Class Reflection: RBGE Introduction to Botanical Drawing
After attending a few art classes, I’ve caught the bug! I booked on to attend an Introduction to Botanical Drawing course at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Through my studies, I’ve learned how important drawings are for botanical work. My final pieces are only as good as my initial drawings. If I want to see improvement I am going to have to improve my life drawing skills. Before this class, all of my paintings had been done through photographs and online references.
This two day course pushed my creativity and taught me some important tips on drawing from life. Sharon Tingey, a respected botanical artist, who has won awards for her work with RHS, headed our class. We learned how to draw measured drawings from life, understanding perspective and accurately depicting botanical specimens. The first day focused on measurements using points, pencil firmness, line and shape.
The first half of the day was a breeze, I felt I depicted my apple well and understood how to get measurements accurately. I learned how to hold my ruler straight out in front of me and measure with 1 eye closed without tilting the ruler to get the points right. I remember being proud of my work, however by lunchtime we started on foreshortening leaves. I found the concept of foreshortening extremely difficult and didn't get it right away. Despite my frustrating afternoon, I was determined to continue and not let it get to me.
The second day pushed these skills further and built on them as we learned about shading with different pencil families. Our value studies deepened my understanding of 3D forms. By the end of the day, I’d rendered an apple and mushroom portrait and was extremely happy with my work.
I think what would’ve made this course better would’ve been drawing florals and specimens from the gardens. I also would’ve benefited from a different teaching style. Having gone to a few art classes now, I’ve noticed different approaches to teaching. For this introductory course and because everyone would be starting at ‘ground zero’ I think it's vital for the teacher to remember how important it is to encourage students even in areas of difficulty. While struggling with foreshortening leaves, I was met with a few curt comments. I think encouragement would’ve been better placed here, especially for a student showing significant interest and intent to continue in future.
I didn’t let this stay with me and resolved to practice more after class to improve in areas I found difficult. Overall, I would recommend these short courses for anyone wanting to deepen their skills in botanical drawing and looking for a challenge.
My favourite memory has to be walking around the gardens after class. My husband and I made some beautiful memories walking around the gardens hand in hand. It makes such a difference having a spouse just as excited about my work as I am and I will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement.
