Botanical Art: Painting & Drawing

WEEKLY: Tuesdays afternoons or Friday mornings, depending on your experience level

• Tuesday afternoons 2-4:30pm: For complete beginners or those wanting to improve or revise skills
• Friday mornings 10am-12:30pm: For students with some prior watercolour experience, working at an intermediate to more advanced level

DATES:

TUESDAYS 2-4:30pm (Beginners):

Autumn Term from Tuesday 15th September

Autumn Term
First block: 6 weeks from 14th September 2026
15, 22, 29 Sept

6, 13, 20 Oct

Half Term Break: 27 Oct

Second block: 5 weeks from 10th November 2026
10, 17, 25 Nov

FRIDAYS 10am-12.30pm (Intermediate to Advanced Learners):

Autumn Term from 18th September
First block of 6 weeks:
18, 25 Sept
2, 9, 16, 23, Oct

Half Term: 30 Oct (no class)

Second block of 6 weeks:
6, 13, 20, 27 Nov

4, 11 Dec

Class Overview
These botanical arts classes focus on the techniques essential for creating botanical art through painting and drawing. Students will receive both individual and group tuition, learning how to create accurate pencil outlines of chosen subjects (such as flowers, leaves, vegetables, berries), mix colours to achieve correct hues, and apply tonal values to create depth and movement. Skills will also include creating even watercolour washes and methods for correcting mistakes effectively.

Learning Levels

TUESDAYS, 2-4:30pm

• No experience
• Beginner (some basic knowledge)
• Lower Intermediate (some experience but looking to revise or improve)

Learning Content

• Creating accurate pencil outlines
• Mixing colours for botanical accuracy
• Applying tonal values for depth and movement
• Techniques for achieving even and precise watercolour washes
• Effective methods for correcting mistakes

Learning Outcomes

• Develop skills in botanical composition and detailed line work
• Mix specific colours accurately to reflect natural hues
• Achieve control over tonal values and watercolour wash techniques
• Correct mistakes with confidence
• Enhance understanding of botanical subjects and artistic methods

Materials & Equipment Required

The list below is the ultimate, If you already have your own equipment then please bring whatever you have. We will discuss this during the first class.

• Hot pressed (HP) 140lbs/300gsm watercolour paper (recommended in a block)
• Da Vinci Kolinsky sable brush, series 35, size 4 (recommended as the only brush needed)
• Eraser, 2H & HB pencils, notebook or sketchbook, ruler for margins
• Artist-quality watercolours (basic colours, all Winsor & Newton recommended): Permanent Alizarin Crimson, Sap Green, Ultramarine Blue, Winsor Yellow, Winsor Red, Opera Rose, Indigo, Winsor Violet
• A few sheets of kitchen paper

What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy.

Tutor Bio

Marcia Hughes is a botanical artist and watercolour painter whose work is inspired by the beauty and detail of the natural world. A self-taught artist and elected member of the Society of Women Artists, she has built a strong reputation as both an exhibiting artist and an experienced tutor in botanical painting and drawing. Alongside exhibiting her work across the UK, Marcia has led courses at the Landmark Arts Centre and in adult education for many years, helping participants develop confidence in observation, drawing and watercolour techniques through a supportive and encouraging approach.

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