Laying Roots for Artistic Growth and Botanical Knowledge
The SBA Foundation Course in Botanical Art provides a structured and supportive pathway for those wishing to develop the essential skills of botanical drawing and painting. Designed as a preparatory step towards the Distance Learning Diploma Course (DLDC), it introduces students to the core principles of observation, accuracy, and techniques that underpin professional botanical art.
The course reflects the Society of Botanical Artists’ commitment to excellence by nurturing both artistic skill and scientific accuracy – hallmarks of botanical art. It provides a supportive environment in which students can build technical competence, observational precision, and creative confidence.
The Course Objectives
- To introduce the fundamental techniques and principles of botanical art.
- To foster a deep appreciation for plant diversity, form, and function.
- To develop observational skills crucial for accurate botanical illustration.
- To encourage personal artistic development and scientifically accurate interpretation of plant subjects.
- To establish a foundation for further study or professional practice in botanical art.
The course will be suitable for:
- Beginners to botanical art.
- Artists returning to practice.
- Amateur and hobby artists interested in natural subjects.
- Gardeners and nature lovers wishing to record plant life visually.
- Students considering progression to the DLDC (Distance Learning Diploma Course)
The foundation course will run over 10 months (40 weeks), with one cohort per year from February to November. There will be 5 to 8 weeks between each module, allowing time for study, sketchbook practice, and completion of assignments.
The course consists of six modules with tutor-marked assignments, supported by various mini-assignments that will be marked mostly by digital means.
1. Observational Drawing, Linework and Basic Botany – leaves.
2. Tone and Texture – Monotonal studies in graphite.
3. Applied Colour – Techniques and colour application.
4. Colour Theory and Mixing – Accuracy with colour.
5. Basic Floral Botany, Shadows and other Plant forms.
6. Composition and Final Assignment.
The final assignment will be submitted physically for accurate assessment.
All assignments will be completed on a smaller scale than the DLDC with students working on A4 paper.
There will be an emphasis on sketchbook work to develop observational drawing.
Students will also benefit from an initial online Zoom Introductory meeting with tutors and a guest talk at the start of the course and another meeting with tutors between Assignments 3 and 4 to discuss their progress and any challenges with their tutors.
Instruction will be delivered through a blend of presentations, documents, pre-recorded videos, and guest talks. Detailed feedback will be provided throughout.
Module 1 and 2 are monochrome and use graphite only. For the rest, you can choose to work in either watercolour or coloured pencils but not both.
No prior experience in these mediums is required, as the course focuses on foundational skills.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Confidently use a range of artistic techniques to depict botanical subjects.
- Demonstrate improved observation and drawing skills.
- Understand and apply basic botanical terminology in their work.
- Produce a finished piece of botanical art suitable for display or DLDC submission.
- The course content will be accessed via the website featuring full instructions for each module with supporting tutorials and videos.
- Students will also have access to a moderated online student group for discussion and support.
- A curated reading list featuring key texts in botanical art and botany.
Students will receive feedback and guidance on their work via email and the final assignment is posted or couriered physically and will be assessed formally using a similar method to the Diploma. We will try to connect students for this assignment with a tutor in their home country or as close as we can, if possible.
The course will include four grade bands: Pass, Higher Pass, Credit & Distinction. Students will receive a certificate upon completion.
Approximately 10 hours a week or more should be dedicated to study for this course.
The full course fee is £675 for all students, reflecting the structured tuition, detailed feedback, and specialist teaching provided throughout the programme.
The cohort will be capped; when the maximum number has been reached the enrolment will close down.
Contact foundation@soc-botanical-artists.org for information on instalments.
You will need a laptop or similar device with a PDF opener to access the course content. You will need a camera or good quality scanner to take images of your work to send for feedback.
A full materials list will be given on enrolment, and a small materials pack will be available to post out, depending on location.
You can enrol online right from this page when it opens in October 2026. There is no need to submit any images, and payment can be made online.
The cohort will be capped; when the maximum number has been reached the enrolment will close down.
For more information please contact: foundation@soc-botanical-artists.org
