Pen and ink Illustration of Downy Birch

[@annewilkie6467]

Every time I see one of your films I just want to dash through the house and get out the paper and pens and try. I can’t tell you what a valuable resource you are - your work is fabulous but you make it light and airy and fun. Bless you. Anne.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! What a wonderful accolade! X

[@songbird5266]

I love your garden-chat. That adds so much to these sessions, making them fun and interesting. Connecting in our shared humanity is underrated.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That's so true. We're all so much more than isolated biological units. All the stuff about fitting into a larger ecological picture seems increasingly important to me. I appreciate you clocking that, and yes, by trying to make my little garden a bit more wildlife friendly, I'm trying to do the tiny bit I can to be a part of that good old web of life. Thanks for your perceptiveness.

[@michaelkurtz1967]

Botanicals, linguistics and fine art all in one video. Excellent! Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much, Michael.

[@michellekrantz888]

I love hearing about your garden and your life! Don't stop! 😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! I love that being arent bored to tears by me!

[@janinegaylard9233]

I love your ramblings, they the same line of thoughts I have when I sketch! So it nice to know I’m not the only batty one ❤️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Janine, you are NOT alone! When Im not filming, if the radio isnt on, the ramblings (unspoken, but ever present) go insane with all sorts of ridiculous stories going on in my head. Its like a radio show playing in the background of my own mind. Just wish I could change to a more interesting channel sometimes! Glad to knwo other people have long and rambling conversations and thoughts with themselves as they illustrate. x

[@jansogge7335]

I enjoy the garden chat.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

I got a little side-tracked....glad you liked it though! x

[@BruceBabcock-n4y]

Hi Lizzie! Thank you for doing these videos. I have recently returned to drawing after many years, and I am in awe of your skills. I’ve mostly watched your watercolour illustration videos, but, will now look for more of these in pen and ink. So much information! I love they way you chat through your process, technical tips, and rambles about your garden. I’d like to see you making your initial drawings, if you ever feel like filming that part of the process. Thanks again, and take care. Bruce

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Bruce, thanks for the feedback and all the compliments, I appreciate that. I did one of the initial drawing, of a Yew: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGjYZqJ5fauZo8kfeature=shared but generally thats the tricky bit so its stressful doing it live! Youve found me out!

[@azbz1z2z75]

Love seeing you again. I have learned a great many things from you. One big thing that has changed my watercolors is to paint brush strokes in the same direction as the growth. How amazing. I guess how stupid of me. But I get it now. Also the short strokes to build up . Thank you, thank you, thank you, Learning more and more from you. I am so blessed to have found you on KZbin.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

This is such a fabulous comment to get. I love it when the techniques I use help other people, it feels great. And not stupid at all There are so many times when I just don't realise something until it's spelled out to me. And, to be fair, with a lot of watercolour botanical illustration it's not really relevant. If you use a technique where you're applying layers of wet washes (which is the more traditional approach, I think) then direction of brush stroke doesn't come into it. I'm not sure, but I think I use watercolour like gouche. Maybe I should try goucahe one day? Anyway, Im so glad to be of help. That's lovely. x

[@Cuber875]

This is the greatest art tutorial of all time

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Well, Im very much not sure about that, but thankyou!

[@jandaniel9133]

Thank you for sharing your exquisite work

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure 😊

[@EKS49]

Great to see you on here again Lizzie; love these tutorials, so helpful, thanks.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! Thanks E x

[@gianlucacallara]

When i watch you draw or paint it fules me up and really excites me to get really stuck into painting. I love your videos and i really enjoy you rambling haha. Your garden sounds like a haven for wildlife. Have a great weekend.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀 The biggest compliment going is that I get to inspire someone else to pick up a paintbrush and get lost in an illustration. The garden IS good for wildlife, although currently it seems to be heaven for aphids. And not much else! x

[@catherineneal5370]

As always, picking up so many good techniques from watching your videos. I especially like your advice about always looking back at the reference subject. I am learning the difference between true botanical art and floral paintings. The one thing that has stuck with me is that whenever possible have an actual specimen of the subject on hand, instead of a photo. I love watching you paint leaves and mixing the colors and comparing to the live specimen Such nice crisp work

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Catherine, thanks for this. yes, you're totally right, life is sooo much simpler if you've got the plant in front of you. You can move it and look at the underside of leaves etc. But it's good to be able to use photos in the cold months, or all us illustrators would get to draw would be holly, ivy, and witch hazel! Interesting the distinction between floral paintings and art - I'm sure the distinction between the two is pretty hazy. I've certainly been asked to "loosen up" and produce "more arty" work by clients in the past. So sometimes I think I should be looking to be able to do looser and less crisp work! Funny old world. I'm glad the leaf colour comparisons are useful - that really IS an atrea where real specimens vs photos are invaluable. Thanks again for your comment Yours Lizzie

[@catherineneal5370]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator I guess it is a matter of taste; but I prefer botanical illustration over most floral paintings because of the scientific aspect of the work. After watching you work, I find myself looking for the parts of the plants that are missing and I want that solid background

[@aliciataylor5386]

This was so incredibly helpful, thank you! I think this technique is going to elevate my botanical drawings 😊

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wonderful! That's great news, and I hope it helps you enjoy your work even more.

[@wendyizod923]

Thank you for such an interesting video it was lovely seeing how your silver birch was built up.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you for such kind feedback!

[@Supportcommunities]

I been watching a few of you videos, I love using ink and line myself, l find you inspiring and calming ld just like to thank you for that . Kate

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much! What a lovely thing to hear. Ill tell my kids someone finds me inspiring and calming. THAT'LL crack them up! But in truth, that's wonderful. Thank you.

[@artwhisperer88]

Love your sensitivity and humor doing this extremely precise and difficult art!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much! Its always funny trying to do things like draw straight lines on camera. got to remember to talk...and to breathe! Glad you liked it, and thank you. x

[@allthingsclouds]

Stunning!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you! 😊

[@jeankahler2532]

Thank you Lizzie for this video. I think I have learned so much from your watercolor and drawing instructions to inspire me in my own Botanical work. I truly appreciate it

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You are so welcome! Im really glad you found it helpful.

[@maryfrederickson9400]

I so very much appreciate your work (and comments about your garden). You listen to music while you work and I listen to you! It is very calming and instructive! As a conservator I would plead for you to never use "rubbish" paper (as you call some papers). Your work is much too fabulous for that. Only use paper that has a pH above 7 and preferably closer to 8 or 8.5 if you want your work to last a long time.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Wow, thank you! And that is excellent advice on the PH of the paper. i really appreciate it.

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

Thank you Lizzie! I'm excited to see you draw the catkins. Combining stippling with areas of colouring in is a good idea. Picked up quite a few tips here.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh that really is wonderful to hear. Im so pleased, thanks Sandra.

[@christinewilde110]

Thank you.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You're welcome!

[@CwynArts]

Wow, very impressive artwork, beautiful creation!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank you so much 😀

[@karolfrench5816]

THANKYOU wonderfully I inspiring and beautifully Delivered

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thank YOU Karol!

[@ava-strangerwear-2617]

Congratulations!!! It's perfect!!!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Why thankyou!

[@mauramartino5488]

Thank you for this video

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure

[@udyjavisd]

awesome

[@songbird5266]

I love your real-time work. I just hit "play-all" on your videos, and stay inspired all day. Plus, it's like having a really cool British roommate working on the other side of the room. =]

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

That's really funny, and such a sweet thing to say. But the nice thing about room mates is you can tell them to shut up! Hey, I guess you can always mute me. Which is more than my poor family can do!

[@paulinemilat5276]

wonderful and so effective..thankyou

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

You're so welcome!

[@lorriguccione2167]

Thank you so much for these videos Lizzie, they are so wonderful!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

My pleasure, Lorri

[@shubanabishy1230]

Amazing...!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thanks a lot!

[@larryglatt2548]

AWESOME, thank you

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Aw, cheers Larry.

[@whenitsraining861]

Lizzie, your drawings are exactly how I want mine to be! My art style is similar and I have loved pen ink painting since I could draw, really. I have also wanted to draw for books. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

What a lovely comment. Its incredibly flattering to feel lucky enough to be an inspiration, thankyou. And keep drawing!

[@whenitsraining861]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator Thank you, too. Stay safe.

[@NewlyAwakened]

This is my favorite type of drawing. I've done several myself that I made videos as ASMR you have definitely motivated me to get my pens and paper out again!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thats the best thing to hear, that you're going to get the pens out again! x

[@shannon2323]

Your a fantastic artist and I love your videos:) thank you. So helpful and informative:)

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

So glad you like them, and what a lovely comment.

[@updatepencildrawing]

Very nice drawing

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Thankyou!

[@cmeblu75]

I love pen & ink and of course your drawings are fabulous!! I especially love the blueberry drawing. I have another question. I heard someone say that it’s good to know how to draw all kinds of things. I wonder why in the world would I want to learn how to draw people if that doesn’t interest me? Here’s my question… did you learn how to draw things non-botany related and has that helped you? I gotta say this information is exactly helpful. I was drawing a daisy and realized that all the shadows were distracting and took away from the delicate nature of the flower and that it’s better to hint at them in some petals. Breaking up the line is brilliant and my gosh, the learning NEVER ceases. Maybe as I get better I can incorporate every shadow without ruining the entire flower 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Katrherine. Well, I did art at school, and at foundation level. My penchant there veered towards nature and architecture; I've really never enjoyed drawing people. Saying that, the best training in drawing I ever got was doing life drawing. that definitely helped with the straightforward skills of drawing. And when I used to keep a non-specific sketchbook there were lots and lots of sketches of everything in there - quick ones of gravestones, bowls of fruit, people of the train, taps and sinks, piles of books.... Working ones of people up to anything beyond a sketch though is beyond me. Faces look weird and if I introduce colour then everyone looks boiled. Not a great effect. I think sticking to what you love isn't a bad rule of thumb. that passion will feed into what you do. And I know what you mean about always learning! I KNOW! me too! the process of accumulating advice and ideas never ceases. I love it. Many thanks for the comment X

[@mondraymondo]

OMG I use unipin too

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Arent they just lovely?

[@alanskyrme9048]

Great video, many thanks. I use (and love) the UniPin pens and find, even with very fine 0.1 or 0.2 nibs it is better to dot, dot, dot that have full lines. Easier on the eyes.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Great tip, and I agree. Dotted lines add a lightness that I like.

[@artwithalexander5359]

very nice, even a few tips i can try with the fungal series i have been working on.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Oh yes, the techniques would be transferable to most subjects. Pen and ink fungus? What a wonderful series. I'm a bit jealous, I want to be doing a series of ink fungi too!

[@CarosLines]

I think if you can get out to Painscastle that there is one in the WI garden - in the centre of the village. I'm fairly sure its a Downy Birch... but I'm not an expert!

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Such a bonus to get local and splendid advice! Thank you Caroline, I may go and check it out!

[@stevendavis2122]

On scientific illustrations do you ever use any type of magnification? I use my glasses, magnifying glass, and and a loupe to check over the details.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Steven, yes, depending on the subject. I have glasses and a daylight bulb. I also have a magnifying glass, and on small plants and insects I use both my 10x and 15x loupe over white or black paper (first is good for detail, second shows what the hairs on leaves and stems do). I also have a decent dissecting microscope for things like tiny leaf tips and counting the antennal segments of ants, and a compound microscope for SERIOUS detail and microorganisms. But something like the birch, Id tend to use glasses. And the loupe for catkin detailing (catkin flowers can be beastly). Thanks for the question, it's a good one.

[@mariehuston4844]

Hi Lizzie Do you the drawing yourself? Thank you for sharing your beautiful work.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Marie, yes. I draw the subject up in pencil first. I normally keep that bit out of the filming, partly cause it makes the film way too long, and also cause pencil doesnt show up brilliantly on film. But yup, the drawing's always the first step. And often the hardest! x

[@mariehuston4844]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator thank you ☺️

[@trinaroen8011]

Don't listen to people who don't want to hear about the garden If your not in the garden you won't want to draw

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Trina, that is so true. Everytime I nip out there's something else coming into flower that Im desparate to get to painting!

[@claudiazaggia9300]

l m the first one !!! 🌞🙋🏻

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Yes you are! Hooray! (Hope it's worth being excited about...!)

[@claudiazaggia9300]

@@LizzieHarperillustrator oh yesss l am, l subscived to your channel fees months ago , around 2 months then l was not more able to see your new videos and l was hoping you posted a new one to find you back, and you did right 15 minutes ago !! so this time l saved your video with name on my “ favorites youtube playlist” so nex time l will find you immediatelyl anyway right now l can remember your name! ve just visited your webside aswell! you are super great!!!! ofcorse l m exaiting , and l hope to lern something from you, just nhoing to look better your blog the book you suggest .. l gave dome at home, just looking if there are book from you wher hou teching how to draw natre things, l m a painting and photographer but not about botanical and naturalist things... and l m so atracted from this kind of art , l love alot frowers and animals and one of my goal this summer , , with humbler, would be to draw a green scarabeo “ cetonia “ and a rise who l often see on my balcony, and write on a side a kind of poem, is not a poem it s more some kind of love ghought or oracle l feel when l see plants flowers and animals , every kind of animals , and u are so great and specially how you teach it, you are patience in the video and very helpfull as well sorry because my english l live in Venice island🐜🍃🕷 🌸🐋🕊🦈🌸🕷🍃🐜 so my lenguage is italian lenguage, but l totally can understand you perfectly! blessing and greetings from here, l sish you a noon filled of joy Claudia Zaggia🙋🏻🙏🏻 thay again for sharing the channel with oghers and the webside aswell

[@clairejevron6146]

Where do you get the reference image from?

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Claire, hmm, it was a while ago now. But normally I look for the plant itself in the first instance. But it wasnt available for this one, so I would have gone online and looked up all the different elements one by one (eg catkins, bark, leaf, buds, tree shape), collated reference; cross-referenced it with my books on trees (Collins, readers digest) then with written info on the species (Stace, Clapham and Tutin). Then pulled all the references together and done thumbnails before constructing a composition showing all the elements required. Not very helpful, sorry. x

[@clairejevron6146]

@@LizzieHarperillustratorthank you for your help. I have drawn a cows parsley with pencil and using multiple references. Considering buying the book you mentioned. It’s difficult to often find these plants growing. I m based in cheshire. I think the rain is ruining the flowered this summer.

[@LizzieHarperillustrator]

Hi Claire, I think cow parsely is earlier in the summer, more June than August, so maybe wait for the next growing season? Or rely on other references? A good botany book is a bit scary with all the ridiculous terminology, but helps with what to look for. I also find www.naturespot.org.uk/ very useful and possibly less full-on with the botany.

[@eileenlabarre3696]

J