Paint inspiring, luminous orchids in watercolour using this practical, contemporary guide from respected artist Vivienne Cawson, published in association with Kew Gardens. Vivienne Cawson's luminous painting style and original use of background patterning gives her work a contemporary, beautiful feel all of its own. Published in Association with Kew Gardens as a celebration of their annual Orchid Festival, this stunning book teaches you how to paint a selection of orchids in watercolour. The book contains a thorough techniques section that guides you through Vivienne's decision-making, colour-matching and painting process; capture form with speed and confidence, practise painting different leaves, flowers and roots and learn how to create different textures with paint. The book contains exercises that will hone your skills and encourage your painterly instincts, followed by 3 complete step-by-step projects that feature a range of wild and still-life flowers grown at Kew. The book is interspersed with historical images from the Kew archives, showcasing the rich variety and beauty of this much-loved family of flowers.

Presents a collection of botanical paintings along with descriptions of the artists' techniques and backgrounds.

In the Kew Book of Sugar Flowers, sugarcraft specialist Cassie Brown teaches you how to craft stunning, authentic-looking flowers and foliage using flower paste (gum paste). Learn how to create beautiful bouquets and stunning sprays, from the early stages of germinating your ideas - taking inspiration from nature and making moulds from real flowers and leaves - to creating floral cake decorations with an exotic or wild flower theme for a special occasion. Through clear and concise step-by-step instructions, Cassie explains every facet of crafting sugar flowers, from gaining an appreciation of the flower itself, to preparing the flower paste and colouring it to wiring the flowers into an attractive and realistic bouquet. There is a veritable garden of delights to choose from, from ornate orchids to delicate daisies. The method for crafting each individual flower is demonstrated in stunning detail beginning with an 'exploded flower' photograph that illustrates each of the individual components and working through the techniques and tricks that Cassie herself applies to create her stunning floral displays. The Kew Book of Sugar Flowers is the perfect book for the established sugarcrafter looking to develop their skills and take their cake-decorating capabilities to the next level. Readers with a particular interest in flowers and plants will also love this book for its painstaking recreation of flora in flower paste (gum paste), and the book is endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew giving extra credibility to the stunning realism of the flowers that Cassie Brown has recreated. Foreword by Eddie Spence M.B.E. Eddie Spence MBE has enjoyed an illustrious career in confectionery and cake design and his superior skills have earned him the opportunity to decorate many cakes for the royal family, including Her Majesty the Queen herself.

Botanical Art Techniques is a beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide to one of the most delicate art forms. From the experts at the American Society of Botanical Artists, this essential reference features how-to tutorials for all the major techniques, moving from basic to intermediate to advanced, so the reader can build on their skills as they progress. Media covered in detail include graphite, pen and ink, watercolor on paper and vellum, and colored pencil, with further tutorials on egg tempera oil, acrylic, gouache, silverpoint, etching, and more. Additional information includes a detailed overview of the necessary materials, basic information about the principles of composition, and advice on how to develop a personal style. Filled with 900 photographs, Botanical Art Techniques is a must-have for creative people everywhere.

Trees have inspired artists for generations. This unique watercolour artist's guide offers easy-to-follow, plant specific information on how to paint a wonderful selection of the most popular species of trees. This book begins with a description of the materials vital to successful watercolour tree painting. The main part is an illustrated directory of twenty-five trees, from Acer to Zelkova. Step-by-step sequences show how to paint each one in a fresh, lively style with all the essential details of shape and form beautifully captured. The author explores the overall shapes and masses of branches and leaves, outlines in full foliage, winter trees, branch and twig details, and presents stunning leaf and flower portraits shimmering with life. A source of inspiration, as well as a manual of techniques, this book is a must-have for every tree painter. - The most popular trees are included - Contains fully illustrated step-by-step demonstrations - Trees are shown in different stages, from full foliage to winter outline

Colour mixing is a key skill for the botanical artist. In this practical guide, Jackie Isard explains how to observe and use colour accurately. She shows artists how to make informed choices when selecting pigments, as well as how to learn about colour mixing and its application. Detailed instruction and advice are given on understanding colour and pigments. The author explains how to 'see' colour and tricky mixes, from greens and reds to the difficult botanical greys. Includes advanced colour application techniques - colour enhancement, shadow colours and colour temperature transition. Finally, step-by-step guides illustrate how to paint with layers, how to use underlaying colours to enhance, and colour and fine detailing.