This introductory course to Botanical Illustration offers you the opportunity to try
out ... style... through to the cornerstone of Botanical Illustration - tonal gradation ...
Level
SL O
3 – 8 Aug
Centre
Date
Days
Shared occupancy cost
Sun - Fri
£465 £415 £310
Sole occupancy Non-Residential cost cost
An Approach to Botanical Illustration
Surrounded by the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Slapton Ley Field Centre offers a variety of manmade and natural sites to study, such as a beautiful coastline and resort towns.
Course Overview This introductory course to Botanical Illustration offers you the opportunity to try out some of the many techniques that are used in this fascinating and absorbing art form. The study of plants can be both as therapeutic and relaxing as it can be challenging. Its skill base is many and varied, ranging from 'observational drawing practices, colour mixing using a limited primary palette, various watercolour techniques including the elusive wet-into-wet washes - botanical style... through to the cornerstone of Botanical Illustration - tonal gradation and finishing for lifelike 3D plant paintings. Study the stages of painting which go to make up examples of plant portrayals in detail. This course is for beginners and improvers; it can be extremely advantageous for those with little or no experience to work alongside painters with some expertise. The sharing of skills and knowledge is greatly encouraged and can be beneficial to all concerned.
Course Description This is a studio based course, tuition will be on a 1:1 basis with some group teaching and there will be demonstrations and on-going discussion throughout the course. Sunday Evening A discussion on ‘what is botanical illustration: - its nature and purpose’: Differences between botanical and flower painting. The formula of the stages of painting. Examination of the
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail:
[email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
Monday - am and pm The importance of drawing for the botanical artist: - core principles of ‘drawing what you see accurately’. How to capture plant-life in pencil. Learning techniques such as – observational drawing in line and tone, structure, form, pattern and texture: sketchbook practice and placing on the page (composition). Building up a finished drawing. Tuesday - am and pm The limited primary palette: - an understanding of basic principles of colour is essential for the botanical artist - particularly for the mixing of greens, which are so often seen as perplexing for any artist. With a very limited palette it is possible to mix the majority of colours in nature. This provides the natural cohesion found in nature. We will study basic colour theory and mixing and matching colours to many different specimens. We will also spend a little time practicing different techniques of colour application in relation to botanical illustration. Wednesday - am and pm Paint application and the stages of painting:- continuing experimentation with different techniques of paint application and brushwork, i.e. washes, applying tone, showing shine, optical mixing (the overlaying of different colours to create a specific colour), textures and patterns - working out just how to build up a picture by way of ‘ the formula of the stages of painting’. We will constantly refer to the work of past and present practitioners in order to ascertain their working methods.
An Approach to Botanical Illustration
illustrations of ancient and modern practitioners. Traditional and contemporary aspects of this art-form. Leaflets and hand-outs will be distributed giving valuable information for reference throughout the course.
Thursday - am and pm Putting the stages together: - using the knowledge and skills gained on the course so far, this final day will involve bringing together a finished painting from scratch. Drawing, painting, planning, composition, detail and finishing. At the end of the day we will have a short critique and discussion about the course-work. Seasonal material will be provided.
About the Tutor Rosie Martin holds an RHS Gold medal and teaches courses in USA, Canada, Antartica, Mainland Europe, UK and also at her studio outside Totnes. She is co-author/principal illustrator of 4 bestselling books on Botanical and Natural History Illustration. Rosie has work shown internationally and is an experienced teacher in many art based subjects.
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail:
[email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
What to Bring Materials list: Jacksons mail order catalogue can supply everything on the list, except the book: Jackson’s Art supplies, 1 Farleigh Place, London N16 4RW, tel. 0207 254 0077 www.jacksonsart.co.uk. There is a textbook available from your local library or is very reasonably priced in paperback from Amazon books; it is co-authored/illustrated by Rosie and is entitled ‘Botanical Illustration Course with the Eden Project’ (Practical Art book of the Year) by Rosie Martin and Meriel Thurstan. Published by Batsford. Paper: For drawing - a pad of good quality very smooth cartridge paper. For painting - Arches Aquarelle or Fabriano Artistico 140 lbs (3oo gsm) Hot Pressed paper cut into quarters. Jacksons will cut to size if specified with an order. A small (A5) pad of Hot Pressed watercolour paper for testing and referencing colours. Pencils: Either Staedtler, Faber-Castell, Mars lumograph (NOT Derwent Graphic range). Grades HB, 2H and 4H. Paints: A limited ‘primary’ palette. Either Winsor & Newton or equivalent colours in other makes - only ARTIST’S QUALITY. Indian Yellow Winsor lemon (or yellow) Scarlet Lake Permanent Alizarin Crimson French Ultramarine Winsor Blue (Green Shade) Winsor violet Permanent Rose No greens, greys, browns or blacks as we mix our own.
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail:
[email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
Brushes: Bring what you have but include: ‘Da Vinci Maestro or Raphael’ brushes 1 - 5, and a cheap nylon brush size 4 or 5 for mixing. All can be found in Jackson`s Catalogue. Be careful not to buy the miniature range. Other equipment: A block of oasis, blue tack, masking tape, bottle, vase, to hold specimen. 3rd arms are available - a small contraption available from model/tool shops with little metal gripping arms to hold specimens fast (inexpensive) Magnifying glass Sharpener Very sharp knife or scalpel Drawing board with clips or drawing pins Putty or kneaded rubber A large feather (seagull) stuck into a cork for dusting off rubber sweepings or dust. 2 jars for water White china plate for mixing paint Kitchen roll or rag Scissors
Also, a lunch box. This course is Studio based (so there is no need for easels, seats etc)
Start and Finish Times Participants are requested to arrive on Sunday 3rd August at Office Reception for registration between 2:00pm and 5:00pm; after this time self-directed arrival information will be posted on the front door. There will be an introductory talk with the Head of Centre typically at 5.30pm. Supper is usually at 6:30pm. Breakfast, for resident participants, will be from 8.00am. The course will end after supper on Thursday 7th August, with departure after breakfast on Friday 8th August for resident participants. On the final day please vacate your room by 9:00am, storage is provided for your luggage.
How to Book You can check availability and make a provisional booking by telephoning the Centre on 01548 580466. To confirm your booking please complete the form found in the FSC brochure or online at www.field-studies-council.org.
Tel: 01548 580466
E-mail:
[email protected]
Fax: 01548 580123
