Botanical Illustration III: Advanced Techniques

Pen and ink is a medium long used in natural science and medical illustration. With the new colored inks available, this technique is even more exciting. Colored inks can be used to capture the bright features found in our wildlife such as insects, fruits and more. They also can be successfully used to illustrate the earthy colors found in botanical subjects.

Part B of this exercise you will create a finalized portfolio piece. We will focus our attention on seed pods. Various forms of seed pods can be found throughout nature. For example, the seed pod from a poppy field, or a cone from a pine tree are ideal for this exercise. As you can see in the example, below, the acorn is also a great subject!

Follow the steps of colored ink illustration as outlined in the part A of the assignment. Since this exercise will be part of your portfolio, give yourself at least an hour to complete this illustration.

Remember all the steps to colored ink - start with the lightest shade and move up to the darkest. Have patience with this, ink is permanent so plan ahead. Remember to use your colorless blending tool! Once completed scan and submit for grading. Sign and date your work along with the scientific and common name of your study, if known.

_{Drawing by Keziah Mitsuhashi, Botanical Illustration III Student 2020}