanical forms. Whether you are a student artist, a botanical illustrator, an urban sketcher, or just a hobbyist, you will find this book a valuable source of inspiration and guidance. You will learn how to draw flowers and plants from different perspectives, with different shapes, colors, textures, and details. You will also learn how to use simple shapes and lines to build complex forms, how to add shading and depth to your drawings, and how to capture the beauty and diversity of nature.
Section 1: 50 Flowers
The first section of the book covers 50 flowers that range from common garden varieties to exotic tropical ones. The flowers are organized alphabetically by their common names. For each flower, you will find a brief introduction that includes its scientific name, its origin, its meaning, and its symbolism. You will also find four sketches that show you how to draw the flower from different angles and stages of blooming.
Some examples of flowers in this section are:
Tulip: A popular spring flower that comes in many colors and shapes. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa, and it symbolizes love, passion, and elegance.
Marigold: A bright yellow or orange flower that is often used for decoration and medicine. It is native to the Americas, and it symbolizes joy, loyalty, and protection.
Rose: A classic flower that is known for its beauty and fragrance. It is native to Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, and it symbolizes love, romance, and friendship.
Hibiscus: A tropical flower that has large, colorful petals and a long stamen. It is native to Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, and it symbolizes beauty, grace, and hospitality.
For each flower, the author shows you how to draw it step by step, starting with simple shapes and lines that outline the basic form of the flower. Then, she adds more details like the center, the petals, the stem, and the leaves. Finally, she adds shading and highlights to give the flower a realistic look. She also gives you tips on how to vary the shape, size, and color of the flower to create different effects.
Section 2: 20 Vines, Leaves and Trees
The second section of the book covers 20 vines, leaves and trees that add variety and interest to your botanical drawings. The vines, leaves and trees are organized alphabetically by their common names. For each vine, leaf or tree, you will find a brief introduction that includes its scientific name, its origin, its use, and its characteristics. You will also find four sketches that show you how to draw the vine, leaf or tree from different angles and seasons.
Some examples of vines, leaves and trees in this section are:
Willow: A graceful tree that has long, slender branches and leaves. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and it is used for basketry, medicine, and art. It symbolizes flexibility, resilience, and wisdom.
Maple: A deciduous tree that has lobed leaves and winged seeds. It is native to Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa, and it is used for syrup, wood, and paper. It symbolizes strength, endurance, and sweetness.
Section 3: 30 Succulents and Cacti
The third section of the book covers 30 succulents and cacti that are easy to grow and care for. Succulents and cacti are plants that can retain water in their leaves, roots, and stems. Cacti are a subcategory of succulents that belong to the Cactaceae family. Cacti are mostly found in the western hemisphere, while succulents are found in almost any habitat. Cacti have few, if any, leaves, while succulents have thickened leaves.
The succulents and cacti are organized alphabetically by their common names. For each succulent or cactus, you will find a brief introduction that includes its scientific name, its origin, its appearance, and its care tips. You will also find four sketches that show you how to draw the succulent or cactus from different angles and sizes.
Some examples of succulents and cacti in this section are:
Aloe vera: A succulent that has long, fleshy leaves with spiny edges. It is native to Africa and Asia, and it is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It symbolizes healing, protection, and luck.
Agave: A succulent that has rosettes of sword-shaped leaves with sharp tips. It is native to America and Africa, and it is used for food, fiber, and alcohol. It symbolizes endurance, strength, and courage.
Moon cactus: A cactus that has a round, colorful top grafted onto a green base. It is a hybrid of two different cacti species, and it is used for ornamental purposes. It symbolizes creativity, diversity, and harmony.
Fishbone cactus: A cactus that has flat, zigzag stems that resemble fish bones. It is native to Mexico and Central America, and it produces fragrant flowers at night. It symbolizes flexibility, adaptability, and beauty.
Conclusion
Draw Like an Artist: 100 Flowers and Plants is a book that I highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn how to draw realistic flowers and plants. It is a book that combines art, science, and sustainability in a beautiful and informative way. It is a book that will teach you how to draw flowers and plants with confidence and creativity.
Some of the main benefits of this book are:
It provides a comprehensive and diverse collection of flowers and plants that you can draw and learn from.
It shows you how to draw flowers and plants step by step, from simple shapes and lines to detailed and realistic drawings.
It gives you helpful tips and information about each flower and plant, such as its name, origin, meaning, use, and care.
It helps you improve your drawing skills, such as observation, proportion, perspective, shading, and color.
It inspires you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature and to express your own artistic vision.
If you are interested in buying this book, you can find it online or in your local bookstore. The book is published by Quarry Books and has 112 pages. The price is $18.99 for the paperback edition and $10.92 for the Kindle edition.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about drawing flowers and plants:
What are some other books by the same author or publisher?
Some other books by Melissa Washburn are Draw Like an Artist: 100 Realistic Animals and Drawing Nature: A Journal. Some other books by Quarry Books are The Art of Botanical & Bird Illustration by Mindy Lighthipe and The Joy of Botanical Drawing by Wendy Hollender.
What are some other resources for learning how to draw flowers and plants?
Some other resources for learning how to draw flowers and plants are online courses, videos, blogs, magazines, and podcasts. For example, you can check out Botanical Illustration with Watercolors by Sara Boccaccini Meadows, How to Draw Flowers by Alphonso Dunn, Botanical Art & Artists by Katherine Tyrrell, Botanical Art Magazines, and Botanical Art Talks by Dianne Sutherland.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when drawing flowers and plants?
Some common mistakes to avoid when drawing flowers and plants are:
Drawing without observing. You should always look closely at your reference image or real plant before you start drawing. Notice the shape, size, color, texture, and details of each part of the plant.
Drawing without measuring. You should always use a pencil or a ruler to measure the proportions and angles of your plant. This will help you create accurate and realistic drawings.
Drawing without perspective. You should always consider the point of view from which you are drawing your plant. This will help you create depth and dimension in your drawings.
Drawing without shading. You should always use light and dark values to create contrast and form in your drawings. This will help you create realistic and expressive drawings.
Drawing without color. You should always use color to enhance your drawings. Color can help you create mood, atmosphere, harmony, and variety in your drawings.
How can you practice your drawing skills regularly?
You can practice your drawing skills regularly by:
Drawing from life. You can go outside and find flowers and plants in your garden, park, or neighborhood. You can also buy or grow your own flowers and plants and draw them indoors.
Drawing from photos. You can use your own photos or find photos online of flowers and plants that you like. You can also use books, magazines, or posters as reference images.
Drawing from imagination. You can use your creativity and imagination to draw flowers and plants that don't exist or that are inspired by other things. You can also experiment with different styles, techniques, and materials.
Drawing every day. You can set a goal to draw at least one flower or plant every day. You can also join online challenges or communities that encourage you to draw daily.
How can you share your drawings with others or get feedback?
You can share your drawings with others or get feedback by:
Posting your drawings online. You can use social media platforms, websites, or blogs to showcase your drawings. You can also join online groups or forums that are related to drawing, botanical art, or flowers and plants.
Joining a local club or class. You can find a local club or class that is dedicated to drawing, botanical art, or flowers and plants. You can meet other artists, learn from them, and share your drawings with them.
Entering a competition or exhibition. You can find a competition or exhibition that is open to drawing, botanical art, or flowers and plants. You can submit your drawings, get exposure, and receive feedback from judges or viewers.
Giving your drawings as gifts. You can give your drawings as gifts to your friends, family, or loved ones. You can also sell your drawings or donate them to a good cause.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about drawing flowers and plants. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Happy drawing! 71b2f0854b