Diploma in Botanical Painting

Our Botanical Painting Diploma course, launched here by Anne Marie Evans in 1994, is regarded as partially responsible for the resurgence of interest in this ancient method of depicting plants. The School prides itself on the high level of achievement of its students who have gained places in the collection of the Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation in Pittsburgh and the Shirley Sherwood Collection. Students have been awarded medals by the Royal Horticultural Society, have held exhibitions and one-man shows in London, the provinces and in the USA.

Perpetuating The Chelsea Physic Garden’s long association with botanical painting, many graduates join the Florilegium Society which meets monthly to record the plants in the garden.

The course takes place over three ten-week terms, each with a half-term of one week, commencing in January. Classes are held on Mondays from 10.30am – 3.15pm. The rudiments of botanical painting are taught, mainly through a series of highly structured exercises. Practice of techniques and development of skills is expected between sessions. At the end of the academic year and to gain our diploma, students embark on a set project, and our diploma is awarded on its successful completion.

Students will gain an understanding of the principles and requirements of this particular form of art; observe a specimen and be able to select and represent its diagnostic features; draw the specimen to render clearly and accurately its structure and distinctive features; represent in a true and realistic manner the colour and form of the plant; produce work that combines aesthetic merit with scientific truth.

In order to qualify for the Diploma, students must complete a project in their own time within the year following their course. The set project consists of five paintings on a chosen theme.

Several visits to galleries and museums are arranged throughout the year.

• Materials and equipment, different paper surfaces
• Role of light, rendering in two and three dimensional forms, using pencil
• Introduction to perspective
• Drawing instruction, watercolour in monochrome, use of washes and shading
• Botany, morphology and a basic botanical vocabulary
• Drawing a complex form
• Visit to RHS Lindley Library

Applicants will be invited to a group information session at the School with the Vice Principal, Simon Pyle, who explains each course in detail. During this hour, students are shown the lecture rooms, may see a class in progress and possibly meet other students. Upon acceptance as a student, a deposit is required, full payment being due at least two months before the course begins. Graduation with presentation of diplomas is held at the end of each academic year.

On payment of the balance of fees, students will be sent a timetable, reading list, guidance on how to prepare for the course and a list of necessary equipment.

Our long experience in teaching ensures value for money. Except at the sole discretion of the Principal, fees cannot be refunded nor are places transferable from year to year or to another subject.