Leaf In Progress

Botanical Art Assignment 2 part 1

I am currently working on this leaf in graphite pencil. It is far from finished, I may even start it again. But I am progressing down the long slow path of preparing my next set of assignments. 

This leaf was blown onto the path near home. It is dry, brown and curling so I had to capture the shape quickly and then photograph it before it is gone. With the photograph matching my original view, I can take my time working on the detail. I have also created a template of the original outline so that if I am not happy, I can quickly redraw it and start the process again. 

I learnt a small but important lesson today - the difference between Botanical Illustration, Botanical Art and a flower painting. The first is for scientific use. It is used to map and record new species in precise and accurate detail and will show all parts of the plant along with seeds, roots and any other information specific to the species. The second (where my course sits) is still accurate and to scale but is intended to be a picture rather than a scientific representation. The last covers any flower painting in any style. It does not need to be accurate and will cover any style of choice. 

https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/3308870145484524745