Book Recommendation “Botanical Painting in Watercolour” by Billy Showell

Written By Carina Irlbacher
 
 
 

- Important: All Images are the Courtesy of the Publisher! -

 

Today, we dive into the vibrant world of botanical art, shining a spotlight on one of my first books on botanical art – "Botanical Painting in Watercolour" by the incredibly talented Billy Showell.

Botanical painting + Books = My absolute dream

So, what could be closer to the heart than acquiring books on painting? I do it often and with great pleasure...

Billy Showell's "Botanical Painting in Watercolour" is a visual delight with its colorful illustrations.

But it's not just that; it's filled with valuable information, instructions, and tips that make it easy for you to translate what you read into action.

It's a truly comprehensive guide that deserves a place on your bookshelf.

If you already have this book, feel free to read my article about another favorite of mine, "Botaniphoria" by Asuka Hishiki.

Here's the link to the article!

 

Table of Contents

 

Artist and Author Billy Showell

Billy Showell is not just an artist but also the author of four bestsellers, including "Botanical Painting in Watercolour."

Originally trained in fashion design, Billy switched to her true passion – botanical painting and illustration.

Her characteristic, flowing compositions have earned her numerous awards, including recognition for botanical excellence and a gold medal from the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society.

As a former Co-President of the Society of Botanical Artists and the founder of the Billy Showell School of Botanical Art, she is a vital part of the world of botanical art and a globally sought-after teacher.

You can also find her contemporary and sometimes playful compositions in botanical collections like the Kew Botanic Gardens.

Her skill lies in merging contemporary and playful compositions with the timeless beauty of traditional botanical paintings.

 
 
 
 

Key Data of the Book

  • First published: July 12, 2016

  • Publisher: Search Press Ltd., Kent/UK

  • Hardcover: 192 pages

  • Language: English

  • ISBN-10: 1844484513

  • ISBN-13: 978-1844484515

  • Extras: Countless, top-quality, and colorful illustrations

 

Botanical Painting in Watercolour - Content

Introduction | 6
Materials | 8
Getting started | 18
Working from life | 20
Observation | 22
Drawing | 28
Using a brush | 44
Painting techniques | 54
Troubleshooting | 82
Painting detail | 88
Adding pattern | 110
Creating texture | 118
Painting multi-headed flowers | 130
Painting from enlarged photographs | 136
Colour and colour mixing | 140
Composition | 178
Stretching and finishing | 186
Glossary | 190
Index | 191

 
 

Contents of “Botanical Painting in Watercolour” by Billy Showell

 
 

Highlights of the Book

The book is comprehensive, as you can see from the table of contents.

Every page is worth reading, but discussing everything would naturally exceed the scope.

Therefore, let me highlight my personal favorites from the book, providing a unique insight into Billy's working methods and techniques often not found in other books.

  • Materials

  • Techniques

  • Troubleshooting

  • Colour and Colour Mixing

Throughout the book, Billy also highlights quick tips on how the reader can avoid common mistakes from the outset.

This is not only very helpful but also stands out with a special layout.

Now to my highlights of the book.

 

Materials

In a double-page photo, Billy Showell presents an overview of her materials, from colors and brushes to pencils, masking tape, and ceramic plates.

Followed by several pages where the artist delves into each material, explaining the what, how, and why behind her choices.

While many things may not be new and are part of the standard equipment for any botanical artist, having a comprehensive overview and explanation for choices is gold for beginners.

 
 

“Nancy´s Poppies in Wales” by Billy Showell

 
 

Techniques

The author provides insights into various techniques, such as dissecting plants, accurate measurements, recognizing geometric shapes in a plant, or transferring a sketch onto the artist's paper.

This list is just a glimpse of the techniques covered in the book; there are also additional chapters on drawing and watercolor techniques.

Each step is succinctly explained with valuable photographs and illustrations, making it easy for readers to follow.

 
 

Look inside the book - Water droplets by Billy Showell

 
 

Troubleshooting

I find the chapter on troubleshooting, often overlooked in other books, very helpful when things don't go as planned.

It not only acknowledges that mistakes and accidents are part of painting but also outlines the steps to correct them.

A mistake might be frustrating, but it's certainly not the end of an artwork.

I personally appreciate that Billy Showell addresses this aspect so well in her book, and the detailed illustrations make it easy to implement the steps.

 

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    Colour and Colour Mixing

    My favorite part of the book, and the chapter I refer to most frequently, is "Colour and colour mixing."

    While I'd love to transcribe and photograph this section for you, I haven't done so, respecting copyright and moral considerations.

    The chapter on "Colour and colour mixing" is extensive.

    Billy Showell lists all the colors in her palette, noting that colors from other manufacturers can also be used, as long as they are artist-quality watercolors.

    She then delves into the basics of color mixing and, notably valuable, explores specific color combinations.

    For example, she discusses which blue and yellow tones result in which green tones, showcasing the outcomes in detailed color circles.

    Here are the color mixtures she elaborates on:

    • Green tones

    • Orange and yellow tones

    • Pink tones

    • Blue tones

    • Red tones

    • Black tones

    • White tones

    • Brown tones

    As mentioned earlier, this part of the book is comprehensive yet easy to understand and follow, making it an excellent reference, especially for watercolor beginners or those struggling with specific color tones.

     

    Look inside the book by Billy Showell

    “Red Hollyhock” by Billy Showell

     

    My Summary of the Book

    In conclusion, Billy Showell's "Botanical Painting in Watercolour" is not just a book about botanical art; it is a vibrant guide that enriches your artistic journey.

    The colorful illustrations not only make reading enjoyable but also illustrate diverse techniques, making them easily understandable for readers, particularly beginners.

    A special highlight is the chapter on "Colour and colour mixing." Here, Billy not only covers the basics of color mixing but also presents specific color combinations.

    The detailed explanations and color circles make it an outstanding reference for artists at every learning stage.

    Overall, "Botanical Painting in Watercolour" by Billy Showell is not a book you read and put on the shelf; it is a valuable companion on your artistic journey.

     

    If you´d now like to purchase the book, please find the needed data below:

     

    More About the Author Billy Showell

    And if you´d like to find out more about the artist and author, below I provide you with all important links:

     

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    Carina Irlbacher https://carinairlbacher.com
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