Sketching Nature: The Beginner’s Guide to Keeping a Botanical Sketchbook - Softcover

Sutherland, Dianne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 144631409X ISBN 13: 9781446314098

Publisher: David & Charles, 2025

Synopsis

Learn how to start a botanical sketchbook, to improve both your drawing skills and your appreciation of the natural world, with renowned botanical illustrator and tutor Dianne Sutherland.

Sketchbooks are a simple and accessible way of becoming more involved with nature, with all the wellbeing benefits that brings, while learning to draw and paint with purpose. This beautiful yet practical book is aimed at those just starting out in botanical art and nature journaling, as well as more experienced artists looking to evolve their sketching practice.

• Explore a variety of subjects: From delicate flowers and towering trees to fascinating insects and their habitats.

• Learn to compose your sketches effectively: Highlight key features and capture the unique beauty of each specimen.

• Experiment with different techniques and materials: Add depth and dimension to your work with expert guidance.

• Incorporate colour swatches, notes, and labels: Enhance your sketchbook's educational value and create a lasting record of your observations.

In this comprehensive book packed with step-by-step instructions, Dianne generously shares her knowledge on selecting the perfect sketchbook (or even making your own with simple bookbinding techniques), to the in-depth development of sketchbook pages, covering content and composition, what parts of the plant to include, how to deal with different subjects, and how to bring your work to life with simple watercolour techniques.

Illustrated throughout with examples of Dianne's beautiful sketchbook pages this is a truly inspirational guide that will give you everything you need to start creating stunning nature sketchbooks and journals.

Discover the profound therapeutic benefits of botanical sketchbooking, immerse yourself in nature, observe the intricate details of plants and insects, and harness your creativity to capture their essence on paper with Sketching Nature.

About this title

About the Author

Dianne Sutherland (@diannesutherlandart) has been a botanical artist for 35 years and a tutor since 2010. She is qualified in both Science and Art with a Diploma in Botanical Art and BSc in Biology specialising in plants. Her work has been included in several publications and has been included in numerous exhibitions, in the US, UK, Singapore, Indonesia, Spain and Australia. In addition, Dianne works as a freelance illustrator and has worked for clients including Unilever, Boots, Adidas, Four Seasons Ocean Club, Bahamas, Method and Standard and English Garden Magazine.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Nature-based sketchbooks have long been used by naturalists and artists to document the world. Recently, there’s been a renewed interest in botanical art and sketching as people seek to reconnect with nature. In a fast-changing world, sketching offers a mindful way to engage with the environment, encouraging observation and appreciation of the natural beauty around us.

Numerous benefits of connecting with nature through art have been well documented, contributing to the growing popularity of this activity, and here are just a few of them.

CREATIVITY
Engaging with nature through a sketchbook can significantly enhance our observation skills. Documenting our natural surroundings inspires creative thinking through drawing, painting, and writing – all of which improve and develop with practice.

LEARNING
Keeping a sketchbook is an excellent educational tool for fostering curiosity and gaining a deeper understanding of ecological and environmental issues. It’s a perfect activity for learning, regardless of your interests or age, and you will quickly learn more about the natural world.

WELL-BEING
Sketching from nature often involves walking or simply being outdoors, whether it’s close to home, in the garden, in parks, or in the wild, and that’s always beneficial, creating the space and time to relax.

Edition details

• Publisher: David & Charles
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 144631409X
• ISBN 13: 9781446314098
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 128