Botanical Illustration Program
Botanical illustration is the well-established tradition of portraying plants for scientific purposes. Learn the skills to render plants in remarkable scientific detail and the artistic techniques needed to create beautiful and lasting plant portraits.
Botanical illustration renders the beauty and inspiration we experience in the flora around us. It can record vanishing species for historical record and provide opportunities for study even centuries later. Our world-renowned program provides students and scholars with the opportunity to hone their skills in this specialized genre.
We focus on technique as well as the plants themselves, with courses in botany and microscopy, and lectures from visiting artists. From small, highly interactive classes to real-world opportunities for exhibition, sales and publication, the Gardens has every tool needed to instruct and inspire flourishing botanical artists.
You do not need previous botanical or illustration experience. Our program is open to everyone with interest and will teach you all you need to know. Some classes have prerequisites, however. Please check that you have taken any required prerequisites before registering in a course.
This program is designed to provide students with everything they need to be a successful botanical illustrator.
The core curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in the artistic techniques aesthetic vision you’ll need to render plants in remarkable scientific detail, creating beautiful and lasting plant portraits.
Lectures include Café Botanique and other selected lectures.