Forced bulbs bring spring to mind in the depths of winter. They are a brilliant subject to explore the essentials of botanical art. With strong structure, form and colour they are perfect to study both drawing and initial painting skills.

Learn how to make accurate preparatory drawings and make colour notes in a sketchbook in preparation for painting. Consider the techniques used to create a measured, detailed and useful drawing of your chosen bulb. Observe the attributes of the specimen which could not be clearly understood from a reference photo and how to record these details for use when painting. Look at excellent examples of artist’s sketchbooks to encourage detailed and organised recording.

The importance of a clear, established light source and use of varied tone will be demonstrated to show how this gives essential depth to your work. You will experiment with colour mixing to match all the colours in the specimen. You will prepare colour studies of leaf and petal to refer to when the final painting is made. On this course you will aim to complete a small botanical painting.

At the end of the course, you will have advanced your technical drawing skills and increased your understanding of colour mixing and application. You will know the essential conventions of botanical art and how to use a sketchbook. You will learn how to transfer your drawing to your painting medium. You should complete a final painting and you will all have explored the necessary steps to make a completed, accurate and detailed botanical painting at home.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply some of the materials including a selection of forced bulbs in pots, of which the students may retain one. The College will supply some watercolour paper and cartridge paper.

What students need to bring

• Drawing materials: pencils including 2H and HB, rubber, ruler
• Quality pencil sharpener, (additionally a scalpel is good to get a really fine point)
• Watercolour paints, pans are less wasteful than tubes in a range of colours, you will develop your own favourites.
• Watercolour paintbrushes (include 0 and a larger one 2-4)
• Palette, or small white plate
• Tracing paper
• A few sheets of kitchen roll
• Cartridge paper is provided but you can bring along your sketchbook if you prefer

Additional information

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

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions