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Botanical Illustration: one day workshop for all abilities

Monday 27th October

Autumn is a wonderful time for studying, drawing and painting the many varied fruits, berries and seeds from flowers and flower borders.  We will be using specimens from the beautiful garden at the Garden House for this fascinating workshop, led by botanical art tutor Leigh Ann Gale.

During the day you will create some accurate drawings of a few specimens of your choice before composing them and transferring them onto watercolour paper and painting them.  You will learn all the relevant techniques for botanical illustration including the effect of light and shade on 3D forms, adding details such as surface textures, drawing and painting techniques, colour mixing and matching, composition, and basic botany.

You will need to provide your own drawing and painting equipment including:

  • cartridge paper for drawing (minimum A4 size sheets or sketchbook)
  • graphite pencil (H or 2H grade)
  • putty rubber or good quality eraser
  • two sable brushes (eg sizes 1 and 3, or sizes 2 and 4)
  • a lint free rag (for blotting excess water and paint from your brush)
  • watercolour paints (either 5ml tubes or a half pans). 
  • hot pressed (smooth) painting paper 140lb/300gsm, no smaller than A4 sheets or pads.  Leigh Ann will have hot-pressed paper available to purchase (usually £1-£2 depending on size)
  • dividers (useful but not essential)
  • magnifying glass (useful but not essential)

Your tutor:

Leigh Ann is a professional botanical artist and a qualified botanical illustration tutor with over twenty years’ experience.  She is known for her encouraging and supportive approach to teaching students of all abilities and highly regarded as a mentor and advisor on the subject.  Leigh Ann is a Fellow member of the SBA (Society of Botanical Artists) and has been awarded medals for her work.

She has exhibited extensively around the world and her paintings are held in private collections and permanent collections including the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, The Royal Archives and Sydney Botanic Gardens. She is the author of three books about botanical illustration and her methods, published by The Crowood Press.  For more information visit her website www.la.botanicalart.co.uk

Cost: £125, to include refreshments and a light vegetarian lunch

Date: Monday 27 October  / 10.30pm – 4pm

To BOOK please contact us.  Only 7 places available, so do book soon!

Venue: The Garden House, 5 Warleigh Road, Brighton BN1 4NT

CANCELLATION POLICY: We give a full refund (minus the Eventbrite administrative fee) if you cancel 8 weeks or more before an event, workshop or course.  Should you need to cancel within 8 weeks and are unable to attend, we ask you to find a friend to take your place.  To assist you, we will also try to find someone to take your place, but if this is not possible we will not be able to offer a refund.


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