How to Draw a Beautiful Botanical Composition

A step-by-step video, with commentary from the artist throughout, showing you how to create a beautiful botanical illustration.

Artist Diana Vogt

9/23/20231 min read

Saffron Crocus Botanical Illustration by artist Diana Vogt
Saffron Crocus Botanical Illustration by artist Diana Vogt

How to Draw a Beautiful Botanical Illustration | Ink & Wash Tutorial

In this video I explain step by step, with my own commentary, how you can create an aesthetically pleasing botanical illustration of Saffron Crocuses using only ink. I then show you how to bring these flowers to life with the use of watercolor washes. Lastly, I go into detail on how to add lettering to the composition to give it that finishing touch. The emphasis in this video lies in the placement of the flowers and the details one should include in order to create what can be considered to be a "complete" composition. I also delve into the importance of including lights and shadows in the correct places in order to give depth and volume to the composition.

Materials used*:

The sketchbook I use is no longer available at the time of the filming of this video. Here is a link for an alternative (same brand and paper):

ARTEZA Watercolor Sketchbook: https://amzn.to/46hlpKs

TWSBI Eco T Fountain Pen (F nib): https://amzn.to/3t0iqaZ

Waterproof Ink: https://amzn.to/3PReCSE

Paul Rubens Professional Watercolor Paint Set: https://amzn.to/454Gh6I

Prima Watercolor Confections - Tropicals: https://amzn.to/3rhYj7Y

QoR High Chroma Watercolors: https://amzn.to/3Rzfahi

Escoda Travel Brushes: https://amzn.to/463DKuQ

Winsor & Newton Cotman Short Handle Brushes: https://amzn.to/46pNcJ1

POSCA Paint Marker in Yellow: https://amzn.to/46oRVdK

POSCA Paint Marker in White: https://amzn.to/3t6CLf7

*The links provided are affiliate links. If you use any of the product links, I will receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me to continue creating free content for you! I only ever recommend products that I use regularly and love. Thank you!