Botanical drawing
Weekend-long practical course
12 October 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm13 October 2019 10.30am - 5.30pm
The Life Room, Royal Academy Schools
£420. Includes all materials, light refreshments and a wine reception at the end of the final session.
Learn the history and techniques behind botanical drawing in this two-day intensive course.
Botanical drawing has a history in both art and natural science. The practice is not only about beauty, but also observation and understanding, and as such it is a fitting introduction to the discipline of drawing from life.
Through a series of practical drawing exercises, participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of botanical drawing, including learning how to see, understand and differentiate between a selection of common plants and how to create expressive drawings of them. The course will be broken down into studying roots and stems, leaves and fruits, whilst looking at structure, form, surface, texture, gestural mark-making and lighting.
Each day provides participants – working in the RA's historic Life Room – an abundance of fresh, seasonal plant material collected from the landscape surrounding tutor Sarah Simblet's home in rural Oxfordshire. This includes the fruits of native and naturalised tree species, a range of grasses including corn crops and also diverse, specially grown broad-leaf plants from a garden and water meadow. Sarah uses these plants to demonstrate the essential elements of plant structure and form, taking participants step-by-step through the analysis of contrasting species and how to capture them in drawings.
About the course
This two-day intensive botanical drawing course with artist and writer Dr Sarah Simblet will be held in the historic Life Room of the RA Schools.
Practical drawing sessions using leaves, plants & roots will be combined with short demonstrations focused on structure, surface, texture, gestural mark-making and lighting.
Participants are advised to bring something to carry their work home in, as there are no storage facilities available.
This course is suitable for all levels, preferably with some prior experience of drawing, painting or creative practice.
• You have some prior knowledge of drawing and/or painting and would like to extend your skills
• You would like a new perspective in your approach to painting
• You are keen and open to experiment with a new painting medium and have a patient technique
• You are interested in the methods and techniques of egg tempera painters past and present
• You would like the opportunity to develop your skills and ideas in a small group setting, with a highly trained tutor and artist in the historical setting of the Royal Academy
Minimum age 18
Please let us know if you have any accessibility needs.
The number of participants is strictly limited to enable detailed feedback from the course tutor.
£420
Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 October
10:30am - 5:30pm both days
This course provides:
• An introduction to the process of egg tempera painting, referencing painters and relevant works in the Collection
• The opportunity to work with a specialist tutor
• All practical materials
• Light refreshments on both days and a drinks reception at the end of the second day
About the tutor
Sarah Simblet
Dr Sarah Simblet is a fine artist, writer, broadcaster and anatomist, whose work explores the relationship between science, history and art. The author of Anatomy for the Artist (2001), The Drawing Book (2005), Botany for the Artist (2010) and co-author of The New Sylva (2014), Sarah is dedicated to sharing and encouraging visual intelligence in others through her drawings, teaching and broadcasting worldwide. She is also the Tutor in Anatomy at the Ruskin School of Art (BFA).
Our courses and classes programme
Our varied programme of short courses and classes provides an opportunity to explore subjects ranging from life drawing to the history of exhibitions and arts management, led by expert tutors and practising artists. These courses introduce traditional art-making processes, as well as perspectives on art history, theory and business.
Give this course as a gift
All of our courses can be purchased as a gift for a friend or family member – giving the gift of education and a remarkable experience. To arrange a personalised Gift Voucher, please contact Anna Pojer, Academic Programmes Manager, by calling 020 7300 5684 or email anna.pojer@royalacademy.org.uk