Botanical illustration

About this course

Participants create botanical studies from primary and secondary sources, using observational approaches associated with botanical illustration. The course examines plant form and structure through live studies, dissection and bisection, alongside perspective, detail, colour mixing and mark-making for texture and pattern. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations, practical work, individual and group tutoring, and discussion. Learners also consider historical and contemporary botanical illustration, including its role in education and industry, before developing finished artwork that can be scanned and digitally edited using Adobe software.

What you'll learn

• Apply observational drawing approaches to botanical studies.
• Use dissection and bisection to examine and represent plant anatomy.
• Render plant form, detail, colour, texture and pattern using perspective, colour mixing and mark-making.
• Explain the purposes and uses of botanical illustration in education and industry.
• Enhance illustrations and add text using Adobe software.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for intermediate illustration learners, including those without specific botanical illustration experience. General illustration experience is required. Participation includes practical individual work, demonstrations, tutoring and group discussions, with possible extension tasks outside class.

• Experience in illustration is required, but botanical illustration experience is not specifically needed.
• Learners need sufficient English to follow instructions, demonstrations and hand-outs, and to participate in group discussions.
• Additional tasks may be set for completion outside class hours.

Before you go

• Learners are advised to bring any specific plants or botanicals they wish to use as inspiration.
• Basic materials and resources are available as part of the course.
• An A5 or A4 sketchbook is recommended for recording ideas.
• Learners are advised to bring an A3 folder and/or USB drive for transporting work.
• Any additional materials required will be discussed during the course.