About the event

Ruth Wharrier’s adventurous course will do more than help build the art of botanical illustration. It will encourage intimate attention to plants, which is the key to understanding and respecting them. 
Richard Mabey, June 2021

Level 3 Certificate in Botanical Drawing and Painting 

A unique opportunity to study botanical illustration within Carlton Marshes nature reserve with experienced botanical artist and illustrator, Ruth Wharrier. This level 3 certificate in Botanical Drawing and Painting provides learners with the knowledge and skills required to develop a wide range of skills in botanical painting and illustration. 

Course participants will receive tuition in botanical drawing and painting techniques, composition, botany, historical context and field skills. Environmental and ecological awareness and natural history are integral aspects of the course.  

Based in the Visitor Centre at Carlton Marshes, participants will have a unique opportunity to study and explore the rich natural resources of the nature reserve through field work. In addition, opportunities will be given to access research facilities. 

Course director and tutor – Ruth Wharrier PGCE, BA (Hons), EGS 

Ruth is a graduate of the prestigious Diploma in Botanical Illustration from the English Gardening School at the Chelsea Physic Garden, London. Since qualifying in 2011, Ruth has worked as a botanical and wildlife illustrator and tutor for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Progression routes: 

This qualification will enable learners to go on to further study for the Level 4 qualification. 

Entry requirements: 

Although there is no formal level of qualification necessary for entry to this course, there is a need to demonstrate a high level of motivation and personal commitment to botanical illustration. 

Students will need to demonstrate a pre-existing level of skill in drawing and painting, particularly in observational drawing or have completed a Level 2 in Botanical Drawing and Painting. Places are extremely limited (10 students) 

Potential students simply need to photograph and send (by email or post) three examples of their observational drawing. The work can be all pencil, but may also include an example of watercolour.

Students should also demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for the subject. 

Course duration: 

12 days (5 hours) of guided learning over 6 months, January to July (term time). 

Dates for this programme are: 
January 13th and 27th; 
February 10th; 
March 3rd, 17th and 31st; 
April 28th; 
May 12th and 19th; 
June 9th and 23rd; 
July 7th.
Final project hand in on July 21st.

In addition, students should allocate additional time during the week to complete coursework. 

Mondays 10am – 3pm. Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve  

Teas and coffees will be served on arrival and throughout the day.  

Lunch is available to purchase from the cafe, the current menu can be found here. Alternatively you can bring a packed lunch. 

Please note our courses are non-refundable and non-transferable and we run all our courses based on a minimum number of participants. Please ensure you have read and agree to the terms and conditions and Learner Agreement before booking. 

If you are a school or other organisation wishing to book your place via invoice please complete the online booking form here.

Drawing techniques 

Drawing techniques using graphite pencil and paper.
Basic principles of perspective: to include drawing flowers and leaves in perspective.
Form: using light to render the third dimension.
Pen and Ink techniques. 

Watercolour painting techniques 

Control of materials: water, paint and paper.
Traditional watercolour painting skills used by botanical artists: laying washes, superimposed washes and graduated washes.
Form and finishing: through layering of washes and dry brush to create form and detail.
Effective use of colour: colour theory and the basics of mixing and/or layering colour. 

Botany 

Course members will learn about basic botany, plant families and dissection.
Observation: learning basic flower and plant structure through observing and recording.
Drawing: understanding what is relevant to record and the associated conventions.
Fieldwork sketchbook assignment. 

Historical Context 

All course members will learn about the historical context of botanical drawing and painting through the study of artists, explorers and scientists who made contributions to the world of botanical painting and illustration. Learner's will have access to a number of archives. 

Working in the field 

 Learners will keep a sketchbook and be shown methods and techniques for field sketching. The sketchbook will be submitted at the end of the course to be considered alongside assignment credits. 

Talk on Botanical conservation and guided walk of Carlton Marshes reserve.

Field work will be carried out on site at Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve. 

Composition and aesthetics 

Composition: balance of line, form and colour and associated conventions.

Classwork and Assignments 

All work practiced in class will be kept in a portfolio along with assignments. In addition, the course member’s sketchbook will be considered in the final assessment of their coursework assignments. 

Six assignments will be judged on a modular basis: this means that each assignment will carry marks which will count towards the total marks at the end of the course. 

Assessment and Quality Assurance

Assignments will be marked and assessed by the course director/tutor, Ruth Wharrier and the course botanist. Formative and summative internal and external quality assurance will be carried out  to ensure accurate judgements are reached. Module and assignment criteria will be shared with students throughout the course. 

Endorsements
Botanical art and natural history illustration bring together art, maths and science in the live setting that is the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Being curious is the first step to introducing visitors, young and not-so young to the delights of investigation, recording and drawing the features of the flora and fauna around us.   Ruth Wharrier is an excellent teacher, botanical artist and wildlife illustrator whose passion brings drawings and paintings alive on the page.

Helen Allen. Botanical artist and teacher, Principal of The Chelsea School of Botanical Art 2014-2018

Fortunate students, to study this centuries-old practice amidst the abundant source of inspiration provided by Carlton Marshes, coupled with Ruth's extensive knowledge and passion for her subject.

Zeb Soanes. Author, Broadcaster and Patron of the Mammal Society.