Botanical Painting & Illustration Course

Description

With the pen, tracing the essence of plants — that is the goal of botanical painting. Our unique practical course in the gardens of the Grüental Campus teaches the craft. You will learn drawing techniques to accurately and realistically depict the characteristic features of a plant using colored pencils, watercolors, and pencils. Prerequisites: patience and joy in precise work. Content Module 1: "Pencil and Ink" (18 days / CHF 3,150.00) To depict the essential features of a plant in pencil or ink so that it can be identified from the drawing.

• Introduction to botanical painting and illustration
• History of botanical art
• Material science
• Tone and texture using various plants as examples
• Composition and perspective
• The art of botanical illustration
• Introduction to landscape painting
• The plant in its habitat
• The tree

Module 2: "Colored Pencils and Gouache" (18 days / CHF 3,350.00) To depict a plant in detail with colored pencils so that it can be identified from the drawing and has a harmonious composition.

• Introduction to color
• Introduction to colored pencils
• Material science
• Tone and shadow
• The deciduous tree
• Composition and perspective
• Handling microscopes
• Details in pencil
• Magnification
• Handling digital microscopes and "Divider"
• Introduction to gouache and acrylic
• Tone, texture, and details

Module 3: "Watercolors (Aquarelle)" (18 days / CHF 3,550.00) To depict a plant in detail with watercolors so that it meets the standards of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Depending on inclination, to register as a member of the SBA (Society of Botanical Artists) or at the RHS International Exhibition in London.

• Introduction to watercolors
• Material science
• Botanical illustration
• Tone and shadow
• Composition and perspective
• Reproduction and fruits
• Visit to herbarium
• Painting from herbarium
• The plant in its habitat
• Information on participating in international exhibitions, membership
• Color intensity
• The detail

Prerequisite The course is divided into three sequential modules. These can be attended individually if there are available spots and if prior knowledge of the respective drawing technique is brought along. The professional leadership will assess possible admission based on submitted drawings. Learning objectives After completing each module, participants will be able to - apply different suitable techniques of botanical painting and illustration; - give a visual language through the choice of appropriate composition; - utilize the acquired knowledge in plant systematics and botany when depicting plants.
Target group The course is aimed at anyone interested in botanical painting and illustration and enthusiastic about the plant world. Botanical drawing is a craft that can be learned from scratch. Patience, perseverance, joy in precise work, and English skills are advantageous but not mandatory. Note Be prepared for additional costs for individual expenses such as art supplies, travel, meals, accommodation, and literature. Source: www.weiterbildung.swiss

Highlights

• Course in botanical painting and illustration
• 54 days distributed over 3 modules
• Location: ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil

General Information

The course teaches techniques of botanical painting and illustration over three modules. Participants learn to depict plants precisely and realistically, using various materials and methods.

Location

Grüentalstrasse, 8820 Wädenswil, Switzerland

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