Distance Learning Diploma Course
For many years, the Society has been aware of the need for a 'correspondence course', where students learn by working and practising on their own on set assignments, then have the work assessed by experienced Tutors. From all over the world, including the UK, there has been frequent requests from aspirant botanical artists unable to attend a day, weekly or residential course, for whatever reasons, on the subject of how to learn botanical painting.
When writing The Art of Botanical Painting, it became obvious that it would be an excellent textbook for distance learning, thus the Society's idea for a Distance Learning Diploma Course was born.
The Course is not for beginners in watercolour painting but rather for those with some knowledge of the subject and a wish to learn more about botanical art and its associated skills. The Society’s aim is to develop those skills and help to create a good, well-rounded botanical painter.
The Course is open to students anywhere in the world and there are already students from the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Australia, The Netherlands, Italy, the USA, Switzerland, Singapore, South Africa, Greece, Sweden and France. The Course lasts for 27 months and the fee includes a student subscription to the Society for the duration of the Course.
Students often ask whether they are good enough to be accepted on the Course. Before application for registration, students will be asked to provide a colour print of their work so that the Course Director can assess their proficiency.
Students often have the goal of membership of the Society, which is a high aim, but those who gain a Distinction on the Course will be eligible for the fast-track membership method.
DipSBA or DipSBA(Dist) may be used after the student's name for those students who were awarded the Society's Diploma.
Prospectus
Each of the first twelve assignments, which will be expected to reach Tutors by a due date, will carry a mark which will accumulate towards the Course total. The Diploma portfolio will comprise three additional pieces of work. Students will post their work to their assigned Tutors and receive a copy of the Tutors Assessment Marks Sheet (TAMS) with the work when it is returned. This will show a mark based on five key areas of assessment with a written critique of work giving advice, diagrams and colour notes as necessary. Students will be able to telephone their Tutor at designated times throughout the Course.
In this way students will be able to take advantage of Tutors’ comments, act upon advice to amend or re-attempt part of the previous assignment, for their own satisfaction and to aid the learning process.
There will be a Seminar which will take place during the second year at the Annual Open Exhibition of the Society in London, when students can meet Tutors and each other, take the opportunity for social contact and discussion, show the Tutors amended work, talk about any difficulties and take part in practical demonstrations.
Students will be required to keep a sketchbook throughout the Course to do exercises, pencil studies, field studies, colour notes and charts, which will be scrutinised with the final three pieces of Diploma work. Although it will not carry a separate mark its content will be considered as an indication of the student’s general ability and preparedness to do background exercises and sketches.
Tutors are all respected botanical artists and Members of the SBA with many years of experience in a variety of fields ranging from teaching, illustration, botany and commercial design.
Further Information
A prospectus, list of assignments, details about
starting dates of Courses, registration form,
fees and payment arrangements, are 
downloadable
as a PDF file here or by contacting the
Society.
News
Examples of Diploma Work - Course 2 Students
Plums
Marjory Ainley
Heuchera and Primroses
Marielle Carr
Onions
Joanna Crowley
Hydrangea and Clematis
Joanna Crowley
Gourds
Hilary Kendall
Hollyhock, Passion Flower
and Gooseberry
Margaret Lindley
Pitcher Plant
Lesley Nash
Agapanthus
Lesley Newman
Rhododendron
Clare Ratcliffe
Sweet Williams, etc.
Clare Ratcliffe
Pitcher Plants
Diana Stuart
Runner Beans
Mariete Tyler
A Graduation Ceremony was held at Westminster Central Hall, London on April 20th for the 42 students who had completed the first Distance Learning Diploma Course in Botanical Painting run by The Society of botanical Artists.
Family, friends and tutors watched as Diplomas were presented by President and Course Director Margaret Stevens. This was followed by refreshments and a private tour of the SBA Open Exhibition.
In her address Margaret Stevens congratulated the students for "staying the course" over 27 months and told them that they could all be proud of their achievements.
The Special Award for Excellence went to Margaret Fitzpatrick, whose helleborus is displayed here. Three graduates qualified for the Jantien Burggraaff Award given to students who displayed the most progress throughout the course.
This award is in memory of a Dutch student who passes away during this course and is bequeathed by her husband, The recipients were Anne Lawton, Julia Leith and Clair Ward.
A few examples of Diploma Portfolio work are shown here.
Root system of Sweetcorn
Nicholas de Maid
Pineapple
Jacqueline Deakin
Turban Squash
Sally Anne Howie
Gloriosa
Paula Piggott
Bombax malabaricum
(Red Kapok tree)
Rekha Ghosh
Helleborus
Margaret Fitzpatrick
Iris reticulata
Claire Ward
Amanita
Claire Ward
Course 2 students graduated on 27 November. Course 5 applications have closed as it will commence in January 2008. Those interested in Course 6 to commence on 1 January 2009 should register between 1 January and 15 October 2008 by completing the registration form attached to the prospectus.
Applications for Course 6 close on 15 October 2008.
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