Step-by-Step Studio: Drawing Lifelike Subjects: A complete guide to rendering flowers, landscapes, and animals

Diane Cardaci was classically trained at the Art Students League of New York City, Parsons School of Design, and the School of Visual Arts. Her passion for both realism and nature led her to start her professional art career working as a Natural Science Illustrator in New York City, where she specialized in medical and natural science illustrations. Her work has been published by the American Museum of Natural History, and by major textbook companies such as Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. After studying portraiture with acclaimed artists such as Nelson Shanks and John Sanden, commissioned portrait work soon became an important part of her artwork. She is a signature member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and has contributed to the organization's publications. Diane is also a member of the Colored Pencil Society of America, the Graphic Artists Guild, and the Illustrator's Partnership of America.

Nolon Stacey is a self-taught graphic artist who specializes in realistic portraits of animals, people, and landmarks. As a child in South Yorkshire, England, Nolon cultivated his interest in drawing throughout school. He eventually earned a degree in mathematics from Warwick University, but he soon returned to his artistic passion. He currently lives in Boroughbridge, England, and undertakes a variety of commissioned work, ranging from portraits of people and pets to buildings and street scenes. Prints of Nolon's celebrity portraits are published through Kadinsky Art. His work also is sold through Braithwaites Gallery in York, England. Nolon lives in Boroughbridge, England.

Linda Weil (Melbourne, Australia) is a graduate of RMIT University, Linda began her career in graphic design, primarily in the print industry. She has been art director and illustrator for a number of Australia's national magazines, and she has specialized in botanical and natural history illustration. A member and past secretary of the Wildlife Artist Society of Australasia, and a member of the Australian Guild of Realist Artists, Linda teaches drawing to both beginners and advanced students. Her work has won numerous awards, and she exhibits in galleries and shows throughout Australia. Linda has traveled widely throughout Australia, France, Borneo, the United States, and South Africa, and many of her drawings are inspired by the animals and sights she sees on her travels.

Diane Wright received a bachelor's degree in fine art with a teaching certification from the University of Northern Iowa in 1981. After a break that lasted more than 20 years, Diane picked up her art pencils again in 2002. During this break, she devoted her time to her family and building a career in computer technology. With her children, Matt and Becky, in college, Diane now spends her free time re-exploring her love for art. She keeps quite busy with creating commissions, selling her artwork on her website, building online tutorials, and conducting drawing classes. She also offers printing services for graphic artists. Diane lives in Mitchellville, IA.