An Introduction to Botanical Illustration

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.

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.

All learners are eligible for an NUS Extra card.

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.)

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.

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.

• This course could provide a route into a career in botanical illustration
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation
  RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting
  Start Gardening – the Basics and Beyond
  The Principles of Gardening
  Introduction to Garden Design
  Garden Landscape and Design Drawing (G. L. A. D. D.)
  Garden Planting and Layout
  Beautiful Gardens
  Garden Landscape Construction
  Japanese Garden Design
  Interior Landscaping

You do not need previous drawing or painting experience to enrol on this course.

There are 2 ways you can enrol

• Pay the total course fee of £295 in one sum and also receive a special gift from our selection – free
• or
• Pay a deposit of just £95, followed by 4 instalments of £50