Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals: Secrets of Observational Drawing Paperback – Illustrated, January 1, 2017

This book was given to me as a Christmas present at my request. I am 100% delighted with it!! Please note that the illustrations on the left hand pages are reproductions of classic floral paintings set as fine examples from which to learn. The author then breaks down these designs into doable sketches and drawings on the right hand pages. The medium is colored pencil that affords excellent control when working on these flowers and leaves. My art instructor says choose your colored pencils wisely: some are waxy and therefore more creamy, some are harder with less wax content. You need a variety of pencils to achieve a classic look.This book is easy to follow and you will learn good technique from it. I am attracted to botanical works of art and have learned much through good books such as this one.

The visuals have a lovely “feel,” even when my versions are not so lovely, so I find it inspiring. I’m self-teaching and find this book is especially helpful after having started with Louise Brooks’s eye training material.

Very useful for understanding and beginning to replicate drawings and colorings of flowers and plants. Format with original painting on the left and small studies lifted out onto the right. Offers a palette "key" of colors. Good for waterolor or pencils.

I have the cats version of this and love the varied artwork it uses as examples from the more comic, advertisement, to traditional was hoping for the same but more run of the mill - a botanical how-to, of which I already own better with higher quality images. Overall an okay book just was expecting something a little different.

I've not used the book as a teaching tool, but I absolutely love the art work.

very thorough and the sketches are great to draw from.

Very heppy

Very disappointed.just tells you basic colors but not home the layering of colors work. Would like more details to work with