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Artspan Portal: Botanical Illustration
Introduction to Botanical Illustration
Botanical illustration is a marriage of art and science, and is characterized by accurate observation and highly realistic forms. With roots in the botanical drawings of early Greek botanists such as Pedanius Dioscorides, contemporary botanical art has remained faithful to many centuries-old traditions. Over the course of its history, it has also expanded upon convention through a diversification of media and a broader range of artistic sensibilities. While the focus of botanical illustrations remain accuracy and documentation, contemporary botanical artists have forged new avenues of representation within the idiom. Communicating the physical attributes of a plant or flower remains central to any botanical illustration, but the modes of communication have evolved in order to cater to aesthetic ideals as well. In this vein, botanical illustration can be understood as a variant of still-life that is defined by its artificial emphasis on and isolation of specific elements. Though the two styles are similar, botanical illustrations rely heavily on objectivity and directness, avoiding the atmospheric compositions and lighting that typify most still-lifes. Floral still-lifes, for example, are rarely considered to be botanical flower illustrations even though their subjects are the same. Botanical illustration distinguishes itself as a unique discipline through its accurate rendering and focused celebration of the exquisite forms found in nature.Featured Members
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Resources: Botanical Illustration
Art Suppliers (see all)
- PlantStudio
- PlantStudio Botanical Illustration Software is a tool for creating 3D plant models and 2D...
- Blick Art Materials
- PO Box 1267 Galesburg, IL 61402-1267 Toll-free 800-828-4548 Fax 800-621.8293
- Jerry's Artarama
- 5325 Departure Drive Raleigh, NC 27616 800.827.8478 919.878.6782
Associations (see all)
- Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation
- Specializes in the history of botany and all aspects of plant science and serves the...
- American Society of Botanical Artists
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New York, NY
A non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of botanical... - The Society of Botanical Artists
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Gillingham, UK
Creates a focus for the continuation of the centuries-old tradition of...
Books (see all)
- Art of Botanical Illustrations
- Botanical Illustration Course: With the Eden Project
- This is simply the best and most complete course in botanical illustration ever produced, with...
- Botanical Prints from the Hortus Eystettensis: Selections from the Most Beautiful Botanical Book in
- Scientific Commentaries by Grard G. Aymonin Originally published in 1613 by botanist-apothecary...
Botanical Gardens (see all)
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
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Atlanta, Ga
The mission of the Atlanta Botanical Garden is to develop and maintain plant... - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
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Brooklyn, Ny
Celebrate the Seasons, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of New York's most... - Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
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Buffalo, New York
This botanical gardens is the product of three extraordinary visionaries:...
Botanical Gardens (see all)
- Longwood Gardens
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Kennett Square,Pa
Longwood Gardens is dedicated to preserving the spirit and beauty of the... - Missouri Botanical Garden
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St. Louis, Mo
Mission: To discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment, in... - Montreal Botanical Gardens
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Montreal, Canada
Ranked as one of the world's largest and most spectacular botanical gardens...
Education (see all)
- Colorado State University
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Fort Collins, Co
MFA in Painting - Maryland Institute College of Art: Hoffberger School of Painting
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Baltimore, Md
MFA in Painting - Rhode Island School of Design
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Providence, Ri
MFA in Painting
Galleries (see all)
- Art and Soil Gallery
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Online only
Dedicated to exhibiting artworks with gardening, horticultural, floral,... - State Street Gallery
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Madison, Wi
Houses the permanent and rotating exhibit of the American Botanical Artist... - Albermarle Gallery
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London, England
Gallery profiles contemporary paintings and sculpture by established and...
Publications (see all)
- American Artist
- Devoted to the realism in art and excellence in their medium, whether oil paint, watercolor,...
- Artist's Magazine
- Contains reproductions, interviews, discussions of timely issues, practical lessons in craft, and...
- Modern Painters
- The definitive international source of news and analysis of contemporary art and culture.