Botanical drawing and painting: refine your skills and techniques

About this course

The course explores botanical art through close observation of plant forms, combining traditional and contemporary approaches. Sessions include demonstrations, presentations, sustained studio projects and critical discussion, with regular one-to-one feedback, group critiques and peer discussion. Learners work towards a personal project, gradually taking greater responsibility for their ideas and processes. The course covers tonal drawing, colour layering and work across graphite, ink and watercolour, alongside reflection on how to discuss, evaluate and present a developing body of work.

What you'll learn

• Refine observational drawing and painting of plant forms with greater accuracy and control
• Use tonal drawing techniques to describe form and depth
• Mix and apply colour through layering to create subtle variations
• Work with graphite, ink and watercolour in botanical studies
• Evaluate and present developing work through critical discussion and reflection

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for learners with some basic drawing or painting experience who want to extend their botanical practice. Sessions combine sustained individual studio work with group critiques, peer discussion and tutorials, followed by increasingly self-directed project development. Botanical knowledge is not required, but careful observation and attention to detail are important to the course approach.

• No previous botanical knowledge is required
• Includes group critiques and peer discussion
• Later work places greater emphasis on an independent personal project

Before you go

• Learners may bring their own materials for a more individual approach; the tutor can advise on suitable options.
• Shared equipment and specialist teaching resources are available.
• No work outside taught sessions is required, although independent practice is encouraged.
• Assistive equipment and access support may be available through reasonable adjustments, subject to an assessment of needs.