Botanical Watercolours through the seasons

This stunning book follows the rhythm of nature through the year.

Botanical Watercolours through the Seasons begins with a detailed introduction to Sandrine’s ethically-sourced materials and tools, her workspace and an exploration of the key techniques employed in painting botanical watercolours. Sandrine explains colour theory in relation to botanical subjects, as well as colour bias and the key to creating realistic shadows without resorting to an unnatural ‘grey’.

The four main chapters focus on a particular season and contains techniques for painting its plants: for example, papery bulbs in spring and jewel-like berries in winter, along with examples of the author’s stunning botanical artwork. Each chapter includes three step-by-step tutorials: the first for relative beginners; the second for artists of intermediate level and the third for more experienced artist. Subjects range from bold spring daffodils, delicate summer sweet peas, through to whimsical autumn ginkgo biloba leaves, and finishing with a striking holly star composition to close the winter chapter.

With a foreword from Tom Brown, Head Gardener at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation: “It is Sandrine’s botanical knowledge that sets her apart, […] through [her] guidance we can learn to celebrate and document the natural rhythms of our green spaces around us.” Readers can work through the book season-by-season, or focus on the plants they know and love. All the recommended materials used in the book are ethically sourced: the paper is from sustainable sources, the brushes are cruelty-free and the paints are vegan.

Author Biography

Sandrine Maugy is an award-winning botanical artist, author and illustrator, fellow member of the Society of Botanical Artists, the Association of Illustrators, the Society of Authors and the Societe Francaise d’Illustration Botanique (SFIB). She exhibits her work internationally and writes articles for art magazines. Sandrine regularly teaches residential courses at the renowned West Dean College, and wrote the Botanical Illustration Diploma Course for London Art College. She runs an art blog, YouTube channel – Atelier Sandrine Maugy – and a Patreon site, for students all over the world. Her first book, Colours of Nature was published in 2013. Sandrine paints and writes from her studio and garden in Southampton, UK. Her painting style captures the pure, vibrant colours of nature and is infused with dramatic light, giving this traditional style a contemporary twist. Visit her website www.sandrinemaugy.com