Learn how to paint exquisite flower portraits in watercolour, following Billy Showell's highly detailed, step-by-step instructions. Packed with stunning pictures and technical advice, this book is truly inspirational.
"The book is packed with step-by-step guides on drawing and painting techniques, colour mixing and clever compositions, it is an invaluable source of ideas for anyone wanting to develop their flower painting skills." SAA
Billy Showell's exquisite and technically brilliant watercolour flower portraits are beautifully presented in this highly informative, lavishly illustrated book. First published in 2009 and now back by popular demand in paperback, it provides the reader with valuable information on the brushes, paints, paper and other equipment they need, together with detailed guidance on drawing and painting techniques, colour mixing and composition. Learn how to paint white flowers, leaves and stems; add shadows; and create stamen, carpels, veins and texture. The book finishes with four stunning step-by-step projects to practice and consolidate your newly-acquired skills. This is an invaluable source of information and inspiration for anyone who wants to develop their flower painting skills.
Table of Contents
Introduction 6
What you need 8
Drawing 10
Colour 18
Techniques 26
Light and shade 34
White flowers 38
Painting flowers in detail 42
Painting leaves in detail 48
Painting stems in detail 56
Composition 58
PROJECTS 66
Slipper Orchid 68
Green Goddess Lily 86
Roses 100
Delphinium 116
Index 128
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About Billy Showell
Billy Showell graduated from St Martins School of Art with a B.A. in fashion design, but was irresistibly drawn to painting and illustration. She is now a renowned botanical fine artist and tutor. Billy works from her studio in Kent and teaches via her online school of botanical art. She also travels to teach throughout the UK, the USA and Australia.
Billy has been awarded many awards for botanical excellence from the Society of Botanical Artists; a gold medal from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; and a Royal Horticultural Society silver-gilt medal. She has written and illustrated four best-selling practical art books which have been translated into many languages. Billy's paintings are collected by her followers the world over and held in many prestigious botanical collections. Visit her website www.billyshowell.com.
Amazon Customer Review
The book is bigger than I expected. Lovely detail and very well laid out. I think I will find this book very helpful. Definitely good value for money.
Leisure Painter
Back by popular demand, Billy Showell's Watercolour Flower Portraits was first published in 2009. Billy is a renowned botanical fine artist and tutor and the winner of many awards for botanical excellence. In this practical books she shows us the drawing and painting techniques necessary for capturing the subtle beauty of flowers. Information on equipment needed and advice on colour mixing and composition is followed by detailed advice on painting individual aspects of flowers, such as leaves and stems, adding shadows and painting white flowers. Four step-by-step projects put what you have learned into practice featuring orchids, lilies, roses and delphiniums.
