Botanical Illustration - Summer in Bloom

This day course is intended for people with experience in botanical drawing and painting and for those with no previous knowledge of the subject and are willing to have a go with support from the tutor. In both these cases, the tutor will ensure that total beginners will get the instruction and support they need, and that those who are more advanced in the subject will be encouraged to show progression in attention to detail and accurate representation of the chosen specimen.

Learn how to observe and record directly from a single specimen using a flower from the garden or garden centre. This could be, for example, a daisy, or a wild buttercup but choose a flower which you feel an affinity towards in terms of shape and colour and one that will stay in water without wilting too much. You will learn to depict accuracy of scale using a sharp B or 2B pencil or propelling pencil through line and tonal drawing; moving towards and using watercolour paints on to hot pressed paper. You will experiment with the use of flat and gradated colour washes to represent and capture tone and form of your chosen flower.

The lesson will be classroom based and supported by Google Classroom. This is our virtual learning space which will enhance your learning experience and will be used for resources, assessment, as well as to extend learning and support independent learning.  You will be able to access Google Classroom via your secure leicesterlearns account. So that you can be successful in learning the subject, we do require that you arrive promptly.  You will be asked to contribute to a Learning Plan on which you and the tutor will be able to chart your progress. You will be expected to comment briefly in writing on your learning, and your tutor will give you feedback and suggestions on ways in which you can improve. Extra costs: All equipment will be provided for you to use in this one day session. You are welcome to bring your own art materials if you want to practice using more than the kit provided in class.

There will be no exams or qualifications, as the course will focus on creative activities. The Tutor will use a combination of group demonstrations and one-to-one support.

If you wish to expand your knowledge further there are a number of structured Art courses that focus on specific techniques that are run at Leicester Adult Education, Bishopdale Learning Hub & local community centres within the city. You can enrol on these courses by contacting our enrolment team on 0116 454 1900. You can access free impartial careers Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) through the careers service at Leicester Adult Education. We are here to help you to make informed choices about your future pathways and support you to progress towards your goals. We can support you with 1-2-1 IAG tailored to your needs, via Google Classroom and through our resources such as Kudos AD© & our Careers Zone. Please telephone 01164541900, contact reception, speak to your tutor, email dkilgariff@leicesterlearns.ac.uk to make an appointment or for further information.