Book Recommendation “Botanical Illustration from Life” by Işik Güner
Today, I want to share a wonderful book that has inspired me both as a botanical artist and a nature lover:
“Botanical Illustration from Life” by Işik Güner
This book is not only a visual delight but also a treasure trove for anyone passionate about plants, art, science, and the intersection of these three.
I own a copy myself, and I’m captivated by its thoughtful design, Işik’s unique style, and the wealth of practical tips she provides.
About Işik Güner
Işik Güner is a renowned botanical illustrator whose journey began with a degree in Environmental Sciences.
Her love for the plant world eventually guided her toward a career as an artist.
Today, she is internationally acclaimed and collaborates with various institutions to promote botanical illustration as an art form.
Her work is distinguished by technical precision and a profound connection to nature, radiating a calm, artistic serenity that feels like a breath of fresh air in today’s fast-paced world.
Işik´s Intention
Why does Işik dedicate herself to botanical illustration?
For her, it’s about more than creating beautiful images—it’s about capturing the delicate beauty and diversity of nature.
Through her work, she seeks to inspire admiration and foster awareness of the need to protect our environment.
Işik emphasizes the importance of observing plants in their natural habitat and aims to strengthen the link between art and science—a mission that resonates throughout every chapter of her book.
Table of Contents
Foreword | 8
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Communication through drawing | 12
Plants for life | 14
Past and present | 16
Different approaches | 18
Different techniques | 21
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Learn to see what you´re looking at | 26
Observing plants in their habitat | 28
Plant selection | 32
Pressing specimens | 34
Searching for plants | 36
Preserving plants | 41
Positioning plants | 42
Positioning yourself | 47
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Drawing from life | 50
Starting to draw | 53
How to draw | 56
Measured drawing | 61
Perspective drawing | 66
Aerial perspective | 72
Complex subjects | 75
Let´s draw plants | 78
Composition | 80
Ready to paint | 84
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Watercolour | 88
Starting to paint | 90
How to paint | 94
Colour | 98
Mixing colours | 100
Colour contrast | 103
Colour perspective | 104
Texture | 107
Sketches | 108
Let´s paint | 112
Final touches | 118
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Botanical illustration is all about details | 122
Exploring many different types of plant | 125
Identification of species | 128
Roots | 131
Stems | 134
Buds | 140
Leaves | 145
Flowers | 159
Fruits and seeds | 174
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Finding your style | 188
Finding solutions | 191
Inspiration from nature | 192
Inspiration from other artists | 196
Akiko Enekido | 198
Lizzie Sanders | 199
Anne Hayes | 200
Constance Sayas | 201
Jacqui Pestell | 202
Gustavo Surlo | 203
Plant list | 204
Thank you… | 208
Highlights of “Botanical Illustration from Life”
What impresses me most about this book are the breathtaking illustrations and the evocative photographs.
The illustrations showcase Işik’s technical brilliance and her distinctive style.
The photographs convey a serene, balanced, and nature-connected atmosphere that invites you to pause and observe.
Draw
This chapter invites you to explore the world of botanical illustration with all your senses.
Işik emphasizes the importance of not just observing but also feeling the plant’s texture:
„Being able to touch the plant is vital and will enable you to communicate its subtle physical characteristics in your work.“
Drawing, for Işik, is more than an initial step—it’s a process of understanding, refining, and connecting.
Particularly engaging are her insights into perspective drawing, where she offers tips on capturing angles, holding your pencil correctly, and mastering techniques.
Her minimalist yet focused approach captures the magic of drawing, setting the stage for the next step: painting.
Explore
„The main purpose of botanical illustration is to record, describe and identify.“
In this chapter, Işik guides readers to observe plants attentively, focusing on structural details such as roots, stems, buds, and leaves.
The chapter is a goldmine for those intrigued by the finer details of nature.
It also highlights the importance of accurate plant identification, reinforcing the connection between art and science.
The stunning illustrations in this section demonstrate her process step-by-step, including mixing and layering colors to achieve vibrant, realistic effects.
Master
This chapter encourages readers to embark on a journey of personal growth, reminding us that mastery requires patience and persistence:
„Reaching master level is a long journey; the best way to see how you are improving is to compare your latest painting with the previous one.“
Işik encourages finding inspiration in nature and analyzing the works of other artists to understand their techniques and problem-solving approaches.
„Try to understand how the illustrator painted a particular subject and what solutions they used.“
The chapter concludes with a showcase of works by renowned botanical artists, offering motivation and fresh ideas.
My Personal Summary
Botanical Illustration from Life is a remarkable work that seamlessly blends art and science.
Işik Güner shares her extensive knowledge and passion for botanical illustration in an accessible and inspiring way.
The book not only offers technical guidance but also encourages readers to observe and appreciate the natural world deeply.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this book is an invaluable resource for honing your skills.
Book Data
First Published: November 5th, 2019
Publisher: Search Press Ltd
Hardcover: 208 Seiten
Language: Englisch
ISBN-10 : 1782218068
ISBN-13 : 978-1782218067
Extras: High-quality illustrations, excellent image clarity
Additional Links
Order Information:
Publisher´s Website:
Via Your Local Bookstore:
ISBN-10 : 1782218068
ISBN-13 : 978-1782218067
Learn More About Işik Güner
Website: www.isikguner.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/benyesil
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