With each project celebrating the basic assemblage of plants — the stem, the petal, the filament, and more — watercolorists and horticulturalists alike are sure to enjoy this resource.

Long the skill of choice among field botanists, botanical portraiture emphasizes the specimen against a white background, removed from the distractions of its environment, and presents the structure and elegance of each flower in beautiful detail.

Artists are provided with five step-by-step projects, each accompanied by a tracing paper (and one bonus tracing paper) that removes the often daunting drawing and layout process. By keeping the focus on improving brush technique, capturing the subject, and selecting and blending true-to-life colors, painting flowers in watercolor has never been easier or more fun.

Michael Lakin was born and bred in South Derbyshire, England. His early learning was basic but he always excelled in art. After leaving school, he moved into engineering, becoming a manager, before he left to start his own business. Lakin continued to pursue art as a hobby and began to teach classes in Botanical Art to adults at Derby WEA. Since then, he has exhibited in London and other parts of the United Kingdom. A purpose-built studio is located next to his home, where he teaches and gives demonstrations throughout the year.

Author — Michael Lakin.

Paperback. 48 pages. 8½" × 11½".