Drawing and Painting Leaves

Many artists struggle to stop leaves looking flat in their illustrations or find it challenging to mix shades of green accurately to reflect a true likeness to foliage. This book addresses these problems and many more to help you draw and paint leaves successfully and confidently. Written by a leading botanical artist and tutor, it explains key practical techniques and approaches with clear instructions and step-by-step tutorials. It also examines the fascinating world of foliage to reveal the important role that leaves play in the plant kingdom, including modified and adapted forms, so that your artwork accurately reflects the science. Packed with over 300 illustrations, this beautiful book is an essential read for all artists who want to understand the role of leaves and to depict them accurately.
• Introduces the botany of leaves, including a useful glossary of botanical terms • Explains how to draw realistic leaf structures, including outline and shaded drawing techniques to give 3D form • Advises how to mix watercolours accurately to match leaf specimens, and suggests appropriate watercolour techniques to paint a variety of leaf textures • Includes useful drawing and painting exercises plus step-by-step tutorials of seasonal topics, including shiny spring green leaves, vibrant summer colour, muted autumn tones and skeletal winter leaves • Covers drawing and painting adapted and modified leaf forms, such as bracts and spines, succulents and carnivorous leaves