The Kew Book of Painting Orchids in Watercolour

Author: Vivienne Cawson. 128pp. Over 80 colour paintings. 281 x 216mm. Paperback ISBN 9781782216513. Search Press in association with Kew Publishing, 2020.

Paint inspiring, luminous orchids in watercolour using this practical, contemporary guide from respected artist Vivienne Cawson, published by Search Press in association with Kew.

Vivienne Cawson's luminous painting style and considered use of flat or patterned backgrounds gives her work a contemporary, beautiful feel all of its own and this stunning book teaches you how to paint a selection of orchids in watercolour.

The book contains a thorough techniques section that guides you through Vivienne's decision-making, colour-matching and painting process. It teaches you how to capture form with speed and confidence, practise painting different leaves, flowers, and roots and create different textures with paint. The book contains exercises that will hone your skills and encourage your artistic intuition, followed by three complete step-by-step projects that feature a range of flowers in wild and still-life settings. The paintings feature touches of watercolour pencil and crayon, along with panels of gouache, which complement the delicate watercolours.

Inspired by Kew's orchid collection and interspersed with images from the Kew archives, this book showcases the rich variety and beauty of this much-loved family of flowers.