This latest in the Eden Project series on botanical painting is perhaps the best yet.

Billed as 'exotic' and featuring a Bird of Paradise flower on the front cover, it could easily be mistaken for a niche publication of interest to specialists only.

Further investigation reveals that many of the subjects are far from unfamiliar, with studies of orchids, the Venus fly trap and even pumpkins and artichokes hardly stretching credibility.

Beneath all this, however, is a thoroughly sound guide to all the techniques of botanical illustration in both watercolour and coloured pencil.

Everything is clearly explained and beautifully illustrated (as we've come to expect from Rosie and Meriel) and there are demonstrations and detail paintings wherever they're needed.

Sound advice abounds, from familiarising yourself with your plant and understanding colour to the use of washes and techniques for capturing bloom and sheen.

Although the subject matter here is not perhaps that of the completely well-trodden path, this book is nevertheless one of the best guides to botanical illustration there is.

Batsford Books - Hardback - 140 Pages - Colour Throughout

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