Author and artist, Sarah Simblet, stopped by for a visit last week. She took artists on a behind-the-scenes tour of the production of Botany for the Artist and what a tour it was!
Sarah shared every step of the process with us. She described how she prepared thumbnail sketches of each idea and how these ideas were transferred to special cards she makes to keep herself organized. The ideas on the cards that were most likely to become part of the book were then transferred to sheets of 8.5″ x 11″ paper. Each sheet represented an entry into the book and these sheets were then taped to her studio wall.
The page layouts covering her walls were incorporated into the big storyboard she drew by hand. This hand-drawn storyboard eventually became a miniature copy of the book, complete with color photographs, text, and illustrations.
Sarah designed her presentation around the questions submitted in advance by those who registered to attend this special author event. She answered follow-up questions at the end of her presentation as well. From the feedback received, artists enjoyed this opportunity to interact with Sarah and to learn in the company of other artists.
The Botany for the Artist Author Event Continues!
Last week’s webcast was recorded and the entire 70-minute presentation has been bundled with Sarah’s new book. Learn about Sarah’s background as an instructor, academic consultant, and host of a TV documentary about drawing. See Sarah at work in the anatomy class she teaches at the Ruskin School of Drawing & Fine Art and discover who she speaks to about the relationship between art and science. Then learn firsthand how your copy of Botany for the Artist was created.
ArtPlantae Books is thrilled to share this author event with a wider audience and to provide this very special learning opportunity. Below is a glimpse of Sarah’s presentation.
This is what Sarah's studio looked like during the production of "Botany for the Artist".
The illustrations in "Botany" began as sketches.
The placement of illustrations and photographs was discussed often throughout the project.
This is an example of Sarah's finished sketches.
Get the rest of the story. Purchase a copy of Sarah’s book here.
This book looked so interesting before, but I am now convinced that it will make a great addition to my collection of botanical books.
I love the methodical, careful layout, the lovely drawings and the cover. It is always interesting to see another artist at work. I’m sorry I missed the presentation.
Congratulations Sarah on your book and thank you ArtPlantae for giving it publicity.
Eva
lovely, thanks for sharing this:)
I’m wondering how many minutes are in the recording of the Sarah Simblet talk–it does sound like it is perhaps a cd, including pictures.
Am I correct?
Thanks, Anita.
Sarah’s presentation is about 70-minutes in length. The entire recording is 71 minutes. It isn’t a CD. It is a large file and instructions are provided on how to access it directly from your computer.