Fundamentals of botanical illustration

Learn the basics of botanical illustration from a professional artist.

Illustration of orchid plant and flowers by Sarah Ann Drake

Dates

2 to 6 September 2024 (SOLD OUT)

Time

10.30am — 4pm

Location

Botanical Brasserie Courtyard

Prices

£455

£445 for Kew members

Ever wanted to try botanical illustration, but didn’t know where to start?

During this five-day course, botanical artist Lucy Smith will teach you the fundamentals of botanical drawing.

You will learn how to accurately draw flowers and leaves using measurement and understanding of perspective.

Then discover the art of watercolour painting including colour mixing and how to apply watercolour techniques to botanical subjects.

This course is suitable for beginners and those with different art backgrounds looking to find out more about botanical illustration.

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Read the materials list

About the tutor

Lucy T Smith is a freelance botanical artist who has been based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for twenty-four years.

She has received international recognition and awards for her work, including the Jill Smythies Award for Botanical Illustration from the Linnean Society of London and two gold medals from the Royal Horticultural Society. Her scientific illustration work has been recognised by her receipt of First Prize in the Margaret Flockton Award for Scientific Illustration, from the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. 

Represented in the Shirley Sherwood collection.

As well as freelance work, Lucy produces illustrations and paintings for private commissions and exhibitions.