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If you want to learn about Botanical Illustration in Sydney, then this course is for you.

Learn how to draw and paint plant specimens accurately. Participants may choose to try their skill at drawing and watercolour painting of botanical specimens, or alternately they may choose to explore drawing only.

Each participant must bring their own plant specimen. This can be either a cutting or growing plant (the latter may be more appropriate due to the duration of the course, as a cutting will naturally wither away quickly). A sturdy vegetable, such as pumpkin or aubergine may also suffice. The latter would be more appropriate due to the duration of the course. We will learn how to draw and render the forms of the plant specimens accurately, the study of perspective, light and shade and placement and composition on the page. Economy and care are the key words in botanical illustration with watercolours. The process involves subtle layering of paint which is mixed carefully with the appropriate ratio of paint to water. We will learn about appropriate colours to use, how to use and combine primary and secondary colours for maximum affect.

Agenda

During this course the intention is that the following topics will be covered, but not necessarily in the order given. Due to the flexible nature of Adult Education classes, parts of the curriculum may be adapted to suit the needs of the class.

Drawing Plant Specimens:

• How to render form accurately, involving the breaking down of forms to their fundamental shapes
• The study of perspective, placement and composition on the page
• Rendering techniques in HB and 2B pencil

Learning to Use Watercolours:

• Watercolours are the most sensitive paints. Economy and care are the key words in botanical illustration with watercolours
• The process involves subtle layering of paint which is mixed carefully with the appropriate ratio of paint to water

Composition on Paper:

• How the painting and drawing of the plant is best composed on the watercolour paper
• How to be selective with the form you have i.e. deciding what to keep and what to discard to create an aesthetically pleasing image

Techniques of Rendering:

• Looking at ways to suggest light and shade, surfaces, texture, shape and form

Learning About Materials:

• What kind of paper, paint and pencils to use
• Selecting watercolour paper with the right weight and surface for your needs
• Using the right grade of pencil, kind of rubber, brand of paint and size and type of brushes

Objectives

The intended Learning Outcomes for this course are as follows.

By the end of the course the student will have:

• Learned the fundamentals of using Watercolours
• Learned to use watercolour paints
• Learned various rendering techniques.
• Learned about the qualities of different materials
• Experienced drawing and painting at least one specimen in the botanical illustration form

Other Information

Botanical Illustration is held at the Field Studies Centre Tower, Bicentennial Park. For detailed instructions on how to get here please see the attached PDF below or click on the venue name to access these instructions.

• Each participant must bring their own plant specimen to draw and paint. This can be either a cutting or growing plant. The latter would be more appropriate for ongoing study during the course of painting. A sturdy vegetable, such as pumpkin or aubergine can also suffice.
• Paper – Good quality watercolour paper (suggested brands Saunders, Arches or Cottmans 300 GSM hot pressed). Plus 1 pad of cartridge paper (A3 or larger) and A3 tracing paper
• Pencils – Drawing pencils, degree of hardness H, 2H, HB, B, 2B and 3B. Suggested brands – Staedler, Mars, Lumograph, or similar, or 0.3mm-0.55 clutch pencil.
• Eraser – White eraser, suggested brand Staedtler Puraplast Hi-Polymer.
• Water colour brushes – 0, 2, 3, & 5. Recommended Sable or Sable Mix
• Artist quality transparent watercolours – a basic range of colours – primary colours blue, red and yellow. Windsor & Newton (Artists or Cottmans). We will discuss the colours appropriate for the paintings of your specimen in the context of the class.
• Palette.
• Water jar – with a stable base.

PLS NOTE: All classes need a minimum number of students to go ahead. If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled and you will be informed. ***Please be aware that you maybe be informed of a cancellation &/or change via SMS or E-mail.

Show class calendar (7 sessions)