You can spread the cost of our course with Interest Free Credit on selected courses**.
This is exclusively available for a limited time by calling us on 0800 083 9191 or 01409 220 777.
Horticultural Correspondence College Limited is registered in England no. 03819370. Lyne Akres, Brandis Corner, Devon, EX22 7YH. Horticultural Correspondence College is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, register number 774548 and acts as a credit broker and offers finance through the Deko platform, which is provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd. Omni Capital Retail Finance Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Reference number 720279. Credit is provided to UK residents with a UK bank account, subject to age and status.
An Introduction to Botanical Illustration
Discover the pure pleasure of capturing the beauty of a plant
Drawing is fun, sharpens your observation, and the concentration required to do it is also incredibly therapeutic. Suitable for beginners, this course will give you the basic skills to create beautiful and accurate botanical drawings and watercolour paintings. Using a variety of plant specimens, you will start by exploring drawing techniques such as tonal sketching, composition and creating an outline. You will then learn the subtleties of handling and mixing watercolour, which with its translucency and flexibility is an ideal medium for describing plant structure and colour.
- Learn how to observe, draw and paint the complex and captivating structures of the plant kingdom
- Flexible home-study learning so you can fit your learning around your work and life
- Quality course material and excellent tutor support – to help you achieve your goals
- On successful completion you will receive an HCC Certificate
- Suitable for both amateurs and professionals
- No previous experience needed
How the course works
How the courses work
Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.
This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.
The extensive course materials have been developed by botanic illustration experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)
The course includes all the required study materials. These include a video which demonstrates watercolour techniques. You are expected to provide your own art equipment (such as pencils, brushes, paints) and your tutor can advise on what is needed.
There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate. You have 2 years to complete the course.
Support
We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.
Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.
You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
What you will learn
Lesson 1 – Drawing
Structure, identification and function features
Choose 4 from the following 8 assignments to complete:
Topic 1 – Habit and Structure
Topic 2 – Drawing an Outline
Topic 3 – Foliage
Topic 4 – Tone
Topic 5 – Flowers
Topic 6 – Roots
Topic 7 – Composition
Lesson 2 – Watercolour techniques
Using watercolour to illustrate plant morphology
Choose 4 from the following 8 assignments to complete:
Topic 1 – Handling and Mixing Watercolour
Topic 2 – Watercolour Washes
Topic 3 – Leaves
Topic 4 – Flowers
Topic 5 – Monocots, Grasses, Sedges and Rushes
Topic 6 – Conifers
(As an extra teaching aid, this lesson is accompanied by a sequence of video clips on a disc.)
Study length
If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.
*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.
Qualifications
There are no exams. On successful completion of this course you will receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).
* The HCC Certificate will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.
Career opportunities/progression
Entry requirements
You do not need previous drawing or painting experience to enrol on this course.
Enrol now
There are 2 ways you can enrol
- Pay the total course fee of £345 in one sum and receive a voucher towards the cost of your next course
- or
- Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 5 instalments of £50
