Botanical Brief- Finding Inspiration in the Garden
Botanical Brief – Saturday, August 2 – There are many ways that we can all enjoy and experience the natural world, and one of my favorites is by sketching plants in their native habitats or within my own garden. I decided over twenty years ago to get more serious about this pursuit when I was living in the Chicagoland area, so I took courses to receive a certificate in Botanical Illustration from the Morton Arboretum.
Taking the opportunity to look at a plant’s flowers, leaves, seed heads or root system is a wonderful way to get to know that living organism in a very intimate way. This usually involves careful observation, measurement, and an understanding of botany and plant families, but I would encourage anyone interested to buy a sketchbook and have a go.
Botanical Illustrators all have their own methods. For myself, I first like to make several pencil drawings from different angles, always from the living or original material, both to get more familiar with the plant that I am attempting to illustrate and to think about my composition. Then I transfer my idea to the correct paper after deciding whether I will illustrate with pencil, ink, colored pencil, or watercolor.
For sketching in nature, I really like to use water soluble colored pencils which are easy to take along, readily available, and fun to wet with a brush to release color into the work, but there are as many options as there are artists, and I would encourage anyone to experiment with what works best for them. No matter if you are already a skilled artist or just beginning to draw, the reward of giving yourself the gift of time to observe our amazing and diverse world of plants will surely open your eyes to all its complex wonders.
If drawing isn’t your gift, you can always purchase a work of botanical art to enjoy in your home. It’s important to know that when buying a botanical illustration, you are purchasing an artwork that has in all probability required dozens of hours to accomplish. The skill of the illustrator is dependent on daily practice and dedication to his or her craft, and this comes through in their final, detailed artwork.
You will have an opportunity for many experiences at this month’s Botanical Art Festival as the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont highlights 60 artists from the Piedmont Region with classes, workshops, and lectures. The public opening on
September 5th will give you the chance to view and purchase works of art as well as the opportunity to mingle with fellow art lovers at the Jefferson School. Peruse the Garden’s
website for a list of events and registration information. https://piedmontgarden.org/2025-botanical-art-festival/
I hope I’ve encouraged you to think about trying your own hand at sketching in the natural world. Aren’t we lucky that we have a botanical garden in our community as both a destination and as a continuing inspirational resource as it develops and grows? I hope to see you in the Garden soon!
About the Author:
Joan Swanberg is a Past President of the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont and lives in a 1790 Mill House in southern Albemarle County. She has a minor in Art from the University of Kentucky as well as her Botanical Illustration Certificate from the Morton Arboretum.
Botanical Brief – Finding Inspiration in the Garden – Daily Progress Article