( Amaryllis Minerva 2010 by Rebecca Chamberlain)I absolutely adore Botanical Illustration and have wanted to take a course dedicated exclusively to this art form for ages but could never find one that fit both my budget as well as my schedule. So, I found one online( will post more about that experience as it unfolds) and decided to take the plunge. Though I've toyed with this kind of illustration for awhile now ( see above pen and ink drawing), I have so much to learn. Well, there's no time like the present, right?
With all that said, there is one artist in particular that I discovered last year whose work I find incredibly inspirational. Her skill is exceptional but perhaps even more impressive to me is that she has mastered colored pencil in a way that boggles the mind. I purchased her book Botanical Painting With Colored Pencil about 6 months ago and love everything about it, especially since I'm more comfortable with pencils than brushes. Who is she? Her name is Ann Swan. Her credentials blow me away especially her membership in the Society of Botanical Artists( no small feat) and the Society of Floral Painters. I know that she has taught workshops in some US cities so if you would like to try your hand at botanicals, and hear her name mentioned, run to sign up. They do fill up fast. For those who can't make it to one of her workshops, just look at her site, order her book, and marvel!
