In Bloom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Lush Florals

While in this work-from-home arrangement during COVID-19, I thought I'd pursue something that I've thought about for quite some time...sketching and watercolors combined with a fascination of flowers. I'm more a photographer than a sketcher but macro photography has put me in touch with the intricacies of flora so I purchased several books and started this self-teaching journey. I absolutely love this book. I'm just about to complete the 'Flora of the Americas' section and will begin sketching the dahlia. Rachel Reinert gives you just enough info to make each flower interesting and does not inundate you with the science or biology. The step-by-step sketching method is basically flawless. I've followed along and done one large sketch according to the author's instructions and then followed up by sketching one or two of the photos that accompany each flower. I've also gone out to Google and sketched what I found (see the pointsettia & peony) if the photos were limited. The book also includes sections on floral arrangement (arrangement, bouquet, crown) followed by a section on coloring flowers with a brief (sadly) tutorial on watercolor. I will be searching out Rachel Reinert for more info on using watercolors for sure. I believe her teaching style suits me. You don't need to know how to draw to use this book. All the steps are there...one by one. Buy this book, collect your paper, pencils, and pens (don't forget your erasure), pour a glass of whatever, put on some classical music and start sketching! Good vibes will surround you.

This book is simply amazing!!! The absolute best book for teaching beginners how to draw detailed gorgeous flowers like you are a pro!! You will be amazed at what your journal pages look like after the very first time you follow along with one of these amazingly easy lessons!! I could not believe that I was actually able to draw such gorgeous flowers!!! This is sooo calming and relaxing!!! This book really needs to come with a warning. I have become addicted to drawing flowers!! Truly it is what I daydream about now!!! I have tremendous anxiety that I have been seeing numerous Drs about for years. I have been focusing on drawing flowers that I learned how to draw in this book and it has helped my anxiety so much!! I use Ink Joy gel pens in all different colors- and I use black or dark blue extra fine point sharpie markers to draw the flowers and sometimes color them in with water brush color markers— just a cheapie brand.. or with some Tombow that I have. Any work just beautifully!! I cannot Recommend this lovely book highly enough!! Really a wonderful experience!! Worth every penny!! I would buy it all over again if I lost it today!! I’ve learned so much and am having so much fun drawing flowers in every joy I own!! I can really tell a difference in my mood and mind!! A very positive difference!! Just buy the book already so you can start drawing flowers too!! I wish we lived closer so we could hang out and draw flowers together and laugh!! It would be so much fun!!! Xoxoxo. Enjoy yourself!!!

After finishing Rainey's first Everyday Watercolor book, I was surprised to see the negative reviews on this book. But one or two great reviews that addressed the negative ones convinced me to give it a try and I'm very glad I did. A couple of things have been misrepresented. First, the section up front on materials and color theory are not identical to her first book. They are briefer, less specific and aimed more as a refresher to make sure you can take up her lessons easily. Second, each flower starts with a page where the painting is caught in the binding, but use your eyes, folks. A few pages later there is a complete picture of the full finished drawing in the middle of the page. Why complain about a decision to show a partial drawing when a complete one is always provided. And finally, this book incorporates two approaches. Some drawings are termed "Loose Style" and some are "Realistic Style." The Loose Style ones don't require a pencil sketch prior to starting. The Realistic ones use detailed pencil sketches. You can approach the book by doing only one type or the other, or work your way through both. And as for the complaint that the cover drawing is not included, there is a realistic less-detailed full size peony in a different color. If you like the one on the cover, try the one inside first. And then apply the techniques to create the one on the cover. Come on folks, stop whining and start painting! This is a great tutorial for painting flowers, both casual and realistic.

This book is filled with beautiful examples and easy to follow/ read steps. It is user friendly but requires practice! Amazing details and realistic drawings.

Instead of getting an artistic friend flowers as a sympathy gift after a relative passed away, I opted to get him this book and some nice drawing pens. I did flip through before I wrapped it and it's probably too basic for him overall, but there are some pretty flowers that I haven't seen him draw before so I hope he finds it useful. I would put this at beginner level drawing because it is basic, and I think nearly everyone could draw the flowers in this book. Even for a more advanced artist it's good for ideas because there are flowers here beyond roses and daisies, like tropicals.

This is a great book on learning how to draw flowers I like the step by step easy to follow directions wish the flowers were a little bit more details but it is perfect if you're wanting to learn how to draw without having to read a bunch about the process drawing. Great reference book as well for keeping up on your skills

Beau livre pour apprendre à dessiner les fleurs.

Lovely helpful fab book

I was fully aware of what to expect for the book content, as I had seen it through a very helpful youtube based book review. But I could only tell of the physical quality when I received it. The book is stated as manufactured in Singapore. The paper quality and print is exceptional. Thick luxurious quality paper, hence the book weighs quite a bit in my hands. I saw an earlier critique here on Amazon that the author only drew every flower in one angle. Be that as it may… she has captured the essence, her interpretation of the floral form, which I believe is enough to get one moving ahead. The part I love just as much and is an integral part of the book is the lovely photography of the flowers… isolated and laid out against the white background so we are able to see the real thing (flowers, stems and leaves) closeup and usually in several angles. They sometimes look like they’re popping off the page. For me, that is the part which offers the artist inspiration to practise drawing in different ‘angles’, beyond that first sketch Rachel provides. There are many ways to approach floral lineart. If you are just starting out and trying to find a helpful guide, this would be one book to get you nicely warmed up to build confidence and evolve towards your personal style.

Wonderful book! Detailed instructions and beautiful pictures!

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