Observation is extremely important in botanical art. You must draw what you see, not what you think should be there. When drawing leaves you must note the type of leaf margin (edge) and whether it is entire, scalloped, toothed or wavy. Other components to observe are the apex (top of leaf), the base, structure, general shape, venation, texture and colour. There is usually a difference between the front and back of the leaf in surface contours, venation and colours.
Leaf size and colour can vary from plant to plant and can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, climate or habit. Even on the same plant leaves can also vary, depending on whether they are mature or immature, or located at the top or bottom of a plant.
It…
