Botanical Illustration Certificate Program
Designed to provide a certificate of competence in the classical approaches and disciplines of botanical illustration, this program teaches you to draw and paint plants in a technically detailed manner. Drawing on the Garden’s mission to engage people with the natural world, our courses emphasize proper set-up of live specimens, accurate drawing, correct depiction of tone and value, and work in the traditional media of pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink and watercolor.
We are excited to announce that new entry into the program will resume in 2025! Program details will be available by mid-2025, but introductory classes for the new program are a part of the Winter/Spring 2025 course catalog. We are offering 2 sections of Botanical Art History – Becoming Part of an Enduring Tradition and 2 sections of Introduction to Botanical Drawing 1. Both classes are required Core classes in the new curriculum and Introduction to Botanical Drawing 1 is the required introductory drawing class needed to begin your journey in the program. View 2025 winter/spring Botanical Illustration courses.
The Program:
Complete the Core Curriculum courses, participate in elective classes, participate in a skills assessment review and complete a final project to earn the certificate.
View the current season’s available courses and link to online registration.
Curriculum
Curriculum updates are underway. Students follow the curriculum current the year they enroll in the program.
Core Classes (required)
- Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Botany for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Color Mixing for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Introduction to Pen & Ink for Scientific Illustration (20 hrs.)
All courses except “Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration” have pre-requisites. These are noted in the online class descriptions. Only students who are enrolled in the certificate program can take courses beyond “Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration,” which is open to anyone.
Skills Assessment Workshop
(scheduled after completion of the above core classes)
Additional Required Classes
- Intermediate Watercolor for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Composition for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
- Advanced Watercolor for Botanical Illustration (20 hrs.)
Electives (Minimum of 60 hours)
A selection of elective courses is offered each season, along with Core Curriculum courses. View the current season’s available courses and link to online registration.
Final Portfolio Review
Program Details:
Current hours required: Minimum 240
Cost: Enrollment in the certificate program is free. Classes cost between $9-$12 per hour, plus materials, if provided. Per hour cost for guest artist instruction may run higher.
Advisor Program: As an enrollee, you are assigned an advisor after your skills assessment workshop who is available to guide you and act as a resource while you complete the work that will be reviewed for your final presentation.
Primary Instructors: Sheila Hayden, John Hayden, Stephey Baker, Claudette Baker, Judith Towers, Gail Goodrich Harwood
To enroll: Complete and submit the GES Botanical Illustration enrollment form.
NOTE: Our certificate curriculum is currently being revitalized. New certificate enrollments are on hold during the Winter/Spring season, through at least April 2024 to allow time for this revitalization process. To place your name on the certificate interest list, please email [email protected] and you will receive an email when enrollments resume.
NOTE: Additional required core classes are under development and may be added to the program. The total number of required hours will remain at 240.
Want to learn more about the Garden’s historic botanical illustration examples? Visit our Library to explore the Garden’s collection of significant botanical paintings by A. Descubes and the Imperial Edition of Reichenbachia: Orchids Illustrated and Described.
Available Courses for the Current Season
View the current available schedule of classes for Botanical Illustration and link to online registration for all available classes.
Explore Art in the Garden Classes
Check out Art in the Garden for a variety of classes open to all that will enhance your understanding and appreciation for the natural world, teach new skills, and allow you to enjoy the company of like-minded artists!
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