RHS Watercolour Botanical Art
- May 23
- 4 min read
The Complete Practical Guide for Artists
By Sarah Howard with Rachel Pedder-Smith
‘If you want to paint a beautiful and accurate picture of a plant, and yet find the language of botany baffling, this book is for you.’
Article by: Sarah Gardner, botanical artist and ABA Committee member
This large hardback book, released in March 2026, was created in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is pitched as an essential guide for botanical artists of all levels from the novice to the highly proficient and is reassuringly endorsed in the foreword by Charlotte Brooks, RHS Art Curator and botanical art aficionado, based at the RHS Lindley Library, London.
Overview
Throughout the book, readers are treated to examples covering a broad spectrum of plant subjects. This diversity is brought to life not only through author Sarah Howard’s own distinctive works but is further enriched by the inclusion of numerous illustrations contributed by internationally acclaimed botanical artists. The result is a visually engaging showcase, demonstrating both the breadth of botanical art and the varied approaches artists take when capturing the intricate details of the plant world.
For those with limited practical experience, the book offers twelve step-by-step projects created by Rachel Pedder-Smith, offering a compositional framework within which to develop and improve watercolour application techniques. For artists with broader experience, the book offers a wealth of tips to reinforce the skills associated with clearly conveying the botanical details of the plants they illustrate. For botanical artists of all levels, it provides an opportunity to refresh, revise and expand their vocabulary of botanical terms.
Introduction
Sarah Howard begins by outlining the reasons for combining art and science to create botanical illustrations. She goes on to mention some of the organisations which promote botanical art, with particular reference to the RHS, and offers a brief historical overview of the art form. A really valuable addition to the introduction is a double-page spread of useful tips on how to get the most out of using the book.
Practical Considerations
The book is divided into eight chapters, beginning with Practical Considerations which introduces the range of available tools and equipment, discusses where to work and what to put on the page, and offers advice on composition. It concludes with advice on watercolour application techniques.
The next seven chapters cover different aspects of botany and plant anatomy, offering illustrated examples at every opportunity and providing the reader with plenty of inspiration. Each section is thoughtfully designed to guide you through the intricate details of plant structure, ensuring that every concept is accompanied by visual references. The abundance of illustrations throughout these chapters helps bring each subject to life, making complex topics feel accessible and engaging.
Botany Essentials
Chapter 2 gets to the heart of the matter by exploring Botany Essentials – the fundamental science behind plants. This section begins by offering a concise summary of what plants are, laying the groundwork for understanding their unique characteristics. The chapter moves on to trace the evolutionary journey of plants, highlighting the ways in which they have adapted and changed over time. Finally, it explains how plants are named and scientifically classified.
Subsequent chapters explore plant structure and reproduction:
Roots and Stems
Chapter 3 delves into the essential components of plant structure, focusing specifically on roots and stems. This section provides insight into the various shapes and arrangements of these fundamental parts of plants, and the terminology used to describe them. It offers tips on painting clusters of roots and depicting prickly stems.
Leaves, Flowers, Fruits & Seeds
Chapters 4, 5, and 6 take a closer look at leaves, flowers, and fruits & seeds. These chapters explore the unique role each element plays in the life cycle of plants and introduce the terminology used to describe the wide variety of growth forms that have evolved.
Asexual Reproduction
Chapter 7 explains some of the mechanisms that allow plants to propagate without the involvement of flowers or seeds, ensuring their survival and spread. Featured artworks are highlighted in each chapter and Nataya Udompat’s East Indian Galingale (Kaempferia galanga) takes centre stage in this chapter to illustrate rhizomatous growth.
Non-Flowering Plants
Chapter 8 concludes the book by examining a selection of non-flowering plants, including gymnosperms and ferns. Although only vascular plants are mentioned in this chapter (I like to champion the underrepresented mosses and liverworts!), it provides an overview of some of the fascinating groups of non-flowering plants that contribute to the rich diversity of plant life.
A useful glossary of commonly used botanical terms and a list of further resources are included at the back of the book, as well as the picture credits for the wonderful artwork featured throughout.
Biographies of authors
Sarah Howard is a botanical artist based in Scotland, where she works on commissions and projects, including exhibitions and book illustrations, and teaches botanical illustration. Sarah’s work has been selected for exhibitions and institutions including the Florilegium of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh; American Society of Botanical Artists; Flora Scotia; and the Hunt Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. She has been awarded medals by the Royal Horticultural Society, including a Gold Medal for her Horn of Africa Aloes. She received a Diploma with Distinction in Botanical Illustration from the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, and has studied and painted the flora of Ethiopia and Romania, as well as contributing to collections in the UK.
Rachel Pedder-Smith is a botanical artist with a PhD in Natural History Illustration from the Royal College of Art. She has spent many years illustrating pressed and dried specimens within the Herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and she has been awarded four gold medals by the RHS. Rachel’s work has been exhibited in three solo shows in London and featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including Tate Britain’s ‘Watercolour’ exhibition in 2011. One of Rachel’s botanical paintings (Small Gourd) is held in the RHS Lindley Library, London. She is the author of 'Botanical Art' and 'Wildflowers' in the RHS Watercolour Art Pad series.
Where to purchase:
Published by Octopus Publishing Group
ISBN-13: 9781784729844
Available widely online and in bookshops
