STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MELISSA TOBERER

18th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists at The Horticultural Society of New York

Iris

Iris germanica

I originally selected Iris germanica while working on entries for ASBA’s past exhibition “Following in the Bartrams’ Footsteps.” I had just completed a graphite drawing of a Hibiscus and very much enjoyed working in this medium. Previously, I had attempted a couple of Iris illustrations in watercolor, but for varying reasons got frustrated with the paintings and put them aside. Since I enjoyed working in graphite on the Hibiscus drawing I decided to try it on the Iris. Graphite can seem like a straightforward medium, which at times it is, but there is a lot you can do with shading, highlighting and layering techniques that can elevate the medium into something fantastic. 

One of the most noticeable characteristics of irises is their bursts of vivid color. Choosing to illustrate the flower in graphite ignores that but instead focuses on the structure of the flower. Eliminating color allows the viewer to appreciate in detail the form and linear aspects of this botanical subject. As well, the choice of graphite as a medium focuses attention on the very soft and velvety texture of the Iris flower; I was pleased that I seemed to capture that velvety feel.

After taking photos in the garden one morning after a rain, I discovered I had captured a water droplet on an Iris and was inspired to illustrate this specific Iris including the droplet. Illustrating that water droplet was challenging for me. It’s a tiny portion of the overall work, but was by far the hardest. 

Other than quick sketches, this is only the second botanical illustration that I have completed entirely in graphite. My previous botanicals have been mostly watercolor and colored pencil, at times incorporating small amounts of graphite. I think going forward my body of work will include many more pieces similar to these. I have absolutely fallen in love with the medium and can’t wait to do more.

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Read more about this artist's work: Following in the Bartrams' Footsteps