On this course you will learn how to create vibrant, life-sized botanical murals.

You will explore washes, plant forms, colour theory and composition techniques while working with acrylics for background washes and more intricate mural details. The course includes lessons on botanical illustration basics, mural planning and scaling, surface preparation, and painting techniques for both indoor and outdoor spaces. These skills and techniques can also be applied to furniture.

This course will explore and focus on the following elements of mural design:

• Foundations of botanical painting - learning how to observe, sketch and stylise plant forms using reference photos and live specimens
• Mural design and composition - understand how to plan a mural layout, scale up drawings, and work with balance, rhythm and flow across large surfaces
• Colour theory for nature-inspired work - explore harmonious palettes, layering techniques and how to mix colours that reflect the vibrancy of plant life
• Surface preparation and mural materials - instruction on preparing surfaces to create washes, selecting the right paints, brushes and sealants, and maintaining mural longevity
• Techniques for scaling and transferring designs - learn gridding and freehand methods to scale your designs accurately onto walls
• Collaborative and individual mural practice - develop your own personal mural with your tutor’s guidance, and leave with a botanical mural canvas

This hands-on course invites you to explore the intersection of art, nature and large-scale design by creating botanical murals inspired by plant life, flowers and natural forms. Through a blend of guided instruction, studio practice and collaborative mural work, you will learn how to translate the intricacy of botanical subjects into expressive, large-scale works of art.

Whether you’re looking to brighten an interior space or simply deepen your connection with the natural world through art, this course offers the inspiration and tools to bring your vision to life.

Included

On this course some materials will be provided per student, including:

• Sheet of MDF 40cm x 40cm x 9mm for practice

• Sheet of MDF 100cm x 100cm x 9mm for mural

• A selection of small brushes for mural detail

• Farrow & Ball setting plaster paint (for base wash) to share amongst the group

What students need to bring

• Any images for inspiration
• 6 inch decorator’s brush
• Farrow & Ball tester pots – your tutor recommends the following colours: Lulworth Blue, Cook’s Blue, Beverly, Breakfast Room Green, Cinder Rose, Rangwali, Romesco, India Yellow, Hay, Wainscott and Deep Reddish Brown. Please bring a minimum of 4 colours of your choice.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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