Colour for Botanical Artists and Illustrators

Leigh Anne Gale

Another day, another book on ower painting, you might think. This, however, di ers by concentrating on colour, both aesthetically and in practice and is one of the most thorough guides I have seen. Leigh Anne Gale goes far beyond what we might term the prosaic use of manufactured hues to represent as realistically as possible those seen in nature. While this is a book about painting owers, it has a depth that makes it both invaluable and, I believe, unique. Considerable attention is given, for instance, to the representation of shadows and the behaviour and manipulation of colour in this respect. There is even a whole section on handling water drops.

There are extensive exercises, demonstrations and colour charts as well as explanations of what to look for and why certain techniques are being applied. Providing a deep knowledge and understanding, this is essential reading for any serious ower painter.

Crowood £18.99, 208 pages (P/B)

ISBN 9781785009396