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):

Summer Term from Tuesday 14th April
First block of 6 weeks:
14, 21, 28 April
5, 12, 19th May

Half Term: 26th May (no class)

Second block of 6 weeks:
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 June
7 July

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

Summer Term from 17th April
First block of 6 weeks:
17, 24 April
1, 8, 15, 22, May

Half Term: 29 May (no class)

Second block of 6 weeks:
5, 12, 19, 26 June
3, 10 July

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.

About the Tutor
Marcia Hughes is a skilled botanical artist with extensive experience guiding students in the intricate art of botanical painting.