Leonie is one of Australia’s leading botanical artists and an international tutor and author. The external course allows work to be completed from the comfort of home at an individual pace. It is suitable for absolute beginners or the experienced artist wanting to learn new skills.

Much more personal one-to-one tuition is gained than by attending a class and there are absolutely no time restrictions.

All Modules are sent with step by step demonstrations and examples to follow, along with detailed course notes and assignments to be completed.

Course Outline

TUTOR:   Leonie Norton

BA/VA, BFA (Hons) Scientific Plant  Illustration, Grad.Dip.VET (Adult Educ)

Learn to draw and paint plants and flowers. Enjoy the beauty of botanical art. Explore pencil and watercolour techniques, including the principles of tone, highlights, composition and perspective. Learn to use watercolours, including mixing and layering of colours as well as various techniques. Work at your own pace. This course is suitable for all levels of ability. Develop new skills or extend existing skills.

STAGE I - DRAWING

Module 1

• What is botanical art?
• Course Content
• Drawing Materials
• Drawing Techniques
• Light Source
• Reflected Light
• Tonal Values

Module 2

• Drawing Leaves
• Foreshortening
• Perspective
• Using tonal and reflected light to create a 3-dimensional drawing
• Assignments

Module 3: The Master Drawing

• Using a Drawing Board
• The Subject:
  • Degrees of difficulty
  • Obtaining Plant Specimens
  • Plant Preservation
• How to begin
• Drawing Method
• Composition
• Tonal contrast
• Light Against Dark
• Highlights
• Assignments

STAGE II – WATERCOLOUR PAINTING

Module 4:  Watercolour

• How to transfer drawing onto watercolour paper
• Watercolour Materials List
• Colour Charts (make 450 colours from 6 primary colours)
• Pre-printed Arches  watercolour sheets supplied
• Colour matching
• Watercolour Wash technique
• Assignments

Module 5

• How to paint leaves
• Step by Step demonstration on painting a leaf, including various wash intensities
• Dry Brush technique
• How to paint your subject
• Colour Studies, Colour Matching
• Creating Shadow Colours
• Assignments

Module 6

• Botanical Lettering
• How to Paint Waterdrops Step by Step
• Examples of Waterdrops on Leaves and Petals
• Assignments

Module 7

• Plant dissections
• How to complete the Final Painting
• Step by Step Examples of Watercolour Washes
• Personal Critique Checklist
• The Signature
• Removing Creases and Buckling from Watercolour Paper
• Matting and Framing
• Final Painting for Assessment

A  CERTIFICATE OF BOTANICAL MERIT IS  ISSUED ON COMPLETION OF COURSE