While several books have been published about contemporary botanical art, both how-to books and books about international collections, there has never been a book highlighting the work of North American artists until the publication of Today’s Botanical Artists earlier this year. Written by Cora B. Marcus and Libby Kyer, this book features 220 pieces of artwork by 65 contributing artists.
This book is about more than the traditional presentation of plant portraits. Contributing artists have demonstrated that plant portraits do not have to be comprised of plants suspended in the middle of the page on a white background. They have demonstrated that it is possible to uphold tradition and provide viewers with information about a plant through the use of digital imagery, colored backgrounds, creative borders, macro-photo flower portraits, and photorealism techniques. This is a refreshing and welcome approach to botanical art.
The drawings and paintings featured in this book reflect the diverse interests and creative energy of each artist. Carolyn Crawford is drawn to plant life cycles, while Lara Call Gastinger is drawn to detritus. Dr. Dick Rauh is attracted to the structure of “the wisps and traces flowers leave behind”, while Jessica Tcherepnine is attracted to the strong defining structures of a plant that enable its survival. Robin Jess, Kaye Hurtt, Derek Norman, Linda Petchnick, George Olson, Margaret Saul, Geraldine King Tam, Carol Woodin, Bruce Lyndon Cunningham, and Lee McCaffree choose to document and describe plants from specific geographic regions that are of special interest or have been protected by state and federal agencies. Mindy Lighthipe’s and Peg (Margaret) Steunenberg’s inclusion of both flora and fauna in their artwork is reminiscent of natural history paintings by Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717).
The media and grounds employed by contributing artists are as varied as their interests. In this book, botanical art enthusiasts will discover plant portraits created in the following media: watercolor, watercolor pencil, colored pencil, watercolor & colored pencil, pastel, pastel pencil, pen-&-ink, ink wash, ink & watercolor, hand-colored etching, scratchboard, digital collage, digital painting, graphite, graphite & watercolor, graphite & gouache, gouache, acrylic, acrylic & colored pencil, egg tempera, oil, and mixed media. Paper was not the exclusive ground used for the drawings and paintings in this collection. Jean Emmons, Kate Nessler, and Carol Woodin provide beautiful examples of watercolor paintings on calfskin vellum, while Martha Kemp demonstrates the awe-inspiring way that fine pencil work can be created on this traditional surface.
There are so many styles and techniques to admire in this book that it is impossible to share them with you here. If you have an interest in botanical art and illustration, then set aside some time to experience how this award-winning group of North American artists have captured their respect for plants and nature in their artwork.
Today’s Botanical Artists is published by Schiffer Books and can be purchased here.
