Botanical illustration techniques

Abstract

In this study, basic techniques which are used in botanical illustration are examined. Undoubtedly the most basic and accessible technique for the illustration artists is pencil and ink. Artists who have been drawing for years have used this technique with the decorations on the books and although technological developments present us unlimited opportunities today, basic illustration techniques; pencil, ink and watercolour technique has kept its place. It is necessary for this basic illustration technique to contain main features such as line, tone, colour, texture, shape, size. Just as all the artists who are dealing with illustration, artists-scientists who are dealing with botanic have also benefited from these techniques. as a result, no matter if it serves for art or for science, these techniques have always had an important place in creation of visual data for the development of humanity. Keywords: Botanical Illustration, botanical illustration techniques, watercolour techniques, charcoal drawing technique, ink technique, gouache painting technique, ekolin.