10am-4pm

The course

Botanical Illustration has a long tradition dating back 2000 years to the early herbals, when the recording of plant information helped botanists to identify herbs for medicinal purposes.

Using specimens from the museum gardens, create your own accurate illustrations of some of these important plants. The course is suitable for all abilities and allows you the opportunity to work at your own pace with help and guidance from your tutor.

The Tutor

Leigh Ann Gale is a professional botanical artist and diploma graduate of the English Gardening School, Chelsea Physic Garden. She is an RHS group medallist, Fellow of the Hampton Court Palace Florilegium Society and member of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Her work is included in the Royal Archives and featured in the permanent collection of the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, USA, plus many private collections in the UK and abroad.

Leigh Ann teaches botanical illustration in Sussex, Surrey and south London, and undertakes commissioned work.

Participants

The courses is limited to 10 people.

Materials

Watercolours and/or coloured pencils (including water-soluble if you wish)

Graphite pencils 2H, H, HB

Rags

Putty rubber or good quality eraser

Hot pressed watercolour paper 300g/m2 (140lb)

Tracing paper, scissors, magic tape or low grade adhesive tape

Sable watercolour brushes with good points e.g size 0 and size 3

Cartridge paper for drawing

Fees

£60 per person to include materials, tuition, tea and coffee

The Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has over 45 historic building exhibits.  It is also home to the award winning and innovative Downland Gridshell, which houses a conservation workshop and artefact store, and is also used for many practical courses.  The Museum runs a full programme of courses in historic building conservation and traditional rural trades and crafts, along with MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Please telephone for further details.

To book, download a form here. Alternatively, fill in the booking request below.