Botanical Art | Prerna Gupta

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Botanical Artist & Illustrator

Trying something new. Graphite, charcoal and colored pencil on tinted paper.

Trying something new. Graphite, charcoal and colored pencil on tinted paper.

Here's a small pen drawing of the Himalayan Dogwood fruit, locally called 'bhamor', drawn for @studio_bhamor
Check out their lovely collection of naturally dyed clothes!
There's another coloured version of this drawing that I'll share soon.

#penandinkdrawing
#penandinkbotanical #botanicaldrawing #botanicalart

Here's a small pen drawing of the Himalayan Dogwood fruit, locally called 'bhamor', drawn for @studio_bhamor
Check out their lovely collection of naturally dyed clothes!
There's another coloured version of this drawing that I'll share soon.

#penandinkdrawing
#penandinkbotanical #botanicaldrawing #botanicalart

I've been observing and recording details of the Artocarpus lacucha tree since late last year. It's one of my fav activities art-wise - this deep dive into understanding a species. Highly recommended!

[Botanical art, sketchbook, botanical sketchbook]

I've been observing and recording details of the Artocarpus lacucha tree since late last year. It's one of my fav activities art-wise - this deep dive into understanding a species. Highly recommended!

[Botanical art, sketchbook, botanical sketchbook]

Happy to share the final artwork. It depicts a clump of Pogostemon deccanensis (a plant native to India), growing in the thin top soil of the lateritic plateau in the Western Ghats.
I had this idea in mind when I visited this region last September. Some pieces just fall into place rather smoothly. Though I'm having a bloody difficult time scanning this artwork, so not so smooth after all!
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[Botanical art, botanical art in india, botanical artist, coloured pencil artist]

Happy to share the final artwork. It depicts a clump of Pogostemon deccanensis (a plant native to India), growing in the thin top soil of the lateritic plateau in the Western Ghats.
I had this idea in mind when I visited this region last September. Some pieces just fall into place rather smoothly. Though I'm having a bloody difficult time scanning this artwork, so not so smooth after all!
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[Botanical art, botanical art in india, botanical artist, coloured pencil artist]

Some more progress. I've found that when working on Duralar, it is easiest to lay down the darks in the early layers. Usually, if I'm working on bristol or watercolor paper, I'd work from the light to the dark. But with Duralar, the film very soon starts resisting more color. So, I'll lay down the darkest darks first. Different substrates require different techniques.
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[Duralar, coloured pencil, drawing, botanical art drawing]

Some more progress. I've found that when working on Duralar, it is easiest to lay down the darks in the early layers. Usually, if I'm working on bristol or watercolor paper, I'd work from the light to the dark. But with Duralar, the film very soon starts resisting more color. So, I'll lay down the darkest darks first. Different substrates require different techniques.
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[Duralar, coloured pencil, drawing, botanical art drawing]

Some pen sketches from my sketchbooks over the years. Have been feeling a lot of emotions lately around how much art I used to make time for and how much I used to really enjoy my art practice. Lately, I have been feeling that it has all become a bit of a job, and I'm not sure I know how to find my way back to how it used to be :(

[Botanical artist, botanical art, pen sketch]

Some pen sketches from my sketchbooks over the years. Have been feeling a lot of emotions lately around how much art I used to make time for and how much I used to really enjoy my art practice. Lately, I have been feeling that it has all become a bit of a job, and I'm not sure I know how to find my way back to how it used to be :(

[Botanical artist, botanical art, pen sketch]

This is where I'm at now, finally a sense of direction! This is just about 1/3rd of the drawing, so there's still a long way to go!
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #botanicalartist

This is where I'm at now, finally a sense of direction! This is just about 1/3rd of the drawing, so there's still a long way to go!
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #botanicalartist

In 2025, I got some really good opportunities and commissions. Not each went as smoothly as I'd hoped for, but I learnt something from each of them. Each of them pushed my art in a certain direction and gave me clarity on the way forward for me.

For 2026, I hope to get two specific opportunities - to work on chapter heading illustrations for a book and to get to work on a botanical postal stamp design. The first one is very specific, I know, but it's just something that's been on my mind.

Now that these plans are out in the world, dear Universe, do your thing! 😄

#botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia

In 2025, I got some really good opportunities and commissions. Not each went as smoothly as I'd hoped for, but I learnt something from each of them. Each of them pushed my art in a certain direction and gave me clarity on the way forward for me.

For 2026, I hope to get two specific opportunities - to work on chapter heading illustrations for a book and to get to work on a botanical postal stamp design. The first one is very specific, I know, but it's just something that's been on my mind.

Now that these plans are out in the world, dear Universe, do your thing! 😄

#botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia

Here's where I'm at with this drawing. It's very slow going, but that's also why I'm enjoying it - being very slow and mindful with everything I put into this piece.

I'm drawing this one on duralar with colored pencils. Working on this film allows me to put in a great level of detail. But, there are challenges too, not the least of which is that it's hard to put down many layers of color on this film. So, the darks have to be planned and executed really carefully!

Last year, I couldn't do a lot of personal art, and I sorely missed it. This year, I want to balance commissions and art that I make for myself, so that I can continue to grow as an artist, while also making 💰 as an artist.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #botanicalartindia

Here's where I'm at with this drawing. It's very slow going, but that's also why I'm enjoying it - being very slow and mindful with everything I put into this piece.

I'm drawing this one on duralar with colored pencils. Working on this film allows me to put in a great level of detail. But, there are challenges too, not the least of which is that it's hard to put down many layers of color on this film. So, the darks have to be planned and executed really carefully!

Last year, I couldn't do a lot of personal art, and I sorely missed it. This year, I want to balance commissions and art that I make for myself, so that I can continue to grow as an artist, while also making 💰 as an artist.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #botanicalartindia

A random collection of photos of me from the last two years, just because.
I've not been as active here as I want to be. Partly, because motherhood has kicked my a$$ and I'm just trying to cope. But also, I've sort of lost my motivation to be regular here.

That said, Instagram has always been such a lovely space for me, where I've made new connections and got some wonderful opportunities. So, in the spirit of keeping that going in 2026, this post.

I will share some art too, when I can. Currently I'm mostly working on stuff I can't show yet, but a sketch here or there may be coming.

Thank you for being here and supporting me. I'm grateful, even if I don't say it enough!

A random collection of photos of me from the last two years, just because.
I've not been as active here as I want to be. Partly, because motherhood has kicked my a$$ and I'm just trying to cope. But also, I've sort of lost my motivation to be regular here.

That said, Instagram has always been such a lovely space for me, where I've made new connections and got some wonderful opportunities. So, in the spirit of keeping that going in 2026, this post.

I will share some art too, when I can. Currently I'm mostly working on stuff I can't show yet, but a sketch here or there may be coming.

Thank you for being here and supporting me. I'm grateful, even if I don't say it enough!

Some experiments underway. Testing to see how small and detailed I can draw with colored pencils. Stay tuned.
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[Botanical art. Coloured pencil, botanical art in colored pencil]

Some experiments underway. Testing to see how small and detailed I can draw with colored pencils. Stay tuned.
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[Botanical art. Coloured pencil, botanical art in colored pencil]

A small watercolor illustration done recently of male banana flowers.
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#botanicalart #botanicalillustration #botanicalartindia

A small watercolor illustration done recently of male banana flowers.
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#botanicalart #botanicalillustration #botanicalartindia

These two artworks have been languishing at my desk for months and months now.
It's been a terribly slow year for me in terms of making new artwork. I feel guilty, as if I could have done more. But I also know that I did my best.
Hopefully, 2026 will be kinder and I will get to devote more time to personal projects 🤞🏽
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist

These two artworks have been languishing at my desk for months and months now.
It's been a terribly slow year for me in terms of making new artwork. I feel guilty, as if I could have done more. But I also know that I did my best.
Hopefully, 2026 will be kinder and I will get to devote more time to personal projects 🤞🏽
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist

Almost a decade of work, condensed into 8 frames. The road to here has not been linear and I've shed many many tears, but there's no denying that it's a privilege to be able to create art.
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#art #artjourney #botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia

Almost a decade of work, condensed into 8 frames. The road to here has not been linear and I've shed many many tears, but there's no denying that it's a privilege to be able to create art.
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#art #artjourney #botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia

A small section of a commissioned work I recently completed. A slightly different style than usual for me, but immensely fun. Also, this artwork reminded me of when I used to paint birds a lot, many many moons ago. If I had the luxury and privilege of time, I'd start painting them once again!
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#watercolorartist #birdsoﬁndia #commisionedart #watercolorpainting

A small section of a commissioned work I recently completed. A slightly different style than usual for me, but immensely fun. Also, this artwork reminded me of when I used to paint birds a lot, many many moons ago. If I had the luxury and privilege of time, I'd start painting them once again!
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#watercolorartist #birdsoﬁndia #commisionedart #watercolorpainting

I don't often share photos of myself here, but last week was such a novel and exciting experience for me, that it calls for sharing some photos of my happy self.
Last week, @malavikakundu and I taught a week-long botanical art workshop in the Western Ghats. We had the most enthusiastic bunch of participants I've met, and people who knew so much about the biodiversity of this area.
I went there to teach, but goodness, I learnt so much, not least about how little I know 😁. We saw some amazing plants and moths up close, and geeked out over botany and ate such good food! After a long time, I also got some time to just paint for myself. All in all, a stunner of a week.
All of this made a hundred times better by the company of @malavikakundu

Can't wait to go back!
PC: Vishakha and Malavika
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia botanicalartworkshop

I don't often share photos of myself here, but last week was such a novel and exciting experience for me, that it calls for sharing some photos of my happy self.
Last week, @malavikakundu and I taught a week-long botanical art workshop in the Western Ghats. We had the most enthusiastic bunch of participants I've met, and people who knew so much about the biodiversity of this area.
I went there to teach, but goodness, I learnt so much, not least about how little I know 😁. We saw some amazing plants and moths up close, and geeked out over botany and ate such good food! After a long time, I also got some time to just paint for myself. All in all, a stunner of a week.
All of this made a hundred times better by the company of @malavikakundu

Can't wait to go back!
PC: Vishakha and Malavika
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia botanicalartworkshop

A small ballpoint sketch on grey toned paper, inspired by the monsoon turning everything lush green.
I've been feeling inspired to draw more habitat drawings. This is the first of many more experiments.
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#botanicalart #botanicaldrawing #botanicalartist #ballpointdrawing

A small ballpoint sketch on grey toned paper, inspired by the monsoon turning everything lush green.
I've been feeling inspired to draw more habitat drawings. This is the first of many more experiments.
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#botanicalart #botanicaldrawing #botanicalartist #ballpointdrawing

What I enjoy most about botanical art is getting obsessed with a plant. This Dendrophthoe falcata, a hemiparasitic plant, was one such obsession that I observed over two seasons (it flowers in the winter). The finished painting is currently being exhibited at venues across the US as part of the NYBG Triennial exhibition.
Another obsession is the silk cotton tree, but if you've browsed my artwork, you already know that 😄
#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia #coloredpencildrawing #botanicaldrawing

What I enjoy most about botanical art is getting obsessed with a plant. This Dendrophthoe falcata, a hemiparasitic plant, was one such obsession that I observed over two seasons (it flowers in the winter). The finished painting is currently being exhibited at venues across the US as part of the NYBG Triennial exhibition.
Another obsession is the silk cotton tree, but if you've browsed my artwork, you already know that 😄
#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #botanicalartistindia #coloredpencildrawing #botanicaldrawing

Don't particularly enjoy eating this fruit, but I did love painting it!
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartinindia

Don't particularly enjoy eating this fruit, but I did love painting it!
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartinindia

A little white flower. Who knows which plant this is?
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#botanicalartindia #botanicalart #botanicalpainting

A little white flower. Who knows which plant this is?
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#botanicalartindia #botanicalart #botanicalpainting

When I planned this piece, I was going big. Or at least bigger than my usual work. But after many sketches and changes and reworks, it's now smaller than the usual size I work with 😄
Colored pencils also pose a challenge when working this small, and with so many tiny details. Fingers 🤞🏾 that it all goes well.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilart #colouredpencil #botanicalartist

When I planned this piece, I was going big. Or at least bigger than my usual work. But after many sketches and changes and reworks, it's now smaller than the usual size I work with 😄
Colored pencils also pose a challenge when working this small, and with so many tiny details. Fingers 🤞🏾 that it all goes well.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartindia #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilart #colouredpencil #botanicalartist

Many many moons ago, when I was very new to watercolors and not into botanical art at all, I painted this hibiscus flower. Loved it then, quite like it still.
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#flowerpainting #botanicalart #botanicalartist #watercolorbotanicals

Many many moons ago, when I was very new to watercolors and not into botanical art at all, I painted this hibiscus flower. Loved it then, quite like it still.
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#flowerpainting #botanicalart #botanicalartist #watercolorbotanicals

A commission I did earlier this year. It really gladdens the heart to know that my art is hanging in people's homes, hopefully bringing them some little joy.
I don't announce here a lot that I'm open to taking commissions, but that is certainly the case. So if you've been thinking of getting art up on your walls, and plants are your jam, send me a DM.
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#botanicalartindia #artcommissions #artindia #botanicalartinindia #botanicalartistindia

A commission I did earlier this year. It really gladdens the heart to know that my art is hanging in people's homes, hopefully bringing them some little joy.
I don't announce here a lot that I'm open to taking commissions, but that is certainly the case. So if you've been thinking of getting art up on your walls, and plants are your jam, send me a DM.
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#botanicalartindia #artcommissions #artindia #botanicalartinindia #botanicalartistindia

You know the positives of having a little baby in your life, as far as art is concerned? You're forced to slow down. When you only get 15 mins a day to draw, you're bound to be more intentional and less hurried 😆
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Jigsaw peppers in coloured pencils on Fabriano Artistico hot pressed paper.
Follow me to see how this drawing turns out.
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#botanicalartist #botanicaldrawing #coloredpencildrawing

You know the positives of having a little baby in your life, as far as art is concerned? You're forced to slow down. When you only get 15 mins a day to draw, you're bound to be more intentional and less hurried 😆
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Jigsaw peppers in coloured pencils on Fabriano Artistico hot pressed paper.
Follow me to see how this drawing turns out.
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#botanicalartist #botanicaldrawing #coloredpencildrawing

Many many months of work leading up to this one awesome week. What a wonderful time we had setting up the exhibition and meeting dear friends I had only met online before!
This lovely picture was taken by @sai.thattari - amidst all the excitement and work, I forgot to take any pictures of myself with my work!
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#botanicalartworldwide #botanicalartist #botanicalartexhibition #artexhibitionindia

Many many months of work leading up to this one awesome week. What a wonderful time we had setting up the exhibition and meeting dear friends I had only met online before!
This lovely picture was taken by @sai.thattari - amidst all the excitement and work, I forgot to take any pictures of myself with my work!
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#botanicalartworldwide #botanicalartist #botanicalartexhibition #artexhibitionindia

I haven't painted anything since February, except for a few sketches here and there. Partly it has been because the last couple of months have been so busy, but I have to admit that partly it has also been because of the fear of starting anything new. And as more time passes, the less confident I feel.
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But I also know that the only way to get past this crisis of confidence is to make more art, not to run away from it. So here's a study of Jigsaw peppers I grew at home. I've settled on a composition and I'm now figuring out which medium to work with for this piece.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #botanicalsketchbook #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilart #botanicaldrawing

I haven't painted anything since February, except for a few sketches here and there. Partly it has been because the last couple of months have been so busy, but I have to admit that partly it has also been because of the fear of starting anything new. And as more time passes, the less confident I feel.
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But I also know that the only way to get past this crisis of confidence is to make more art, not to run away from it. So here's a study of Jigsaw peppers I grew at home. I've settled on a composition and I'm now figuring out which medium to work with for this piece.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #botanicalsketchbook #coloredpencildrawing #coloredpencilart #botanicaldrawing

It's been months since I've painted. I know it's just this season of life where time slips through my hand quicker than sand, yet I worry, I cry. What if I can't paint anymore?
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I planted these Jigsaw chilli seeds months back and the plants have grown, and only now am I getting around to making notes in my sketchbook. 10 minutes every day. But those 10 minutes have added up and I now have enough material to begin painting. Now to find the time and mental peace to start. Hopefully, soon.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #sketchbookdrawing #botanicalsketchbook

It's been months since I've painted. I know it's just this season of life where time slips through my hand quicker than sand, yet I worry, I cry. What if I can't paint anymore?
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I planted these Jigsaw chilli seeds months back and the plants have grown, and only now am I getting around to making notes in my sketchbook. 10 minutes every day. But those 10 minutes have added up and I now have enough material to begin painting. Now to find the time and mental peace to start. Hopefully, soon.
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#botanicalart #botanicalartist #sketchbookdrawing #botanicalsketchbook

I haven't had the time to sit down and paint in almost a month, so I also had nothing new to share with you.
But, I realized I never shared the complete drawing of the Himalayan wild pomergranate, one of my two entries for the Botanical Art Worldwide 2025 India exhibition to be held in May 2025 in Pune. Check out @indianbotanicalartsociety for more details of the exhibition.

#botanicalartworldwide #botanicalartworldwide2025 #botanicalart #botanicaldrawing #coloredpencils

I haven't had the time to sit down and paint in almost a month, so I also had nothing new to share with you.
But, I realized I never shared the complete drawing of the Himalayan wild pomergranate, one of my two entries for the Botanical Art Worldwide 2025 India exhibition to be held in May 2025 in Pune. Check out @indianbotanicalartsociety for more details of the exhibition.

#botanicalartworldwide #botanicalartworldwide2025 #botanicalart #botanicaldrawing #coloredpencils

A slightly different sort of style. Palash in watercolor.
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartist

A slightly different sort of style. Palash in watercolor.
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartist

Some more progress. Should have clicked a better photo, but this is the best I could do. This season of life is tough 🥲
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartist #watercolorartist #watercolorpainting

Some more progress. Should have clicked a better photo, but this is the best I could do. This season of life is tough 🥲
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#botanicalart #botanicalpainting #botanicalartist #watercolorartist #watercolorpainting

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