Ref: S1D37562
This practical course introduces you to the art of botanical painting in watercolour. You will learn about approaches to accurate observational drawing, together with some of the basic watercolour mixing and application techniques that are employed in botanical painting.
The tutor will demonstrate a few techniques and give simple tips and advice to help you develop your understanding and skills in this art form. Exercises studying a small botanical specimen taken from the gardens at West Dean will help you apply and practise your skills.
At the end of the day, you will leave with a worksheet of notes and exercises, together with a simple botanical painting, which can be used for future reference. The course aims to give you a good idea of what goes into making a botanical painting, with a little insight into the content of a longer course at West Dean.
All the materials and tools will be supplied for the course, including: Fabriano hot pressed or Arches watercolour paper 300gsm, 1 x A3 sheet Watercolour paint: French Ultramarine, Permanent Rose, Winsor Yellow (one tube of each shared by the group) 1 size 3 miniature paintbrush (this can be taken home with you at the end of the course) 1 x A4 sheet tracing paper 2 x A4 sheets cartridge paper 1 putty rubber
Available from shop: A good variety of art materials, including notebooks, HB pencils, pencil sharpeners, white china palettes, watercolour paints, brushes and a selection of papers, etc.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals.
Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Mariella Baldwin studied botanical illustration at the English Gardening School, London and received an MA in Visual Arts from Sussex University. Her paintings are held in collections both in the UK and USA. She is a painting member of Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society. Her book 'Botanical Painting' was published in 2011.
Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study.
Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.
