Botanical Watercolours through the seasons

Absolutely a mine of information for levels of botanical art.

The ultimate botanical and watercolour book, if you’re looking to purchase a botanical book with lots of information, tips and practical advice then you will not be disappointed with this book by Sandrine Maugy.

There are many ways to organise flower painting books, but seasonal makes a lot of sense. It groups plants as they are likely to be found, providing natural models at all times and also encourages continuing study as new opportunities appear. As the blurb proudly announces, the book follows the rhythm of nature through the year.

The excellent introduction to materials and methods is concise yet thorough and includes an interesting aside on the ethical studio – where do materials come from and what is their environmental impact?

Structurally, the demonstrations are divided into three levels, allowing you to develop your skills progressively. Subjects include flowers, fruit and vegetation and Sandrine pays plenty of attention to structure and detail as discussing colour and suitable palettes for both the item in question and the time of year. Sewn binding ensures the book lies flat in use, a notable bonus.

As we cosy up indoors with the arrival of cooler climes, why not immerse yourself in art that transports you to lush pastures? Let Sandrine Maugy whisk you off on a flower-filled journey through the seasons, exploring everything from bold spring daffodils to striking frosty-weather holly from the comfort of your craft room. Each chapter includes recommendations for materials (which, by the way, are all ethically sourced) and step-by-step watercolour tutorials at varying difficulty levels, meaning there’s something here for every crafter.

Sandrine Maugy is an award-winning botanical artist, author and illustrator, whose first book, Colours of Nature, was published in 2013. For her latest book, Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons, she explores the delicate art of painting flowers, concentrating specifically on the four seasons, each including there step-by-step tutorials. These are carefully designed to suit artists at different levels of experience - the first for beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level, and the third for more experienced artists. Of course, readers may want to work through the book season by season, but you can also dot around to find your favourite flowers, whether it’s the drama of spring tulips, the delicacy of sweet peas in summer, a magnificent hydrangea in autumn or holly leaves in winter. There’s information on important techniques, colour theory and tone, and stunning illustrations throughout.

Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine’s ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural ‘grey’.

The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example. Papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. We say: Ever so helpful, each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners, the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artists.

Sandrine Maugy is an award-winning botanical artist, author and illustrator, fellow member of the Society of Botanical Artists, the Association of Illustrators, the Society of Authors and the Societe Francaise d’Illustration Botanique (SFIB). She exhibits her work internationally and writes articles for art magazines. Sandrine regularly teaches residential courses at the renowned West Dean College, and wrote the Botanical Illustration Diploma Course for London Art College. She runs an art blog, YouTube channel - Atelier Sandrine Maugy - and a Patreon site, for students all over the world. Her first book, Colours of Nature was published in 2013. Sandrine paints and writes from her studio and garden in Southampton, UK. Her painting style captures the pure, vibrant colours of nature and is infused with dramatic light, giving this traditional style a contemporary twist.