Learn to draw beautiful flowers from the old masters with some help from Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals. Improve your skills by learning techniques on one page, and practicing on the next page.

Imagine learning to draw roses with Redoute, or tulips with Pieter Brugel. Imagine learning the secrets that made their flower paintings stand out in their eras and still stand out today. Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals is an art book that shows you how to create flowers that will stand the test of time by taking a close look at the details of great floral paintings, and then coaching you through the techniques.

Each spread in this unique book is made up of two hard working components: The left-hand page features a close-up illustration from a noted 19th century and earlier artist, and the right-hand page, made from quality, uncoated stock, is for drawing. There are also coaching tips, observations, and a demonstrative sketch on each page.

As you progress through the book, you'll get to try a variety of artists' styles, and see how to apply them to your own personal style. Don't wait to get started! By learning from the masters, you'll become a master yourself.

Valerie Baines is a founding member and past vice president of Britain's Society of Botanical Artists. She has illustrated more than ten books concerned with natural history, including Guernsey Sketchbook, The Naturalist's Garden, The Story of Silk, and Mindful of Butterflies. She has written articles for The Artist magazine on drawing and painting in watercolor and tutors courses on painting at Pashley Manor, Ticehurst, Sussex, and at Juniper Hall Field Centre, Dorking, Surrey, where there is a butterfly garden. Valerie Baines resides in East Sussex, in England. Visit her at www.valeriebaines.com