Diploma and Certificate Courses - offered by organisations
in the UK and USA
​ 

These are typically structured, systematic and in-depth (long) courses of varying length, quality and cost.
​​This page covers
​
CHECKLISTS AND GUIDELINES  about how to
  • assess the available options (see recommended checklist)
  • choose a course 
With cautionary notes about
  • the extreme variation in length, content and standards between typical courses
  • the lack of external validation by any academic body
SUMMARY LISTINGS of Diploma and Certificate Courses in Botanical Art and/or Illustration
  • in the UK 
  • in the USA
This page is updated periodically. Before making a choice and paying any money you  should ALWAYS:
  • carefully review all information on the websites of the course(s) you are interested in and
  • not rely on this website which may be out of date.

GUIDELINES:
​How to assess your options and choose a course
​

IMPORTANT
NONE of the Diplomas or Certificates are academically validated within a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) to a specific standardised level of knowledge and competence. ​They may not follow the normal protocols for externally validated academic Diploma / Certificate Courses 
Diplomas based in the UK are not included in the Register of Regulated Qualifications. 
"Diploma" and "Certificate" in this context are just words. 
​
They are NOT in any way academic credentials within the conventional "accredited qualification" sense of these words.

​READ Is the Course formally accredited within a regulated qualifications framework? BELOW
Those wanting to develop their knowledge, skills and competence in botanical art and illustration often opt for a more structured and in-depth course over a longer period.

In doing so they often look at the "Diploma" and "Certificate" Courses offered by:
  • botanical gardens
  • botanical art societies
  • botanical art schools
  • ​botanical art tutors
The MAIN PROBLEM for those wanting to sign up for a course is that although the words might indicate they are pretty similar, the reality is that...
Diploma and Certificate Courses can be VERY different.
  • Some are very good - but there is no objective or standardised or independently validated basis for saying which is best 
  • Some need to improve (e.g. content and/or delivery and/or communication of what they do!)​​
  • Some are long - others are not
  • some are delivered online - and some are not
  • Some are VERY expensive - others less so
  • bottom line: as a prospective you are, in effect, comparing "apples and pears" due to the extent of the differences.
I RECOMMEND that you research ALL the options for instruction
​open to you before signing up and parting with your cash. 
Try setting a budget that you can afford for (say) 2 or 3 years
Identify all available options which interest you within that budget
Use the CHECKLIST below to review and score each of the options to produce a shortlist of preferred options
The only formal recognised qualifications in botanical art are those acquired at university within a Natural History degree. 
a teacher of botanical art

CHECKLIST OF QUESTIONS

I recommend that you ask the same questions of each course and then compare answers

Does the course information:
  • BASELINE SKILL LEVEL: Does the information specify a skill level I need to have before I can start the course and/or indicate my previous artwork will be assessed?
  • VENUE/FACILITIES: Where / how will the course will be delivered; what facilities are available?
  • COURSE: Is the course part of a validated course? i.e. a module or programme which a degree-awarding body approves to contribute, or lead, to one of their awards. 
  • SYLLABUS / CONTENT: Does the syllabus indicate the range of content covered by taught and/or private study modules?  Is the delivery of syllabus content models structured in a coherent and logical way?
  • DESCRIPTION: Does the course description tend to focus on
    • EITHER inputs i.e. what the tutor does 
    • OR learning outcomes i.e. what you will know and be able to do on completing the course?
  • LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Are the learning objectives for every module clearly spelt out?
  • OUTCOMES: How does the course define the knowledge, skills and competences that diligent students acquire as an outcome of taking this course i.e. what can you hope to achieve?
  • EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: ​indicate what resources will be available to assist with learning e.g. course guides; course books; videos; demonstrations
  • NAMES OF TUTORS: Does the course state the names and experience of the tutors for the course and/or each specific course / module?
  • QUALIFICATIONS TO TEACH: state the TEACHING qualifications of a teacher/tutor for teaching a specific course?
  • CONTACT TIME: define standards for how often a student ( or students) will meet with a tutor face to face and for how long (or the equivalent access if distance learning or online). Is the balance between taught lessons and private study indicated?
  • ASSESSMENT: How is the acquisition of knowledge, skills and competence is assessed? Is the criteria for course assessment clearly explained?
  • FEES: Does the course have one fee or a number of different fees? 
  • REFUND: indicate whether a refund is available and the terms?
  • CONTRACT: Are the terms and conditions of the course contract you will be asked to sign clearly stated BEFORE you pay the course fee?
  • ORGANISATION: Is the organisation recognised by an approved body and accredited to award qualifications?
  • BUSINESS DETAILS: detail a business name, name of contact person, business address and contact telephone numbers and email address for the organisation / tutor delivering the course?
  • RECOMMENDATIONS: Ask around - find out whether or not the course and/or the tutors are recommended - but bear in mind ex-students are more likely to have experience of different tutors than different courses.

What will you learn?
​

In choosing a course, prospective students should identify:
  • the quantity and quality of the information about the course available to a prospective student - PRIOR to payment of any fee
  • the course objectives - if stated - and the learning objectives for each module along the way
  • the target audience i.e. what skills are required before you start
  • what knowledge, skills and competences will be taught and how these will be taught
  • how progress is assessed - in terms of knowledge, skills and competence
  • basic information about the organisation running the course

How is the course structured?
​

It's usual for a Certificate course to precede Diploma level courses if both are offered.
Most Certificate and Diploma Courses typically adopt a modular approach (but not always).
These often involve:
  • specification of required modules for all students
  • completion of a specified number of additional elective modules according to the student's interest
  • the completion of 'pre-registration' modules for those who are required to achieve a certain level of knowledge and skill prior to attempting a more advanced module.

Criteria for differentiating between a Pass level and Merit or Distinction should be VERY explicit and consistent over time.

Where both a Certificate and Diploma Course is offered, there should be
  • clear statements as to how these differ and inter-relate - and
  • what the target knowledge and skill outcomes are for students following each type of course.

Will the method used for course delivery suit you / be affordable?
​

Each option has its pros and cons - you need to work out which one suits you best.
Courses offered can be taught in various ways:
  • face to face in a classroom and/or
  • distance learning using post and/or
  • distance learning using online facilities.
​I RECOMMEND You check / assess:
  • what is the total contact teaching time?
  • what is the suggested time allocated to private study inbetween classes?
  • what specific support materials are also available in terms of books, manuals, videos etc
  • the learning environment (e.g. at home or in a botanic garden environment) and what that has to offer,
  • whether the method of course delivery is affordable and/or will suit you (e.g. convenience vs. additional expenses of travel and/or hotels etc)

How good is the course?
​

Diploma Courses are often NOT cheap.

Students would be wise to satisfy themselves that a course is both
  • good quality
  • represents good value for money. ​
I RECOMMEND prospective students SHOULD:
  • Make the most of opportunities to meet tutors and learn about the courses e.g. Diploma Courses in the UK often have trade stands at the RHS Botanical Art Show
  • Check the websites / quality of the artwork produced in the past by the tutors before signing up for a course. Are they dedicated botanical artists? Have they trained in art? Have they qualified as teachers. While an artist who produces good botanical artwork does not always make a good tutor, any botanical art teacher must be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and skills in order to be able to teach them! (That's not always the same as being able to demonstrate in a classroom; health issues can lead to difficulties in painting - but not difficulties in teaching)
  • Check the artwork of students following the course - many of them post their work on Facebook!
  • Listen out for recommendations and/or comments. Do what you'd normally do when making an investment in something new. Ask current or recent students for comments about the quality of the current tuition and whether they'd recommend he course to a best friend. Do however remember that most students only have experience of once course. Recommendations about specific tutors are much more likely to be useful in informing a decision.

Is the Course formally accredited within a regulated qualifications framework?
​

The short answer is "No". If you want to know why not read on.
​
WHEN IS A DIPLOMA NOT A DIPLOMA

In most Higher Education contexts, the term "Diploma" has a specific meaning - however the meaning of this term is NOT universal. ​It means different things to different people. To be perfectly honest, it's VERY confusing.

Having spent part of my career working within the professional education division of my chartered professional institute and after researching this section for CURRENT regulated framework standards, I'm actually very surprised that "Diploma" is not a regulated term i.e. it can only be used in association with and within the context of a regulated framework.

But it's not - which is
  • WHY some confusion arises and
  • WHY I've written this section.
COURSES IN THE UK

Most BOTANICAL ART Diploma and Certificate Courses in the UK:
are NOT formally accredited within
  • the European Qualifications Framework (EQF)
  • The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for general and vocational qualifications regulated by Ofqual in England
  • The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ)
  • The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) for all qualifications in Scotland;
This means they do NOT undergo any formal assessment or external validation/accreditation of the course by an independent and approved/recognised educational body/learning institution - such as a university or regulatory authority related to educational qualifications (unless otherwise stated).
COURSE IN THE USA

I cannot comment on the system in the USA but course websites I've looked at typically make it clear IF a course is
  • academically validated to a specific standard by an external regulating body such as a university.
  • a regulated vocational course
  • a leisure course
(e.g. it's not uncommon for a distinction to be made between a leisure course and an academic course.)

I've not yet found one which indicates it is an academically validated course.
CONTEXT: How are qualifications assessed?

Most countries have a structured system for regulating qualifications to provide an easy way for
  • students to understand what level of study they are embarking upon and
  • to avoid  "degree mill" type abuses.

EXAMPLE: In England:
REFERENCE (UK):
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

​ALL Diploma and Certificate courses can and do VARY VERY SIGNIFICANTLY between different organisations

This is due to the lack of:
  • any sort of meaningful common framework and/or
  • any accredited standards related to regulated qualification frameworks
Diploma Courses in Botanical Art will VARY in terms of:
  • the level and quality of DELIVERY in one place compared to another. For example the standard of one institution's Diploma might be called a Certificate elsewhere!
  • the QUALITY STANDARDS AND QUALITY OF CONTENT. Look for demonstration of competence in education and teaching e.g.
    • defined teaching objectives
    • measurable outputs/outcomes 
    • defined knowledge, skills and competences that a student is expected to acquire. 
    • If a course description is vague in terms of syllabus and content and transferable knowledge, skills and competences, it's much more likely that quality will also vary very significantly - because nobody is setting standards and measuring whether they are achieved.
  • the length of TIME required and FEES required - some are very expensive. More expensive may mean better but it's absolutely NOT a guarantee.
  • the quantity and quality of SUPPORT MATERIALS - from handouts, through manuals, books and videos.
    • Look to see whether there are samples on the website marketing the courses - and check them out.
    • You can tell a lot by what organisations are prepared to share for free.
  • the names and quality of the TEACHERS / INSTRUCTORS teaching the course - Learning is more often achieved when individuals are taught by good teachers 
    • NOT all instructors are named - which in my opinion is a mistake. I think it's ESSENTIAL that you can see the calibre of work produced by somebody who you are paying to teach you.  This is not a view by shared by all those who provide courses.
    • The teaching ability and skills of botanical artists can vary enormously 
    • Most instructors are NOT trained teachers. Some are professionally qualified teachers, most are not (although having a qualification is not always a good indication of ability to teach!).  I choose to list those who have an accredited  qualification where this is stated publicly.  


​DIPLOMA & CERTIFICATE COURSES
​IN BOTANICAL ART / ILLUSTRATION
in 2022-3
​

Links to more information ​about the courses are embedded in their titles. ​
​
I aim to extend course information to include other locations around the world. ​Do please use the form at the bottom of the page ​to suggest a course delivered by a recognised art society or botanical art school ​ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

Botanical Art Diploma & Certificate Courses
​in the UK

Diploma Courses can potentially offer a structured and systematic education in botanical art and illustration - which is no longer offered by the universities. 

I RECOMMEND:
  • RESEARCH whether such Courses offer added value over and above 
  • FIND OUT out who has done different courses and what their views are - bearing in mind both courses and teacher change over time.
ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS
​
In order for a Diploma to be a transferable qualification recognised in other countries wholly depends on whether or not it forms part of an accredited framework of qualifications - which works internationally. 

In the UK, accredited qualifications all fall within a recognised structure and are regulated and accredited by one of the four main regulatory bodies in the UK who recognise awarding organisations and their qualifications.

So far as I am aware NONE of the Botanical Art Diplomas offered in the UK are "accredited qualifications" and accordingly their content and standards are likely to vary.

Society of Botanical Artists
​- Distance Learning Diploma Course
​

The Society of Botanical Artists was the first to offer a Distance Learning Diploma Course - taught by experienced members of the Society.
​The First Director was Margaret Stevens who wrote three of the books now used by the Course, co-authored a fourth and is now writing a fifth (to update and replace the first book). ​
​
"This course is highly structured and will require commitment and dedication" DLDC Briefing: Course 20 
SBA Diploma Course
Work by the Final Year Diploma students is exhibited every year at the Annual Exhibition of the Society of Botanical Artists
The SBA Distance Learning Diploma Course (DLDC)
This is unique endeavour among art societies - a distance learning course designed to raise the standards of botanical art which is taught by members of the Society. The Current DLDC Director is Simon Williams GM SBA

​You can SEE THE RESULTS at the SBA Annual Exhibition  which displays coursework by final year diploma students.

Features of the SBA DLDC:
  • Attracts students from all over the world due to its delivery via distance learning.  Current students come from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, South Africa, Brazil, Canada and the USA as well as Europe and the UK 
  • Designed for those with good basic skills in drawing and familiarity with watercolour painting (i.e. this is NOT a Foundation Course for those in need of basic skills).
  • A sample portfolio of your work is required with your application
  • Course lasts 27 months
  • Requires students to complete 11 assignments on a regular basis plus deliver a Diploma Portfolio of three artworks and an essay 
  • Graduation held in London. See a photo of the Graduation Ceremony in 2017

TEACHERS:  No details about Course 20 teachers are published.
(Note: The prospectus states all are respected botanical artists and Members of the SBA with many years of experience in a variety of fields ranging from teaching, illustration, botany and commercial design. All have individual CVs available for inspection if requested. Personally I'm bemused as to why names are not published as in my experience people want to know about who teaches a course.)

Course Books:  
VIEW the principle books developed for the SBA Diploma Course. 
The SBA have developed a suite of books to accompany their courses and aid the development of expertise of students of botanical art. These were landmark publications when first published. There were no other publications specifically written as support for a taught course. These books can also be bought by anybody. - and it's well worthwhile taking a look if thinking about applying for the course
READ MY REVIEWS of:
Picture
"The Botanical Palette" SBA Annual Exhibition (2008) - celebrating the publication of the SBA's book of the same name. On the left is the image by Ann Swan used for the front cover of her book about using coloured pencils for the creation of botanical art.
2SBA DLDC - Course 20
  • Commences on the 1st January 2023.  (27 months from January 2023 to May 2025)
  • Deadline for application forms and receipt of portfolios by Course Director: 30 September 2022 (and the deadline for DLDC Course 21 - starting in January 2024 - will be 30 September 2023)
  • DOWNLOAD the Distance Learning Diploma Course 20 Information Sheet (pdf) which details the prospectus, starting dates of Courses, application form, fees and payment arrangements.  PLUS the outline list of assignments and deadline dates for submission (Includes contact emails for queries)
The Information sheet for the next intake will be published around about May 2022. Applicarions close at the end of September each year. Offers of a place on the course will not be made until October 2022.

FEES: (Course 20) + student subscription to the Society for -month period:
  • £3,905 - Live in UK
  • £4,035 - Live in the European Union
  • £4,180 - Live in the rest of the world
  • course fees can be paid in instalments by arrangement
Note: Fees vary due to differences in postage costs. 

​11 Assignments for Course 20
  • Drawing (by Feb 2023) 
  • Monochrome (by April 2023)
  • Mixing Greens And Painting Leaves (by end June 2023)
  • Flowerheads (by end August 20223)
  • Flower Study (by mid October 2023)
  • Fruit, Vegetable or Spice Study (by mid December 2023)
  • Botany (by mid February 2024)
  • Tonal Resher (by mid March 2024)
  • Botanical Illustration (by April 2024)
  • Working In The Field (by end June 2023)
  • Working From Photographs (by end August 2024)
  • Mixed Flower Composition (by end October 2024)
Diploma Portfolio: A Four-Part Submission (due early March 2025)
  • Part 1: A True Botanical Illustration 
  • Part 2: A Mixed Study
  • Part 3: A Study Of Fruit Or Vegetables 
  • Part 4: Essay (2,500 words + 3 images min.)
REVIEW my Compendium Page on this website of links to past students' blog posts about their SBA Diploma Assignments and tips about how to approach the course Please note that requirements and assignments have changed over time.

Assessment: Course grade is based on modular assessment (10 marks per assignment)  with total marks converting to a final Diploma grade (Distinction = 90-100%)
Picture
Exhibits by SBA DLDC students at the Annual Exhibition in June 2019
The Art of Botanical Painting
by Margaret Stevens

​This is the basic text for the SBA's Distance Learning Diploma Course.
It was written by Margaret Stevens, an ex-President of the SBA and includes images by members of the society - many of whom are practising professional botanical artists.
IN-DEPTH REVIEW on this page
​This is an excellent book to get if you are contemplating applying for the Diploma Course as it gives you a very good idea of what is required.

​
See also my original Book Review: The Art of Botanical Painting
Not for beginners! This book is not aimed at those learning how to draw and paint. There is no attempt to explain or teach basic techniques relating to generic drawing and painting.
Katherine Tyrrell - Book Review: The Art of Botanical Painting (see above)
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Average Customer Rating out of 5 stars:
  • in UK: 4.6 (based on 145 customer reviews) (much higher when discount those who used rating to report problems with "look inside" )
  • in USA: 4.6 based on 143 customer reviews​​

Hardcover: 144 pages (2004)
Publisher: Collins in UK / Smithsonian in USA
Publication date: 1 Nov. 2004
Paperback: 144 pages (2015)
Publisher: Harper Thorsons in UK and Harper Collins (USA)
Date: 19 Nov. 2015

LEARN MORE NOW

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh Courses:
- Diploma in Botanical Illustration 
- Certificate in Botanical Illustration

Picture
Jacqui Pestell on the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh stand display about the Diploma and Certificate Courses in Botanical Illustration
The reputation of the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh (RBGE) in relation to training botanical illustrators is growing year by year. Course Director is Jacqui Pestell MBE BA (Hons) is a qualified educator in art who was awarded an MBE for the development of botanical art in Scotland. Click the links embedded in titles below for more information on the RGBE website.
RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration
We are delighted to announce details of the Online course that is due to start in March 2021. We recommend reading the attached handbook carefully before applying as it includes full details on content, structure, course dates and how to apply. There is also some guidance on how to prepare your portfolio which must shared online.
Email dated 23rd November
This course can be studied as an attended course (2 year) or as an online course (3 years) certified by the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh - which delivers a range of professional courses.
​
RBGE Diploma Course has TWO OPTIONS:
You can study for the Diploma Course
  • EITHER via a two year course taught at RGBE (for EU citizens entitled to reside in the UK)  
    • Download and read the Attended Course Applicants' Handbook 2019/21 (pdf)
    • There is no planned intake for the 2020/21 academic year. This is a two-year diploma course and RBGE cannot start a new intake until the current course completes in 2021. Plus future plans will be influenced by Covid-19 NOTE: THE ATTENDED COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY ON OFFER
    • To join the waiting list for this course, you should complete the contact us form.
  • OR via a three year distance learning which employs use of PropaGate, the RBGE’s virtual learning environment and online tutorials via Skype for those following the Online option. 
    • Download and read the Handbook 2021/24 (pdf) to find out how this works
    • The next ONLINE intake is January 2021 - registration deadline extended to 15th January 2021

FEES: £3,850 (including a £500 non-refundable deposit) 

Closing date for Course applications for 2018-21: 18th July 2018. An application form and online portfolio containing no more than ten pieces of work must be included.

TEACHERS:  RBGE tutors have a number of prestigious awards for their work in botanical art. They include:
Scope: 10 Modules cover both practical and theoretical topics.  The focus of this course is on the practice, theory, history, and applications of Botanical Illustration and contains a major element of hands-on creative artistic work. It focuses on observational drawing, pen-and-ink work and painting skills, but by the end of the course, students should develop expertise in a wide range of botanical illustration techniques.

The DRBGE Diploma Online Course Applicants' Handbook 2021/24 (pdf) is PUBLIC and follows the normal systematic format of most externally validated courses. It details:
  • description of each module
  • learning areas
  • specific assessment criteria for each module

Credits for each module are indicated below (total 200 credits):
  1. Drawing Fundamentals: leading to complex skills (5 credits)
  2. Painting Fundamentals: mixing and application (10 credits)
  3. Painting the Details (10 credits)
  4. Measured Drawing – pen & ink (10 credits)
  5. Other Media (10 credits)
  6. Complex Composition (10 credits)
  7. Botany: Plant Form and Function (5 credits)
  8. Historical Context (Pass only required)
  9. Native Tree Project (40 credits)
  10. Third Year Major Project (100 credits)

Assessment: Modules are assessed through activities, written research and final pieces of work.
BELOW is a video about the course and the PropaGate software used to deliver distance learning.
RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration
The Certificate is taught by experienced and enthusiastic tutors. It comprises eight full-day taught units with assessment built into the programme within a standard framework.

You do not need prior experience for this course. 

​The course consists of the 10 units:
  • CBI-01Context of Botanical Illustration and the sketchbook
  • CBI-02Drawing plants
  • CBI-03Modelling in 3D
  • CBI-04Colour and Mixing Painting
  • CBI-05Painting techniques 1
  • CBI-06Painting techniques 2
  • CBI-07Exploring Composition
  • CBI-08Composition
  • CBI-09Composition and Review
  • CBI-10Final Assessment
TWO OPTIONS:

1) ATTENDED)  The attended course is delivered as a one-year part-time course - but current planning has been complicated by Covid-19
2) ONLINE:
​FEES: £720 with full payment required on acceptance of a place.

Royal Botanic Garden Kew
​- Kew Certificate in Botanical Illustration

Kew has a tendency to behave as if all education which takes place at the Gardens relates to either Botany or Horticulture!
​This may change one day....
​
The School of Botanical Illustration is very new (and does not, as yet, have a webpage)
  • ​Botanical Art and Illustration Courses have a 'tag'
  • Contact Kew for details of the programme and full prospectus (the course page periodically disappears - and the prospectus is not available online as it is for other courses!)

See (below) the new Kew Book of Botanical Illustration published Summer 2015
Kew Certificate in Botanical Illustration 
A new annual programme of study. is planned but dates need to be confirmed. It usually runs from September to July.
  • The 2021/22 programme begins in (to be confirmed)
  • ​The NEW Certificate Course comprises course modules taught by professional botanical illustrators and self-study coursework.  The programme aims to the provide a deep and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects needed for botanical illustration, botanical art and sketching and observing nature closely while benefiting from the unique and historic surroundings and collections at Kew. 
  • Maximum capacity: 6 places

Tutors: The course is taught and lead by Lucy Smith GM - who has worked as a professional illustrator for Kew for many years and won the prestigious Margaret Flockton Award twice.

Course Fees: Certificate fee: £3,000 (£2,800 concessions, Friends of Kew).
The Kew Book of Botanical Illustration 
by Christabel King (Author)

​This is the very first book of instruction about botanical illustration ever produced by the publishing arm of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew.

​Christobel King is a (recently retired) professional botanical illustrator who was Kew's chief botanical artist for very many years. She has produced scientific botanical illustrations for the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew for c.40 years.  This is a book which a lot of people have been waiting for a long time.
The book covers a wide range of topics relevant to the subject e.g.
  • the nature of scientific botanical illustration
  • technical skills: using magnification and dividers
  • botanical skills: how to preserve specimens of plant material
  • illustration skills: developing illustrations from pressed plants
  • how to paint for Curtis's Botanical Magazine
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Search Press  Ltd (UK)
Publication date (UK): 26 July 2015 (USA) September 2015

Average Customer Rating out of 5 stars:
  • in UK: 4.6 based on 26 customer reviews
  • in USA: 4.7 based on 23 customer reviews​

BUY THIS BOOK​​

Other Kew Courses
​

Botanical illustration for beginners
  • entry level course to learn the basics of botanical illustration
  • Venue: Kew Gardens
  • Dates: 7th to 11th September 2020 (5 days)
    Course fee: £400 (£350 Concessions, Friends of Kew)
  • Places: 15
  • ​Tutor: Lucy T Smith
Intermediate botanical illustration
  • Learn about the work of botanical illustrators at Kew and the methods and materials they use.
  • designed to follow on from  ‘Botanical illustration for beginners’, but can also be taken as a stand-alone course
  • ​Venue: Kew Gardens
  • Dates: Monday 15 February — Friday 26 February 2021 (10 days)
  • Course fee: £750 (£695 concessions, Friends of Kew)
  • ​Places: 8
  • ​​Tutor: Lucy T Smith

London Art College
- Botanical Painting Online Art Course (D9)
​- Botanical Coloured Pencil Online Art Course (D12)
​

The aim of the London Art College is to provide outstanding and practical tuition by artists who are currently selling their work, rather than by ordinary academics. All their courses are Home Study / Distance Learning Courses. There is no face to face contact.
​This is their FAQ Page
Botanical Painting Course (D9)
The website states that this is a Diploma Course. 
  • ​​Venue: Online
  • Dates: The expected duration of this course is approximately 1 year although the college allows students up to two years to complete their studies.
  • Content: the webpage provides summary details of areas covered and skills developed and also provides a sample of course material and work produced by the students
  • Critiques: Online or by post
  • Tutor: Polly O'Leary 
  • Course Fee: £360
Botanical Coloured Pencil Online Art Course (D12)
  • ​​Venue: Online
  • Dates: Expected duration c. 1 year. The college allows students up to two years to complete their studies.
  • Content: the webpage provides summary details of areas covered and skills developed and also provides a sample of course material and work produced by the students
  • Critiques: Online or by post
  • Tutor: Ida Mitrani​
  • Course Fee: £360
Note - testimonials may relate to tutors who no longer teach at the college

Botanical Art Diploma & Certificate Courses in 2020/21
in the USA
​

The list below is organised alphabetically by state name.


​CALIFORNIA

Filoli Botanical Art Certificate Program
​

Filoli Botanical Art Certificate Program ​(PDF brochure)
​
​This program is for the serious student who wishes to develop knowledge and skills in botanical art. The curriculum includes the systematic study of artistic skills and concepts, basic botany and botanical art history.
A certificate is dependent upon:
  • successful completion of coursework (180 classroom hours plus homework)
  • presentation of a portfolio and final project. 

Venue: Filoli Historic House and Garden 6 Cañada Road,
Woodside, CA 94062


​COLORADO 

School of Botanical Art and Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens
​

The School of Botanical Art at Denver Botanic Gardens 

Offers both Certificate and Diploma courses as well as other short courses. The School has been run by Mervi Hjelmoos-Koski since 2007.

SPECIAL NOTE: SBAI Faculty members recently won an RHS Gold Medal (2017) (see pic) for their botanical art and illustration. See my blog post Interview with Denver Botanic Garden SBAI - RHS Botanical Art Gold Medallist 2017
Picture
Mervi Hjelmoos-Koski with part of the RHS Gold Medal winning display by the faculty of the SBA at Denver Botanic Gardens
You can find out about the School and the courses it offers on this Botanical Illustration Information page.

They do no not have specific and unique pages accessible by mobile devices for the:
  • Foundational Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration 
  • Diploma in Botanical Art and Illustration - open only to those who have completed a Cerificate level course at Denver or equivalent institutions. 
​
​Download as a pdf file:
RECOMMENDED Social media:
The video celebrates the 40th anniversary of the School and talks about its activities


​MASSACHUSETTS

Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens
​

​website: http://www.wellesley.edu/wcbg/wcbg_friends

Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration (CBA) - curriculum covers botanical art media and techniques and fosters a working knowledge of plant anatomy and development - Click for CBA Brochure
​(Note: Enrollment in the CBA program does not imply recognition by or admission to Wellesley College)


​MINNESOTA 

The Minnesota School of Botanical Art
​

​Website: http://www.minnesotaschoolofbotanicalart.com 

​Three levels of Certificate Course are offered
  • Primary Certificate - a student will complete 14 required courses, four elective courses, compiled a notebook of class materials, and developed a portfolio of work that is up to an intermediate level.
  • Advanced Certificate - Students who have achieved the Primary Certificate are eligible to apply for the Advanced Certificate.
  • Master Class Certificate - Students who have completed the Minnesota School of Botanical Art’s Primary and Advanced Certificate programs are eligible to apply for this certificate. 


​NEW YORK 
​

New York Botanical Garden
​- Botanical Art & Illustration Certificate
​

​website: http://www.nybg.org

The NYBG was the first Botanical Garden in North America to offer a formal Botanical Art Certificate Program. It has now delivered Certificate level adult education for over three decades.  

​It comprises core classes and electives plus a final project Download Catalog of Classes

Tutors/Staff: Program Coordinator - Robin Jess.
Other tutors are listed with details of each class. Most have an MFA.Instructors include: Rose Marie James, Robin Jess, Linda M. Nemergut, Dick Rauh; Laura Vogel

Location: Classes are delivered at the NYBG in the Bronx or at the Midtown Center, two blocks from Grand Central Terminal at 20 West 44th Street

Course Fees: ​Paid per class
Certificate students must complete 221 total course hours (167 required + 54 elective). 

Core courses include the following:
Botanical Drawing I: Methods and Materials
Botanical Drawing II: Developing Your Skills
The Basics of Visual Composition 
Botanical Drawing III: Focus on Flowers
Plant Morphology for Botanical Artists
Botanical Watercolor I
Pen and Ink
Colored Pencil
Practical Aspects of Botanical Art* Plus one of the following:    
Students are also required to submit a portfolio showcasing class assignments and their own unique creations.


​Cornell University Department of Horticulture
- Minor in Horticulture with a Focus in the Botanical Arts
​- Botanical Illustration Certificate of Completion
​

You do not receive Cornell University credit for taking the course.  Rather, you will receive a certificate of participation from our Office of Continuing Education.
​website: http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/extension-outreach/distance-learning

​Cornell University offers a "Minor in Horticulture with a Focus in the Botanical Arts".
Any undergraduate student can enrol in the Minor (except those studying plant sciences).

The Continuing Education Department offers a distance learning Botanical Illustration Certificate of Completion if a student completes:
The web pages make reference to students who have blogged about their courses and also to exhibitions of their work eg 


​ILLINOIS

Chicago Botanic Garden
​- Botanical Arts Certificate of Merit
​

Joseph Regenstein Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden


​PENNSYLVANIA

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Garden
- Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate
​

​website: https://phipps.conservatory.org
This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing art for pleasure and self-satisfaction, and they can choose between two concentrations: watercolor or colored pencil.


​VIRGINIA

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
​

​This program does not offer college credit; it is designed for personal enrichment.
Address: 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23228
website: https://www.lewisginter.org/learn/adult-classes/garden-education-certificate-program/botanical-illustration-certificate-program/

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Garden Education Certificates
  • View the Program Brochure
  • Current hours required: Minimum 240
  • Primary Instructors: Hazel Buys, Juliet Kirby, Judith Towers, Sheila Hayden, Lorraine Brevig, Christine Drake, Stephey Baker
  • Cost: Enrollment is free.
  • Classes cost between $10-$12 per hour, plus materials, if provided. 
Core Courses (all 20 hours each) cover:
  • Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration
  • Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration
  • Botany for Botanical Illustration
  • Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration 
  • Intermediate Watercolor for Botanical Illustration
  • Introduction to Pen & Ink for Scientific Illustration
Additional Required Courses (20 hours)
  • Color Mixing for Botanical Illustration
  • Composition for Botanical Illustration
  • Advanced Watercolor for Botanical Illustration
Electives (60 hours): Intermediate and advanced workshops are available on a variety of topics which vary from season to season. 

Comprehensive? Can you help?
​

This page aims to be comprehensive - but I need your help to ensure every Certificate and Diploma Course is listed.

Please let me know using the form IF:
  • you know of a course which is not listed above 
  • you spot a broken link 
  • the links or descriptions for your course needs changing please indicate this on the form - and identify the relevant URLs, who you are and what your position is.

    Suggest a Diploma or Certificate Course anywhere in the world
    ​