Botanical & Nature Drawing
Observe closely, from a single leaf to a landscape.
Nature drawing is a slow, careful kind of looking. Start with contour on single leaves, move through flowers and trees, and finish with landscapes and skies.
Your progress is saved in this browser. Sign in to keep it everywhere.
Blind contour leaves Done
Follow the edge of the leaf with your eye, slowly, and let your pen move at the same speed. You won't see your drawing until the end. Accuracy doesn't matter today, attention does.
+4 more
Flower structure Done
Most flowers are a cup, a disc or a trumpet. Draw that basic shape in perspective first, then divide it into petals. Petals overlap, so draw the front ones first.
+4 more
Botanical illustration Done
Copy a plate from a historical botanical book. Notice how the illustrator shows every part clearly, even if no real plant would ever hold that pose. Clarity over realism.
+1 more
Mushrooms and small things Done
A mushroom is a dome on a cylinder, both turning in perspective. Get the ellipse of the cap's underside right and the rest looks solid.
+4 more
Trees Done
Draw the tree's overall silhouette and big masses of foliage before any leaves. Branches get thinner each time they split. Leave gaps in the canopy where the sky shows through.
+2 more
Water Done
Water has no shape of its own, so draw what it reflects and what it hides. Look for the darkest darks and the brightest highlights and leave the middle tones simple.
+2 more
Landscape and sky Done
Ten minutes per landscape. Divide the page into foreground, middle ground and distance. Things far away get lighter, smaller and less detailed.
+1 more