SBA Books
The Art of Botanical Painting was written by Course Director and President of the Society Margaret Stevens in association with the SBA, and published by Harper Collins in November 2004 to celebrate the glorious traditions of beauty and meticulous detail of this popular art form.
The book is the definitive practical guide to the subject, intended for artists with some painting experience. It contains essential information on subjects including materials, basic plant anatomy, flower and leaf shapes, the book then explores the techniques for drawing and coloured pencil work as well as painting with watercolour and gouache.
Topics range from composition, working in the field and the use of photographs as an aid as well as presentation, exhibiting and selling work. There are 14 practical step-by-step demonstrations, giving a wealth of expert advice and insight into a range of painting styles.
Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk
A follow-up book, The Botanical Palette, again written by Margaret Stevens for the Society and published by Harper Collins, is now available.
As the title suggests this book focuses on the use of colour and aims to remove the trepidation felt by many aspiring botanical artists when attempting to work with strong pigments. Margaret sent a questionaire to 100 students taking part in the Distance Learning Diploma Course and much of what she covers is in response to their needs, added to her experience gleaned from twenty years of teaching botanical art to adult students.
Step by step demonstrations, by SBA Members, showcase work in watercolour and coloured pencil and takes the reader through the palette from white to yellow, green, blue etc., to black. There are also a number of projects based on these demonstrations, to encourage the student to try it out for themselves rather than just read and admire. This makes for a unique and valuable learning aid. Contributing artists to this section include Paul Fennell, Ann Swan, Susan Christopher-Coulson, Brenda Watts, Barbara McGirr and many more.
A chapter on pigments gives comparison data between various colours and manufacturers made easy to follow with colour charts.
Finally the Gallery section adds to the many splendid paintings throughout, making this a book for anyone who appreciates beauty.
Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk
|