This video series, created with the California Native Plant Society will teach you some basic techniques to help you quickly and accurately draw plants, either for field sketching or careful botanical illustrations. These videos make use of paper models which you can cut out and manipulate to teach yourself the fundamentals of foreshortening leaves and flowers. Following along with your own model is much more helpful than simply watching the videos alone.
Download a leaf and flower worksheet to follow the exercises at home.
If you are a teacher, you can download PDF templates to create classroom sets of materials to teach botanical illustration to your students. Download the multiple leaf template and multiple flower template. Also you can create large demonstration models to use in front of the class.
How to draw plants: Introduction
How to draw plants: Symmetry
How to draw plants: Foreshortening part 1
How to draw plants: Foreshortening part 2
How to draw plants: Leaves and petals
How to draw plants: Curling leaves, part 1
How to draw plants: Curling leaves, part 2
How to draw plants: Conclusion
Hi john, first, i want to thank you for the drawing plants series. i struggle with drawing, and your vids clarified for me this fundimental knowledge, essential if one wants to get any where drawing plants. will you be continuing this series?, i do hope so. and where (if anywhere) can i see the 6th video , curling leaves. regards neil
Thank you so much Neil. I have now posted the sixth video (split into two parts). I hope you enjoy it. Let me know about other topics you would find helpful and I will see if I can develop online materials to meet the need. The most important thing is to keep drawing. The more you draw the easier it becomes.
thank you for your response John, in the last half hour of Christmas eve too, many thanks again, neil
Thanks for your clarity in explaining the processes. Very much appreciated.
I am glad you enjoyed these videos Kathryn. What other resources or topics would also be helpful to you?