Drawing plants

Botanical subjects come in a large variety of shapes, textures and sizes and it is important to get a good understanding of each plant's underlying structure before you begin drawing.

Whether you're planning to produce a scientifically accurate botanical plate or just a pretty picture, having a clear idea of the underlying structure, identifying features and interconnecting elements of  your chosen subject is a really good idea.

Plants can seem overwhelmingly complex or surprisingly simple, and determining where to start your  drawing can be a very daunting experience. It is important that you take particular care in getting the anatomical structure correct, focusing on the arrangement and shape of the leaves and flowers, the placement of the individual elements and the length ratio of these relative to one another.

The best path forward is to determine the correct structure before adding any details.

Carefully observe and contemplate your specimen, consider the overall shape and the arrangement of  the individual elements. Break the structure down into simple shapes and geometric forms. If  necessary, take measurements or use a simple bounding box for accuracy. Check your proportions and angles are correct. Check both the positive and negative spaces (sometimes negative shapes are easier to identify because there is less detail to distract your eye). Adjust and refine.

Bring along : pencils, lead or colour & a drwing pad!!

Organised by : Linda ANGULO LOPEZ

Source: Drawing Nature, Science and Culture: Natural History Illustration 101