Walking the Woods & Gardens
My artistic journey begins with a simple act of observation: a mindful walk in the woods or a stroll through a vibrant garden. This immersion in nature allows me to connect with the organic beauty of the botanical world and discover subjects that inspire me.
Photographing Details
Once I've found a captivating plant or flower, I capture its essence through photography.This step allows me to preserve the fleeting beauty of the moment and provides a visual reference for my subsequent work. Next, I refine the photograph using digital tools. This stage involves adjusting contrast, exposure, and values to ensure the image is clear, vibrant, and ready for artistic interpretation.
Drawing Lines
With a well-prepared photograph as my guide, I embark on the digital drawing phase using the Procreate app on my iPad. I begin by carefully drawing black lines over the photograph, using the digital pencil to capture the form, texture, and delicate details of the subject.
Adding Color
The final step involves adding color beneath the black line layer. This allows me to explore a range of hues and create a vibrant and expressive interpretation of the botanical subject. The resulting digital artwork can be used to create a variety of products, including fine art prints, elegant notecards, and other decorative surfaces.
Drawing Exercises
To maintain the fluidity and expressiveness of my linework, I also engage in traditional drawing sessions with markers, pencils, etc. on paper, often within my sketchbook. These exercises help me to keep my hand loose and my mark-making fresh, ensuring that my digital work retains a sense of spontaneity and vitality.
This multi-faceted process allows me to seamlessly blend the power of observation with the flexibility of digital tools, resulting in artwork that reflects the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.
Watch a short video of my general approach to making botanical art.