BOTANICAL DRAWING : COURSE OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME 2014
COURSE OVERVIEW
Drawing is an inspirational tool with which we can gather together, investigate and
express the world that surrounds us, and so it is the perfect tool for looking at and learning
how to see plants.
Based in the magnificent drawing studios of The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art
and in the nearby University of Oxford Botanic Gardens, this course offers a unique
opportunity to learn a broad range of essential drawing skills, including the best use of
materials and techniques, while immersed in the rich diversity of the plant species that
grow in both an historic botanical garden and along the banks and meadows of the nearby
river Thames.
This intensive drawing course aims to inspire confidence in the beginner and refresh the
work of the more experienced artist. No previous experience is needed. Basic materials are
provided and participants who complete the course will achieve a portfolio of both
experimental and traditional drawings, and will have learned skills relevant to both fine
art practice and botanical illustration.
This studio course includes illustrated lectures and demonstrations by artist and writer Dr
Sarah Simblet, a guided tour of Oxford University Botanic Garden by the Gardens Curator
Tom Price, a free one year pass to the Botanic Garden, and a unique opportunity to visit
the Oxford University Herbaria Collections at the Department of Plant Sciences, to view
many of the original 18th century paintings made by Ferdinand Bauer for John Sibthorpe’s
Flora Graeca. A talk on this work is given by Druce Curator Dr Stephen Harris.
COURSE PROGRAMME
Day One
10am.
Registration & Welcome with Coffee.
10.30am.
Course Introduction with Dr Sarah Simblet
10.40.
Drawing to See
Sarah Simblet will show a selection of her own drawings and talk
about the development of her studio practice. She will demonstrate
how she researches, collects and works with live plants, how she
draws with pen and ink, and how she plans and creates a book.
12.30pm – 2pm.
Lunch Break.
2 pm.
A Tour of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden
Lead by Gardens Curator Tom Price. Participants will be given a free
pass to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden, which will be valid
during opening hours for one calendar year.
3pm – 5.30pm.
Drawing in the Botanic Garden with Sarah Simblet.
Advice on working outdoors, followed by drawing all afternoon in the
garden with one-to-one tuition.
Day Two : The Elements of Drawing Part One
10.00 am
The first of four illustrated morning talks (including practical
demonstrations and group discussion) in which Sarah separates,
simplifies and explains the elements of drawing. Part One begins with
looking at lines, marks and gesture, together with focus, rhythm and
pictorial balance. Sarah will also discuss the importance of scale, body
posture and how a pencil is held.
12.30pm – 2pm.
Lunch Break.
2pm – 5.30pm
Studio Drawing Class. Experimental mark making with brushes, ink,
large scale paper and garden canes. This session focusses on how to
see and express the individual character of a plant, together with the
importance and visual impact of scale. (All materials for this class are
provided.)
Day Three : The Elements of Drawing Part Two
10.00 am
Sarah continues her illustrated talk about the Elements of Drawing
with shape, length, volume, form and looking for simple geometry in
the architecture of plants.
10.30 - 12.30 pm
Structural Drawing Class.
Internal structure in relation to external form. Understanding where,
why and how the parts of a plant connect. Making sheets of analytical
drawings followed by a 3D paper construction. Working with pencils,
erasers, scissors and paper.
12.30pm – 2pm
Lunch Break.
2pm – 3.30pm
A unique opportunity to visit to Oxford University Herbaria
Collections at the Department of Plant Sciences to see the original
work of Ferdinand Bauer; a selection of watercolour paintings
produced for John Sibthorpe’s Flora Graeca. An introduction to this
work will be given by Druce Curator Dr Stephen Harris.
4pm - 6pm
Return to the Ruskin Drawing Studio to continue with structural
drawing.
Day Four : The Elements of Drawing Part Three
10.00 am
Understanding light, tone, optical illusions and linear perspective.
11.30am
Studio Drawing Class. Making large scale charcoal studies of a chosen
plant form, focussing on the perspective of volume in space and how
to model a surface with strong tonal contrast.
12.30pm – 2pm.
Lunch Break.
2pm – 5.30pm
Continuing with tonal studies in the Ruskin Drawing Studio. One-toone tuition with Sarah Simblet. Optional time to draw outside in the
Botanic Garden or nearby meadows.
Day Five : The Elements of Drawing Part Four
10.00 am
The purchase and best use of drawing materials including a range of
papers. How to make your own field sketch book and the use of a
hand lens.
11am – 12.30 am
Botanical Drawing with a Dip Pen and Japanese Ink.
Sarah will give an advanced Master Class (practical demonstration) in
the use of pen and ink for botanical drawing.
12.30pm – 2pm
Lunch Break.
2pm – 5pm
Botanical Drawing with Pen and Ink
Drawing Session in the Ruskin Studio.
5pm
Group display and critique of selected work produced
during the course.
5.30pm
Course concludes.