Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals

Learn to draw beautiful flowers from the old masters with some help from Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals. Improve your skills by learning techniques on one page, and practicing on the next page. Imagine learning to draw roses with Redoute, or tulips with Pieter Brugel. Imagine learning the secrets that made their flower paintings stand out in their eras and still stand out today. Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals is an art book that shows you how to create flowers that will stand the test of time by taking a close look at the details of great floral paintings, and then coaching you through the techniques. Each spread in this unique book is made up of two hard working components: The left-hand page features a close-up illustration from a noted 19th century and earlier artist, and the right-hand page, made from quality, uncoated stock, is for drawing. There are also coaching tips, observations, and a demonstrative sketch on each page. As you progress through the book, you'll get to try a variety of artists' styles, and see how to apply them to your own personal style. Don't wait to get started! By learning from the masters, you'll become a master yourself.

Valerie Baines is a founding member and past vice president of Britain's Society of Botanical Artists. She has illustrated more than ten books concerned with natural history, including Guernsey Sketchbook, The Naturalist's Garden, The Story of Silk, and Mindful of Butterflies. She has written articles for The Artist magazine on drawing and painting in watercolor and tutors courses on painting at Pashley Manor, Ticehurst, Sussex, and at Juniper Hall Field Centre, Dorking, Surrey, where there is a butterfly garden. Valerie Baines resides in East Sussex, in England. Visit her at www.valeriebaines.com

Introduction                                        Tools, Materials, and Tips                  Sketchbook Opener                            Crocus                                                 Pussy Willow                                      Spring Flowers                                                Narcissus                                             Primula                                                            Lily of the Valley                                Violets                                                 Still Life with Flowers and Strawberries                                                                    Striped Tulip                                       Three Tulips                                        Still Life with Tulip, Melon, and Flowers      Three “Broken” Tulips                                                                                    Hyacinth                                             Strawberry                                          Apple Blossom                                                Iris                                                       Bearded Iris                                        Hydrangea                                          Summer Flower Studies                                 Poppy: Pavot                                       Poppy                                                  Anemones                                           Belladonna Lily                                                          Lily                                                      Agapanthus                                         Rosa Gallica                                        Branch of Roses                                              Still Life with Roses                           Pink Rose with Buds Bengal Rose                                        Eglantera Rose                                                Old-Fashioned Roses                          Yellow Rose                                                                           Dandelion                                           Peony and Double Poppy                                           Peony                                                  Cape Blue Water Lily                                     Water Lily                                           Morning Glory                                                Peach                                                   Chrysanthemums Yellow Chrysanthemums                                Autumn Leaves                                               Oak Leaves and Acorns                                  Apple                                                  Stone Pinecone Eastern Pinecone                                                                                 European Holly                                                           About the Artist