'Realistic' Basil Plant to Try Something New

This rendering depicts a 'realistic' basil plant within a clay pot on a wood table. Given most of my renderings are scientific, I wanted to broaden my color (material), lighting and shading techniques that aren't as relevant for schematics. As I am starting my own herb garden, I was inspired to create this basil plant that I have been using to cook various Italian and Thai dishes for dinner.