There's NOWHERE ELSE ON THE WEB
which offers a comprehensive and comparative analysis and evaluation of 
available ONLINE INSTRUCTION - COURSES VIDEOS AND TUTORIALS
in botanical art and illustration

What you can find on this page
​

SUMMARIES of:
  • WHAT Online Botanical Art Instruction is
  • WHO benefits from online instruction
  • WHERE you can learn about botanical art online
  • WHO PROVIDES online botanical art instruction
  • HOW Botanical Art is taught online
OVERVIEW of Online Botanical Art Courses / Videos
This indicates the different types of provision. While researching "who offers what" in relation to botanical art instruction online, I found that instruction, courses, tutors and fees payable are described in VERY different ways.

​BOTANICAL ART ONLINE COURSE PROVIDERS
  • ADD TO LIST of Online Providers of Botanical Art Instruction​ by using the form at bottom of page.
​
BOTANICAL ART STUDENTS
  • REVIEW Online Botanical Art Courses - if you'd like to say what you want from online courses or what you think about online course provision there is a form. No comments are published but may inform the future content of this page.
​WHAT YOU CAN FIND ON SUBORDINATE PAGES
FAQS CHECKLIST about Online Learning Options based on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) by prospective students. I recommend students use this as a basis for evaluating alternative options ​​
NEW!  TIMELINE: Online Instruction in Botanical Art 
Month by month - of real time interactive online instruction about botanical art and illustration via online software which has a SPECIFIC DATE for 
  • ​EITHER the start of a lengthy online course
  • OR delivery of online courses with pre-determined dates

 WHAT
is
​online botanical art instruction?
​

ONLINE INSTRUCTION means
  • you are not limited to instruction delivered near where you live.
  • You learn at home and have no travelling expenses.​
  • some (but not all) options enable students to talk to their teachers online via keyboard or Skype or Zoom.

WHAT YOU NEED is
  • a decent Internet connection and
  • an ability to create and upload digital image files

YOU SWOP
  • spending on travel and hotels - for
  • spending on technology (which you get to keep!)
​
An Online Botanical Art Instruction or Course
REQUIRES:
  • Students to own or have access to a computer and a good internet connection
  • In general only basic computer skills are required.
  • Written instructions are usually available for download as a PDF.
  • a working understanding of how to take and process a digital image and upload it to complete the course assignments - if feedback is provided
  • a working understanding of English as most instruction is provided in written or oral English (e.g. PDFs or via video and/or Skype)
In addition:
  • Broadband which can cope with streaming videos
  • Videos (which are generally available via streaming rather than download) may be available as an intrinsic or supplementary part of the instruction.

WHO
benefits from
​online botanical art instruction?

Online Botanical Art Instruction is suitable for students who:

LEARN & PRACTICE their art within practical constraints
For example, they:
  • cannot easily get to locations where face to face classes are provided
  • need to be able to access instruction at times that suit them rather than at times that suit the tutor
  • do not have a bottomless budget 

PREFER OR NEED to learn at home, on their own and at their own pace - for example they prefer to:
  • work at their own pace and repeat exercises until they get it right
  • spend their budget on instruction rather than travel and accommodation
  • sample how a tutor teaches before doing a more expensive 'face to face' course​​

Online Instruction is blends with and is complemented by 
The Best Botanical Art & Illustration Instruction Books

WHERE can I learn about botanical art online?
​

LOCATION

With ONLINE instruction it doesn't matter where you live or where your instructor lives, the instruction works in just the same way. 
  • you can be taught online by somebody who lives on other side of the world!
  • instruction may be sponsored by reputable organisations
​BUT there are some complications:
  • different time zones means that if there needs to be online dialogue this should take place at a time that suits you both!
  • different currency - you need to be happy with the payment arrangement and the currency exchange it uses - so everybody is happy
  • different language - most teachers use English. 
Education: Alternative Options

If you prefer minimal involvement with online you might want to consider

WHO PROVIDES online botanical art instruction
​

Individual Botanical Artists who also teach

There is no one model for online instruction by individual artists. Some have developed their own way of doing things while others have copied established models of online instruction.  I've attempted on this page to put "like with like" to make your choice easier.

Botanical Artists / Teachers may:
  • Develop their own website or use a platform for teaching e-courses
  • Either use live interactive video and/or pre-recorded videos + live interaction
  • Or use pre-recorded videos only
  • With/without feedback
  • With/without additional written guides and/or ebooks plus minor use of videos
  • With/without Facebook Group / Online Community for students
  • Payment is either fee based or subscription based.
Recognised Educational Institutions​ /  Organisations / Schools
These provide:
  • distance learning courses using web-based instruction
  • payment can be significant but also be payable via instalments

Recently a number of educational organisations / schools who have previously only provided face to face classes have started to develop a menu of online options - including
  • online video tutorials - by reputable teachers  with/without feedback.
BOTANICAL ART TEACHERS - both individuals and in schools - have varying levels of experience and expertise in
  • botanical art (some have decades of experience/ some have a lot less)
  • teaching (some are qualified / some are not)
  • delivering technology based instruction (extremely variable)
​​​I RECOMMEND you ALWAYS check out the teacher as well as the course. This page helps you to start doing that.
  • check out bios
  • look at the quantity,  quality and presentation of professional content on their websites(s) ​
TRADING STANDARDS
It's not unusual for art teachers (and some art education organisations) to lack relevant knowledge of what they MUST do to protect your interests as a consumer.
e.g the various Laws and Government Regulations which they MUST comply with.
BE AWARE of good professional standards re ecommerce and distance selling of services online
These two links above go to relevant sections on my Art Business Information for Artists website

HOW Botanical art is taught online
​

Interface VIA email
Many online courses involve some exchange of information, resources or feedback by email.
If you want to take advantage of online courses you MUST be happy with email.
Video tutorials

Video Tutorials involve a botanical artist / organisation
  • making art instruction videos and then
  • releasing them to subscribers with/without supporting documentation.
  • Those who have been doing this a long time can offer a very significant library of very many videos. ​

VARIATIONS between providers
The length of a video can vary depending on who makes them and for what purpose
  • Long Videos: Typically produced by providers where the video is the product on offer. Often a video version of a step by step demonstration, they form part of a library of videos available to access via subscription.
  • Shorter videos:  Typically used by teachers as a supplement to their Course ebooks and/or pdf guides and/or interactive sessions (for groups or individuals). These tend to focus on particular aspects of instruction - rather than being a step by step - and are as long as they need to be to demonstrate a technique.
  • ​Students can enroll or subscribe in different ways to access these videos
  • Videos can be - but are not always - associated with
    • support materials which can also be downloaded online and
    • recommendations for the art materials to use

​Feedback - written or otherwise

Tutors vary as to how much feedback they provide AND
  • whether it is written or verbal,
  • whether it uses online communication, (eg Skype / Facetime) or digital files 
LIVE Interface VIA Skype/ Zoom/Facebook/Google  

Some teachers offer REAL TIME interactive communication which takes place via online software e.g. 
  • Skype (one to one)
  • Facetime (one to one)
  • Zoom  (group of one to one)
  • Facebook Live (e.g. demonstration to a group)
  • Patreon (e.g. as a portal to a private access video platform)
  • ​Google Classroom / Workspace
  • or other methods used for a Real Time interface between tutor and student.
These can be used for:
  • demonstrations
  • group classes
  • talks
  • with/without feedback


Corporate Software Platforms for Teaching

​The Pandemic has prompted a number of artists to examine online platforms which enable the delivery of their tuition in online form. Some of the most popular are Patreon,  Teachable, Udemy, Domestika and Zoom. ​


Online Publications
​

Instead of buying Instruction Books it's now possible for buy shorter e-books / Digital Guides to relevant topics in Botanical Art and Illustration. (Click the link for more information about these)
Online Communities for Students

Some offer online communities for their students e.g.
  • A Facebook Group dedicated to students of the course provider.
  • Zoom meet-ups
  • Patreon Community - which tend to offer different levels of involvement but essentially it's another way of marketing video tutorials rather than a community per se.
​NOTE: There can be varying levels of involvement by the tutor - including none at all. Never assume - always check.

FIND OUT MORE
about
Botanical Art & Illustration INSTRUCTION ONLINE
​

It's ALWAYS worth doing a comparison of a few courses before deciding which ones to trial or pursue.
This website aims to help you do that.

ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING is a growing area of botanical art instruction and takes many different forms and ​can cater for different levels of "need to know/develop".
I have divided providers of online instruction in botanical art and illustration into CATEGORIES according to
  • The method of payment (fee versus subscription)
  • the characteristics of the course provider
  • the course content
  • the method of delivery
and then ordered them according to:
  • how long they have been teaching online (courses)
  • how much content they have online (video libraries)​
This page is moving towards a standard template for describing courses which will then enable students to compare ALL different courses on the same basis - according to
  • a set of pre-determined assessment criteria
  • based on information made available (or not) by the website.

In the meantime below you will find as much summarised information as possible - and I have asked all tutors to check what has been said re facts about their course - and their description has been revised if they got back to me.
If any teacher has been left out of my list and you think you should be included please complete the form at the bottom of the page.

PLEASE NOTE: (Dates & Cost): While I endeavour to keep up with the dates courses start and prices charges, 
​the ONLY correct and up to date information about dates and price is on the actual instruction website.

FIRST CHECK OUT ​
MY CHECKLIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

(click link above to access)​
AND/OR ASK to find out WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
​BEFORE you make a payment
​so everybody starts out with
​shared expectations of what will be delivered
and nobody will be disappointed!
There are different types of tuition offered online. I RECOMMEND you refer to my CHECKLIST of questions to ask when reviewing options (now on a separate page)
​It's ESSENTIAL that BEFORE parting with any money
you are VERY clear about:
  1. the different options available - see below
  2. what type of instruction or course you are buying
  3. precisely what you are paying for i.e. what the instruction comprises (don't make assumptions - CHECK!)
  4. whether it works on ALL your online devices (desktop/tablet/smartphone etc and on both PCs and Apple devices) i.e. the website and software used should be designed for and accessible by ALL mobile devices (or state very clearly if something is software/device specific)
  5. whether or not your internet connection has the necessary speed for interactive sessions and/or access to videos. 
  6. how the payment scheme works - whether it is one-off or a subscription scheme and whether any subscription is automated (i.e. payments renew automatically until you stop them)
  7. whether you can get a refund if you realise you've made a mistake - and how this works.
  8. whether you are dealing with a tutor who knows about all the Regulatory Requirements of eCommerce which should  provide you with all necessary contact details (this is mandatory) plus protection in the event of
    1. a concern (e.g. data privacy) or
    2. dispute (e.g. re your consumer contract) ​
Picture
Does online tuition work on your mobile devices or is it desktop only?
Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash

INTRODUCTION TO CATEGORIES of ONLINE INSTRUCTION
​

There are TWO categories of payment models and FIVE different categories of provider
​
SUMMARY:
Each of the different online course providers have a separate section below - with a summary of their provision in terms of tutors, course content and course delivery.

DETAIL:
After the Summary of types of provider and who works with that model I provide more detail about
  • each of the different types of provision 
  • the courses currently on offer

COURSE FEE PAYMENT MODEL ​

Fee paid buys ACCESS to resources for a short period 
​1. Online Instruction COURSES with FEEDBACK 
  • by Individual Botanical Artists/Tutors
  • sometimes with associated community group

2. Online self-paced Instruction via INDIVIDUAL VIDEO TUTORIALS
  • by individual Botanical Artists/Tutors (as sole trader or company)
  • by organisations associated with botanical art
  • sometimes with an associated community
(1 and 2 above are generally offered by the same tutors and are grouped together with the tutor)

3.  INSTITUTIONS offering Taught Botanical Art COURSES 
  • Long Courses (Diploma/Certificate) 
  • Short Courses (formerly instruction via face to face workshops/classes)

4. Online Instruction via a CORPORATE PLATFORM 
  • for classes and coaching by Individual Botanical Artists/Tutors
  • (course fee only)​

SUBSCRIPTION PAYMENT MODEL​

Subscription buys ACCESS or BENEFITS
4. Online Instruction via a LIBRARY OF VIDEO TUTORIALS
  • by individual Botanical Artists/Tutors. 
  • typically with an associated community
  • Subscription buys ACCESS to ALL videos

5. Online Instruction via Patreon Community
  • by individual Botanical Artists/Tutors. 
  • Subscription buys TIER BENEFITS (which vary a lot)
  • one tier may include feedback / individual mentoring

SUMMARY: Course Fee Payment Model
​

BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSES which are delivered in return for a course fee
MORE DETAILS for each are provided as you SCROLL DOWN the page
​
SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE - BEYOND THE SUMMARIES
to review my DETAILED analysis of the online botanical art instruction providers listed below.

1. Online Instruction COURSES with/without FEEDBACK by Individual Botanical Artists/Tutors (Fee)
​

Key features with this group are that this type of tuition is:
  • INDIVIDUAL courses taught by one experienced botanical art teacher
  • delivered by experienced botanical artists / experienced teachers 
SUMMARY
  • Focused on Courses - short courses may be topic focused.
  • Course instruction is delivered by ONE INDIVIDUAL not an organisation - who is a competent experienced teacher.
  • The type of instruction varies e.g. it is
    • less generic and more personalised.
    • EITHER comprehensive over many weeks
    • OR very specific and topic focused and short
  • Instruction methods/media often vary - and can cover one or more of:
    • written guides and/or ebooks
    • long videos (with/without) feedback
    • short videos
    • Zoom Classes
    • Private Facebook Groups. 
    • 24/7 access for everything but Zoom classes
  • Comprehensive Courses come with with Feedback
    • feedback is typically provided face to face (online) and/or written
    • There is usually MUCH more scope for personal interaction between student and tutor.
  • Individual Video Tutorials - typically do not come with feedback

2.  INSTITUTIONS Teaching Botanical Art COURSES with feedback (Fee)
​

Key Features are:
  • Organisations (NOT individuals) provide distance learning courses 
  • Registration and payment is via an educational institution (not the teacher) then the online course is listed here.
​
2 (a) Pre-Pandemic LONG COURSES: 
  • Instruction typically relates to formal (longer) courses leading to a Diploma or Certificate - using web-based instruction
  • typically delivered by a team of teachers
  • using web-based instruction and/or some level of online interaction​
Organisations include
2 (b) 2020 Pandemic SHORT COURSES (EXPANDING!)
  • Educational Institutions previously running face to face classes are switching to online 
  • Now includes short courses previously taught face to face by local class teachers
Teachers based in UK
Teachers based in the USA
Teachers based in Canada
  • Margaret Best (Zoom Classes with Dundas Valley School of Art (DVSA)

3. Online Instruction via a Corporate Platform for Teaching by Individual Botanical Artist/Teacher (Fee)

UPSIDE ​Characteristics of this model of provision are:
  • This a Platform specifically designed for Instruction - ​it provides the software which enables independent teachers to create, sell and deliver courses and coaching i.e they chose to use the platform to provide instruction
  • the platform provides a good structure for those unfamiliar with teaching online
    • generic i.e. typically does NOT specialise in botanical art and illustration.
    • Tutors can opt to teach short courses or a one-off course
    • Taught content is owned and designed by the teacher.
The Corporate Platform for Teaching is:
  • a facility for teachers and a host for courses (i.e. it does generate the tuition)
  • owned by a company which elects to provide tuition across a wide range of topics other than art as a business. (i.e. it is generic and has no particular commitment to botanical art per se.)
FEEDBACK will vary depending on what's on offer and different tutors

Potential DOWNSIDE is that the platform. It MIGHT
  • change the business model at any time
  • be sold (e.g. as happened with Craftsy - latter is NOT RECOMMENDED). 
  • Both mean it's possible the course may disappear through absolutely no fault of the teacher​​
  • (similar to having a website on a hosted platform)
CORPORATE PLATFORMS and teachers include:
​​
Udemy - currently providing 130,000 online video courses ​
Teachable - more than 100,000 creators use Teachable to share their knowledge
​​Botanical Art teachers on Teachable include:

SUMMARY: Subscription Payment Model
​

The common characteristic of this subscription model is that you are:
  • BUYING ACCESS to STREAMING VIDEOS i.e. it provides access to instruction for as long as you pay your subscription. 
  • You can view a many as you like as often as you like
  • Once you stop your subscription, your learning materials go away i.e. you cannot download the videos
  • TWO MONTHLY/ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION models: The key difference between the traditional and new (Patreon) subscription model - and other online tuition - typically relates to how much can be accessed, for how long and the level of feedback

4.  Online Instruction via VIDEO TUTORIALS by Botanical Artists/Tutors (Subscription: monthly /annual)
​

This has been the TRADITIONAL format for a very long time. Options typically relate to whether you pay monthly or on an annual basis.
​
Key Features:
​This subscription model now tends to involve:
  • instruction by one individual - who may or may not have a team helping to record the videos.
  • subscription based online tuition - via pre-recorded video - which can be accessed for a period of time (i.e. you are NOT buying the video; you are buying access to the video for as long as your subscription lasts)
  • Traditional Model: access to a library of videos - with a new one provided every so often. Typically large library of videos for those doing this for a long time.
  • Patreon Model: access to live or recorded demos and other benefits
  • Minimal to zero level of individualised / interactive tuition and/or feedback  - but it varies.
  • Online community may be offered
  • 24/7 access
I recommend you check websites carefully as to the level of interaction available.
Individual Botanical Artists / Teachers include:
NOTE: I am now counting videos in the library and noting hours of content provided - where this information is available.

5. Online Instruction via Patreon Community Artists (Subscription: Tiered Access)
​

VERY NEW MODEL (2020)
  • using Patreon to process subscriptions and offer different tiers.
  • monthly subscription means you are free to change up and down the level of subscriptions at any time.

​Key Features of Patreon offerings:
  • instruction by one individual
  • typically offers three or four different subscription levels 
  • video tutorials may be live or recorded/streaming
  • level on interaction varies with tutor;
  • feedback (if available) is typically written
  • mentoring may also be available
  • 24/7 access to material online
RECOMMENDATION: 
  • check level of detail available
  • be sure to check out the number of levels available (Patreon only makes the first three obvious!)

TIP

You can tell an awful lot about a botanical art tutor
and how they design / deliver online content
​via video by having a good look around their website/platform 
and YouTube Channel ​and/or watching sample videos.
I've included links to YouTube Channels with every online tutor/site listed below

However - not all online tuition is via video - some of it is interactive (eg via Live Zoom Classes)

ONLINE PROVIDERS OF INSTRUCTION
​IN BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION
​more detail
​

COURSE FEES ONLY
​

Online Instruction with/without FEEDBACK
​by Individual Botanical Art Teachers
​(typically includes videos and/or online classes)
​

This section includes experienced tutors who provide new INDIVIDUAL courses providing online instruction for a FEE.
Online Instruction via individual teachers varies as much as they do. 
  • Typically they use written guides / ebooks and videos + feedback / Private Facebook Groups i.e. it varies!​
  • Each will have their own preferred way of doing things.
  • Some are better at explaining how tuition works than others.
  • Some are more experienced at providing videos and/or online instruction than others
  • ZOOM is now being used by some instructors to aid the delivery of their courses.
The tutors listed are ONLY those who I know have
  • significant experience of botanical art and
  • offer mainly or only instruction in botanical art.

LINKS: to course websites and related video channels are highlighted in bold for each teacher
Order is dictated by the length of time someone has been teaching online.​

Based in UK
​

Order is dictated by an amalgam of:
  • the length of time someone has been teaching online.
  • the length of time they have been teaching and/or their qualification(s) to teach
  • the scope of their offering​

Dianne Sutherland - Botanical Art Online
​

Dianne Sutherland is one of the most experienced online instructors in botanical art. She also has one of the most comprehensive offerings available - meaning you can stay with one tutor from basic skills to advanced tuition.

​Her botanical art online website has been online since 2013. ​Dianne also moderates the Botanical Artists Facebook Group and delivers workshops in botanical art around the world.

Dianne is a genuinely helpful and generous tutor who has shared lots of information online for free via her blog.   
​Portfolio of Courses offering: 
  • Scope for you to stay with one tutor if you like her approach and methods as you progress and improve.
  • six short course basic skills tutorials (no feedback)
  • three longer online courses offered (with feedback) - for different levels from absolute beginners to advanced botanical art
  • LOTS of detail on her website about what each provides.
  • Diane also provides written evaluations for each assignment for longer courses - with digital edits  so students can see where changes need to be made with their work​
Website: Botanical Art Online with Dianne Sutherland
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diannesutherlandartist/
YouTube: Botanical Art Online with Dianne Sutherland
​Dianne has created 27 videos since 2014.​Vimeo: Dianne Sutherland Botanical Art

FREE: Her review of Equipment and Materials for the Botanical Artist
Very good notes and quality videos building on developing not painting by copying. I think it better than the RBGE but if someone wants to get a certificate they would go to an institution. I think it good to have done both for consolidation. I still have more to do on the Dianne course. ..she gives as long as you need so you can really hone skills. Very highly recommend. (S.W)
SHORT Courses - Building Skills Tutorials
Priced at £55 each (UNLESS otherwise stated). Covers the basics of very specific topics or techniques. No assessment. ​
Click link in heading above to read a lot more detail about each course.
Available Now (£55 fee)
  • Watercolour and Dry Brush Techniques 
  • Colour Mixing, Using the Primary Palette ​
  • Graphite: Perspective Drawing and Creating Form
  • Achieving the Depth and Detail
  • Keeping a Sketchbook
Available now (£75 fee)
  • Botanical Art for Beginners
  • Introduction to Painting on Vellum (delivered over a 4 week period)
​Available Now (£110 fee - longer tutorial)
  • Drawing and Painting Leaves 
  • Coming Spring 2022 The Wonderful World of Flowers and how to Illustrate Them
LONGER ​Online Courses
These comprise small classes and include assessment. These are summarised below along with the Price of each course.
  • Botanical Illustration (£450 - payable in two instalments) A comprehensive techniques based course. Covers graphite and watercolour. Next start date: 31st August 2022
  • NEW! Advanced Botanical Illustration Start Date (£950) For those seeking to follow a professional path who already have either experience or have completed the Botanical Illustration course and require mentoring. Acceptance via application and submission of previous work via email. This course will be available for 5 students. Next course 28th December 2022 
  • Botanical Art for Absolute Beginners (£425) 12 month course for absolute beginners. Assumes no knowledge. Books up fast!

​​​​Elaine Searle - Paintbotanical:  Zoomschools | Online Fundamentals & Online Shorts | Atelier
​

Elaine Searle is a very experienced teacher of botanical art.  
  • She was formerly Course Director of the Diploma at Chelsea School of Botanical Art.
  • Elaine is also a very experienced online tutor. ​
    • She has been offering Distance Learning in Botanical Art since 2014 when she launched 1 year courses (Foundation and Certificate)   
    • Her 'Online Shorts' were launched in 2017. ​
  • She also delivers tuition via
    • very popular workshops around the world (often commissioned and tailor made) and
    • longer botanical art holidays in Europe.
Picture
Elaine Searle at RHS Botanical Art Show 2018
As a botanical artist, Elaine
  • Places a strong emphasis on the aesthetics of colour and composition.
  • Is an award-winning artist, Fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists and the Linnean Society and ASBA member
  • Was awarded Silver Gilt Medal by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in 2008 and
  • Has paintings in the Hunt Institute and the Highgrove and Transylvania Florilegia.
LINKS:
ZOOMSCHOOLS (STARTED 2020)
Elaine introduced Zoomschool Classes in 2020 and to date they tend to become fully booked very fast. All Zoomschool Groups are limited to 12 with a range of experience levels beyond beginner (NOTE: These are NOT suitable for absolute beginners)

2022 - £200 per Zoomschool - see ONLINE TIMELINE
  • Petal Personality
  • Art of the Artichoke
Course Offering: virtual Zoom classes classes with Elaine
Summer-school includes:
  • Zoom together: short live sessions
    • 4 Zoom sessions - spaced out
    • always at 5pm GMT/1pm EDT/10am PDT.
    • Each lasts 45-60 minutes​
  • Exclusive web content: password protected access to the exclusive Summer-school web content.
  • Feedback in the Zoom meeting or via email
ONLINE COURSES - comprise two alternatives - "Online Fundamentals" and "Online Shorts". Features common to all include:
  • All courses feature short videos (streamed not downloadable) and full email support.
  • Structured exercises are designed so that you can try out techniques and approaches.
  • One assignment to help you consolidate what you have learnt
  • No feedback to assignment.
ONLINE FUNDAMENTALS: 
designed for Beginners (and Beyond)
Price: £95 each
Paint Botanical Online Shorts
Elaine Searle's 'Paint Botanical - Online Fundamentals
Click through the links below for full details of each course
  • First Steps - developing foundation knowledge about materials, basic brush skills & botanical watercolour techniques 
  • Mixology - develop colour mixing confidence with a limited watercolour palette. Includes mixing great greens.
Course Offering
Each can be 'stand-alone' or may be taken in sequence.
  • Well structured video rich tutorials - with exercises but no assignments
  • access to course materials for 1 year from the date of sign-up.
ONLINE SHORTS
for Advanced Beginners and Intermediate levels
Course Content 2021 - see below
Picture
Elaine Searle's Online Shorts
​Click through the links below for full details of each course
6 months access: £250 each
  • Centre Focus 
  • Leafy Character
2 months access: £125 each 
  • Graphite with Impact 
  • Composition Matters 
  • Delicate Whites 
  • Rich & Vibrant Darks
  • Botanical Textures 
Course offering
  • Self-paced self-directed courses ​(without feedback or Skype) although 
  • no requirement to submit work
  • different duration of access to course materials/videos - for either 2 or 6 months (or as indicated) - from the date of sign-up
NEW ATELIER via Zoom - for those wanting to move beyond Intermediate £500
Various issues relating to personal development can be explored in Atelier (or a combination of these)
  • Regaining focus
  • Finding a genuine point of difference
  • Defining realistic goals
  • Breaking a creative block
  • Returning after a long break
  • Planning and creating a special body of work
  • Planning and producing (or improving) a website.
  • Ways of marketing and selling online
  • Feedback to work in progress
  • Specific artistic and/or communication issues
Atelier 2022 (6 places available)
Dates: February, March ,July, August 2022
Enrollment closes end of April 2022
Each Atelier month you will receive
  • 2 x personal zoom meetings (strictly personal / discreet / confidential)
  • 1 x peer group zoom meeting (specific topics)
  • unlimited email support

Sarah Morrish - ​Illustrating Nature's Details: Zoom Studio and Online Leaning via Patreon
​

Sarah Morrish is a well-respected tutor in botanical art and natural history illustration AND has taught via workshops and courses for many years prior to developing her online offerings. She is also qualified to teach adults in the context of 'lifelong learning'.
Picture
Sarah Morrish at RHS 2016
Sarah's background:
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Certificate in Botanical Illustration (Distinction).  
  • Member of Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society, a Fellow of the Linnean Society and an exhibiting member / instructor of the American Society of Botanical Artists. ​
  • Certificate of Botanical Merit awarded by the SBA (Society of Botanical Artists)
  • Silver Medal awarded by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in 2016.
  • completed her commissioned book on natural history illustration in pen and ink due for publication in 2021
  • ​delivered online instruction at the ASBA Annual Conference
Illustrating Nature's Details
'Illustrating Nature's Details' tuition website
LINKS:
UNIQUE: ONLINE WORKSHOPS FOR ORGANISATIONS
​- See options OR these can be tailor made for EACH organisation / botanical art society (Further details available)
  • Customised to the requirements of your group
    • Tuition agreement
    • Fee relates to nature of the workshop
  • Two options:
    • 1 day workshop option ~ Zoom Meetings Platform (2 x 2hours)
    • Extended workshop option  (2 x 2.5 hours) - Private group via Facebook​​
  • Workshop participants need to be registered with Facebook​; interaction is via a Private Group
  • Demonstration/s will be delivered via Facebook Live (live video streaming)​
  • available to view for 5 days after workshop
REAL TIME Q&A + Feedback comments on artwork images posted within the group will also be given​ 
Workshop Offerings (Any time of year)
One Day Workshop
  • Illustrating Hidden Features of Trees & Shrubs - Botanical investigation with drawing (February, March, April)

  • Illustrating Stems, Attachments & Defences - Drawing & Watercolour ((March, April, May)​
Extended Option ONLY
  • Botanical Dissections & Portraying Internal Plant Structures - Practical dissection with drawing 
BOTH Options
  • Twigs & Buds in Pen & Ink (February, March, April)
  • Illustrating Pods & Caspules ~ Drawing & Watercolour (Any time of year)
TESTIMONIAL (by me!) : I've observed one of Sarah's Online Workshops for an ASBA branch - which I found very well structured with lots of excellent content. It was impressive. Participants were also very complimentary about both content and quality of instruction.
ZOOM STUDIO SESSIONS - from Sarah's Home Studio Zoom Studio Courses - see ONLINE TIMELINE page
TESTIMONIAL - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (by me!)
I have sat in on some of Sarah's Zoom demos and Studio Sessions and they are packed full of information, which is extremely well organised in terms of verbal and digital delivery
Course offering:
  • Each session lasts 2 hours and covers a set theme
  • ​Various media ~ watercolour ~ gouache ~ pen & ink ~ graphite pencil
  • 'Live' demonstration time, presentations & other learning resources included
  • Dual camera view - tutor & work area
  • Question & answer times during each session (BUT not a structured course where individual feedback is provided after each session.)
  • 15 attendees maximum
  • See each session description for experience level
  • Sessions take place on the Zoom meeting platform
  • Private access to the recorded session for 1 week after the session
Picture
Sarah Morrish's Studio - laid out for delivering a workshop - with her overhead camera for detailed closeups of what she is doing.
SEE ALSO Illustrating Natures Details PATREON COMMUNITY below
  • creating learning experiences in botanical & natural history art
  • 4 different membership levels (monthly subscription) to suit all budgets - ​Includes Mentorship option.
  • digital downloads and/or pre-recorded "watch me work" videos

Shevaun Doherty - Botanical Elements
​​

Shevaun Doherty is an experienced botanical and natural history artist and tutor who is based in Ireland. 

As a student, she studied for the Society of Botanical Artist's Distance Learning Diploma while living in Egypt. As an artist, she was a prime mover in the setting up of the Irish Society of Botanical Art. She has won a Gold Medal and Best in Show at the 5th Botanical Art Exhibition at Bloom in the Park in Dublin in 2017. Previously she won two Gold Medals at the same show (in 2014, 2015).

As a tutor she has:
  • ​taught the Online Botanical Art Course for London Art College for a couple of years
  • taught the vellum module for  the Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course.
  • designed and delivered a variety of workshops around the world - specialising in vellum
Shevaun is not new to distance learning but was NEW to online tuition when she started in 2019.
LINKS: (all links https)
BOTANICAL ELEMENTS
Course Offering:
  • Course consists of six modules, each based around an element,
  • Approach: emphasis on learning a process and working from life
  • Learning Resources: Notes, exercises and an assignment + exclusive Student area on website
  • Feedback: detailed written critique provided after each completed assignment

​Course Overview ​Price: €495 - paid in full or in three payments of €175
Table of Contents - Modules
Areas covered:
  • Studio Set-up and Equipment; 
  • Basic Botany for Artists; 
  • Creating a Study Page; 
  • The Language of Line; 
  • Seeing Light and Shadow; 
  • Sculptural Form; 
  • Colour Theory; 
  • Texture and Pattern; 
  • Space – the final frontier
Skills taught:
  • Measured Drawing; 
  • Aerial Perspective;
  • Tonal Studies (graphite & watercolour);
  • Watercolour Techniques (wet-in-wet, wet-in damp, glazing, dry-brush);
  • Accurate Colour mixing; 
  • Creating texture and details; 
  • Finishing and presenting your work; 
  • Correcting mistakes
Shevaun's teaching is structured and thorough and her feedback insightful and encouraging. I highly recommend it.
Ruth Bosveld

Ann Swan - Pencil Potential - Online Tuition Programme
​

Ann Swan is an extremely experienced botanical artist and botanical art tutor.

She has been working with and teaching pencil and coloured pencil techniques for over 25 years. She has run 'face to face' courses for very many years and has totally devoted students - so much so that many people have found it a major challenge to get on one of her courses! She also delivers Master Classes in different countries.

Ann has 3 RHS Gold Medals in her own right plus a joint RHS Gold Medal. She is also a past member of the RHS Picture Panel ​which judges the RHS Botanical Art Shows - and knows what they're looking for.
LINKS: (all https)
​Ann is relatvely new to online course provision but her approach mirrors the thoroughness as her other courses i.e. 
  • detailed equipment list
  • detailed explanation of how the course works
  • list of the modules in each course
  • 5 places released for Basic Coloured Pencils 1 at the beginning of each month
PLUS I've watched Ann provide talks and demonstrations online - and she is totally professional as I'd expect.
Ann Swan is also the author of a best selling book on botanical art using coloured pencils.
​
READ my detailed review of her botanical art instruction book
Book Review - Botanical Painting with Coloured Pencils
ZOOM WORKSHOPS 2021
Two-Day Workshops - £150.00 each
Class runs from 11:30  to 16:30 hrs BST
Regular Studio Days (Monthly)
See Zoom workshops page for dates
take a similar format to Ann's pre-Covid monthly one-day workshops at the studio
Start 10.30am and finish 3.30pm
One-to-One Tuition (see bottom of page)
Sessions of one hour which can be taken in one session or split into 2 half-hour sessions over a month.
Fee: £45
Six week Courses - £325 - focusing on completing one picture
  • 'Dazzling Dahlias and Glamorous Glads' August 02 - September 03, 2021
    • instruction and inspiration: Mondays 2nd/9th/16th & 23rd August 12.00 – 15.30 BST
    • Feedback Fridays; constructive critique and further demos:  6th/13th/20th August 12.00 – 15.00 BST
    • Final Feedback Friday 3rd September 1400 – 1600 BST 
  • 'Autumn Delights' October 04 - November 05, 2021
    • instruction and inspiration: 4th/11th/18th & 25th October 11.00 – 13.30 BST
    • Feedback Fridays; constructive critique and further demos:  8th/15th/22nd October 11.00 – 13.00 BST
    • Final Feedback Friday 5th November  11.00 – 13.00 BST
Ann uses SYNC.COM for Handouts, Classwork and Images
2021 REGULAR ONLINE COURSES

1) Conquering Coloured Pencil
Aimed at complete beginners. Five places released at the beginning of each month.
2) Improvers Coloured Pencil - coming soon - you can register interest

3) Shorter stand-alone workshops focussing on specific techniques or plant group
Course offering:
  • Optional ​in-depth feedback from Ann after the completion of each module available for one year
  • Ann runs a Vimeo Pro Channel - the full videos are only accessible via her Online Course.
​You can also view short excerpts on  Planned courses include
  • Simple Soft Summer Fruits 
  • Basic Graphite Drawing 1
  • Improvers Graphite Drawing
  • Graphite Drawing over Underpainting, an Introduction
  • Simple Textures with Graphite
Jackie Isard Botanicals - Online Tuition
 Jackie Isard is relatively new to both botanical art and teaching

Jackie graduated with a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design from Ravensbourne University in 1989. She is a self-taught artist who has studied with a number of the leading tutors in the UK.

In 2017, she was awarded a CBM (Certificate of Botanical Merit) at the SBA Annual Exhibition in 2017. She became a Fellow of the SBA in 2019 and was awarded the Margaret Granger Memorial Award  the SBA Annual Exhibition. In 2022 she won an RHS Gold Medal.
​
In terms of teaching:
  • 2017: Jackie started teaching Botanical and Nature watercolour courses at venues in Bristol
  • 2018: she started teaching at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens and launched an online course for botanical artists
LINKS:
ONLINE Mixing Watercolour Accurately Course for Botanicals
Price: £95 UK & International
Level: Beginners to Intermediate.

​ONLINE Fine Details & Finishing Techniques Course 
Price: £115 UK & Internationals
Level: Intermediate watercolour painting
Fine Details & Finishing techniques 

Coming in 2022
ONLINE Advanced Mixing Watercolour Accurately for Botanical Course (full course outline will be available soon. )
£125 UK & International
Level: Experience is required. Intermediate standard.​
Covers more advanced mixing techniques
Course offering
  • You can join ongoing courses at any time
  • extensive course notes 
  • Video tutorials
  • Secret Facebook Student Group.
  • Full appraisal and certificate at the end of the course.
  • The differential on pricing between UK and UK and International students relates to postage costs.​


“Thank you for the tuition that helps us all progress and the friendly way you encourage everyone along.” Freda

Based in Norway
​

Gaynor Dickeson  - ​Gaynor's Flora - Online Botanical Art Course
​

Gaynor Dickeson Dip SBA(Dist), FCPGFS, ASBA, SBA is an experienced art teacher and online tutor. 
​Note: Gaynor moved to Norway (from the UK) in 2020.

Gaynor taught botanical painting online at the London Art College for three years before starting her own Online Course in March 2016. Gaynor also taught art for many years prior to taking up botanical painting and also provides tuition via workshops and weekly botanical art classes. She also provides mini tutorial videos for free - alongside blog posts explaining the process - see Gaynor's YouTube Channel (700+ subscribers)

Her site is not so easy to navigate as some of the other sites - and she is planning a new website at present.
LINKS:
ONLINE BOTANICAL ART COURSE
Time required:
  • 4-8 hours every week to complete the course
Price: 
  • ​£460 (payable as single payment or six separate monthly instalments of £82
  • Extra modules for £210, or three monthly instalments of £75
Course offering:
  • The course can be done over 18 months and is divided into six modules, with an assignment at the end of each​
  • Each module includes written tuition, plus links to short videos showing techniques
  • delivered via ‘Dropbox link’ providing access to all the tutorials and the assignment for the first module. Links to further modules are sent as each is completed.
  • ​scope to add 3 extra modules in 'other' medium

Based in USA
​

Mindy Lighthipe - ​Drawing the beauty of nature

Mindy is passionate about recording natural history and interconnection of plants, insects, birds and mammals. 

She's a very experienced natural science artist and teacher. She graduated from Kean University with BFA (Studio Arts) & 
MA (Art Education) Magna cum laude.
She received her 210 hour certification from the New York Botanical Gardens in Botanical Illustration.

After graduating she went on to
  • teach over 20 different classes in their Botanical Art Program and
  • developed a 250 hour certificate in Natural Science Illustration.
She currently teaches Scientific Illustration at the University of Florida.
Website: Mindy Lighthipe - Online Art Classes
Resume (PDF)
Course Offering:
  • Private Tuition Tab on her website to access videos and instruction 
  • Closed Facebook Group
  • One-off Fee after competition of course for lifetime access to videos
Foundation Drawing 101
Price: $149
20 videos x 10 consecutive weeks - but you can work at your own pace.
Drawing the Beauty of Plants
Price: $120
16+ lessons in 8 weeks. Topics include:
  • Leaf Anatomy and Taxonomy
  • Measuring & Dissection
  • Atmospheric Perspective
  • Scientific Lighting
  • Composition
  • Root Systems
  • Nature Journaling and Accurate Note Taking
Heeyoung Kim - Heeyoung Kim Botanical Art Academy - Botanical Art Classes via Zoom
Heeyoung Kim is a very experienced and successful botanical art teacher. Her Botanical Art Academy based at the Brushwood Center in Illinois was founded in 2011.

When lockdown happened and she could no longer teach face to face, Heeyoung Kim switched her regular 'face to face' classes in her Academy School to online Zoom Classes. 
She writes about it here Going Online: My Classes via Zoom Meeting During COVID-19 Pandemic where she describes the results - and what the students loved (the presentation and access to detail) and missed (the demonstrations in person)
Website: https://www.heeyoungkim.net/
Blog: http://www.heeyoungkim.com/
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/BotanicalArtbyHeeyoungKim/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brushwhisperer/
All classes are currently conducted via Zoom Meeting platform. ​In order to take her Zoom classes, students need to
  • have good quality (speedy) internet access 
  • download the Zoom app. in advance
  • learn how to use Zoom  - including for large groups - in advance of the classes
  • understand the time difference (if any)
  • VERY IMPORTANT: read, understand and agree the terms and conditions prior to registration
Note: all technical issues (e.g. internet connection speed and how to use Zoom) are always the responsibility of the student.
Detailed demos of Kim’s painting process in real time are delivered and displayed right in front of the class attendee’s eyes. Even local students don’t want to give up her Zoom classes, because the merits of the closed up demonstrations revealing every brushstroke can not be replaced by any other ways.

​Aspiring botanical art students, from beginning to advanced level, join her Zoom classes from USA, Canada, Germany, Netherland, Sweden, Portugal, Latvia, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea
ADVANCED WATERCOLOUR - TUESDAYS (ZOOM) 10 AM - 1 PM, CDT
Date: June 7, 14, 21 & 28
Course: Project 4: Wild Roses in Habitat with Pollinators
Fee: $250 USD

Date: July 12, 19, 26 & August 2
Course: Project 5: Milkweed Blooms
Fee: $250 USD
​ZOOM SPECIAL: WATERCOLOR TROUBLESHOOTING SERIES

Suitable for all levels. However absolute beginners are recommended to take beginner’s course, first.

Every other week, 10 am - 1 pm, Central Time, USA,
Fee: $50 per session. ​ SOLD OUT
Course Offering  (Winter/Spring 2021)
  • Series 1: Fixing Mistakes (July 3) Essential watercolor painting techniques to correct mistakes.
  • Series 2: Maintaining 3 Dimensionality. (July 17. )
  • Series 3: How to Translate Colors into Value (July 31) 
  • Series 4: Foreshortened Form? No Problem! #1 (August 14) 
  • Series 5: How to Deal with Patterns (August 28). 
  • Series 6: Foreshortened Form? No Problem! #2 (September 11) 
  • Series 7: Green Mix and Application (September 25)

Online Instruction by Recognised Institutions
​

Institutions: Distance Learning using web-based instruction
​

These are courses which are entirely designed around online electronic engagement between course, teacher and student - in terms of delivery of course materials, assignments and feedback plus any course community discussion arrangements.
Essentially, when you contract for one of these courses,
  • You are contracting with an organisational institution and not an individual.
  • Hence the organisation should be able to keep the instruction going if the course tutor becomes ill or needs to stop doing the course for any reason.
  • You may get different tutors during the course of the tuition - as tutors come and go - although most stay for a while.​​
Where the course provider is based is irrelevant UNLESS
  • some form of attendance at some stage of the course is required and
  • there are visa issues and travel/accommodation costs to add on.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH (UK)

ONLINE Distance Learning Courses available
  • 3 year Online Diploma Course
  • Online Certificate Course

RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration 

Diploma Course Outline:
  • main focus is on observational drawing, pen-and-ink work and painting skills
  • Years 1 and 2 cover essential techniques and skills of botanical illustration,
  • a themed collection of paintings to be completed by the end of year 3.

THE ATTENDED COURSE is not currently being offered. There is no planned intake for the 2020/21 academic year.
Course Content (Year 1) 
  • Module 1: Drawing Fundamentals
  • Module 7: Botany part 1
  • Module 2: Painting Fundamentals
  • Module 3: Painting the Details
  • Module 8: Historical Context
  • Module 9: Native Tree Project Part 1 
Course Content (Year 2) ​
  • ​Module 4: Measured Drawing
  • ​Module 7: Botany part 2
  • Module 5: Other Media
  • Module 6: Complex Compositions
  • ​Module 9: Native Tree Project Part 2 
Course Content (Year 3)
  • Module 10: Themed Collection of Paintings​ ​

Student Requirements: 
  • NOT FOR BEGINNERS (see the Certificate Course below)
Students are expected to have
  • a reasonable level of skill in artistic illustration
  • ideally experience of illustrating botanical/plant subjects
  • a demonstrable interest in the area of study.
Website: RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration (Online)
Course Handbook:  RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration 2021-24 Course Handbook

Diploma Course Delivery
  • set timetable - with defined start date
  • All course content is delivered via PropaGate (RBGE’s virtual learning environment). This involves a number of elements including: slideshows / presentations, notes, videos, quizzes, galleries, discussion forums, and an upload area for your drawings and paintings.  
  • course follows same learning modules as the taught course. 
  • Online tutor support via weekly written feedback AND full written feedback at the end of each module
  • Skype session offered at the end of each Module
  • Online tutorials - typically using Skype - scheduled at intervals throughout the course to support work in progress
  • Significant amount of home study required (approx. 18 hours per week)
Diploma Course Tutors
  • botanical artists/RBGE tutors: Jacqui Pestell, Lizzie Sanders, Claire Banks, Isık Güner, and Sharon Tingey, as well as visiting specialists and guests. 
  • ​plus input from RBGEs botanists and horticulturists.
 ​
Price
  • £3,500 (equivalent to £1,166 per annum)
  • enquiry form provided
  • registration deadline extended to 15th January 2021 The next intake for this course is due to start in March 2021
Picture
Jacqui Pestell at the RBGE stand at the RHS Botanical Art Show in 2016

RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration
​​

Certificate Course Outline
Course Content 10 units:
  1. CBI-01 Context of Botanical Illustration and the sketchbook
  2. CBI-02 Drawing plants
  3. CBI-03 Modelling in 3D
  4. CBI-04 Colour and Mixing Painting
  5. CBI-05 Painting techniques 1
  6. CBI-06 Painting techniques 2
  7. CBI-07 Exploring Composition
  8. CBI-08 Composition
  9. CBI-09 Composition and Review
  10. CBI-10 Final Assessment

Student Requirements: 
  • Students are expected to be a competent computer user with a basic understanding of standard computer applications such as using an internet browser, email and word processing. 
Website: RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration
Course Handbook: RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration Handbook - Distance (Online) Course 2019/20

Certificate Course Delivery
  • All course content is delivered via PropaGate (RBGE’s virtual learning environment). This online platform enables access to course materials such as slideshows / presentations, notes, videos, quizzes, galleries as well as tutor support, discussion forums, and an upload area for your drawings and paintings. ​
  • full written feedback at key points throughout the course
  • The Handbook explains the skills and hardware/software you need for the programme.


​Price
  • £600​​
It's well structured and tutor support is excellent.I think my tutor Sharon Tingey went over and above in her speedy response to queries and very regular feedback and advice in addition to the published feedback dates in the course. Videos were sometimes short but no complaints as they covered everything. I don't think you could enjoy the course without a basic grounding in graphite and watercolour. I learned a lot and it lifted my capabilities a little more....Highly recommended.  (S.W.)

CORNELL UNIVERSITY (USA)

Online Certificate Course in Botanical Illustration

These are non-accredited courses for non-matriculated adult learners, which culminate in a certificate of participation (not a degree or certification) i.e.
  • You do not receive Cornell University credit for taking the course.
  • You get a Botanical Illustration Certificate of Completion from the Office of Continuing Education if you successfully complete all three botanical illustration courses on offer.
Website: Cornell Online: Botanical Illustration Courses

Unclear what software is used and/or whether there is any use of videos or Skype ( (but see intro video below)
ONLINE Content:
Three online courses in Botanical Illustration.
​
Botanical Illustration I: Basic Drawing Techniques: 
  • Next class: January 21 – March 5, 2020. 
  • Limited to 20 students Course full. Registration closed.
  • View full syllabus [.pdf]
  • Observation of Art in Nature
  • The Use of Line in Drawing
  • The Use of Shape and Space in Drawing
  • One week break
  • Depicting Perspective and Foreshortening in Illustration
  • Using Light to Add Dimension to Botanical Illustrations
  • Composition and a Creative Approach to Drawing
Botanical Illustration II: Working With Watercolor  
  • Next class: January 21 – March 5, 2020​
  • Limited to 12 students 
  • View full syllabus [.pdf]    
  • Brush Care, Preparing Paper, Getting to Know Color
  • Applying a Wash
  • Other Helpful Watercolor Techniques: continuing to become confident with brush, paint and water
  • One week break
  • Painting in Watercolor: Keep it Simple to Begin With
  • Progressing Toward More Complexity
  • Pulling it All Together 
Botanical Illustration III: Advanced Techniques
  • Next class: January 21 – March 5, 2020
  • ​Enrolment limited 
  • Required reading: Botanical Illustration Course with the Eden Project by Rosie Martin and Meriel Thurstan
  • Welcome and an Introduction: Course Overview
  • Lesson 1: Review of Elements and Principles
  • Lesson 2: Technical Drawing with Pen and Ink
  • Lesson 3: Textures and Dimensions Found in Nature; geometric forms; charcoal and chalk
  • Lesson 4: Pastels and Colored Pencil, Mixed Media
  • Lesson 5: Identification and Portrayal of Plant Characteristics
  • Lesson 6: Final Lesson – Illustration and Portfolio Review
Course Outline/Delivery: 
Summary on the website (recently improved) - for each course - includes:
  • Purpose
  • Learner Outcomes
  • Course at a Glance
  • Full syllabus available as a pdf
  • NOTE: Online site and course content cannot be accessed after the course closes
​Based on hands-on activities and online interaction among students and instructors.
  • web-based instruction - but very little information on the website. (i.e. nothing stated in the syllabus or any other pages) Simply states need access to a computer
  • access to course materials for the duration of the course
  • refunds only possible BEFORE the course starts and do not include $150 admin fee
The online content by students blogging about the course is fairly out of date. Links to the portfolios of students who have completed the course are available on the course webpage

Course Instructor: Marcia Eames-Sheavly
Price: 
  • Each course costs $675​
Before enrolling in our gardening, botanical illustration or permaculture distance learning courses, please watch this short introduction to see if these courses are right for you.

Online Tuition by Tuition Platform Providers (Course Fee)
​

UDEMY
​

Udemy is an online global instruction site founded in 2010.
  • It aims to promote online learning about various different topics.
  • Purchase a specific course and view it forever 
  • Claims: 30M Students, 100K Courses, 42K Instructors, 190M Course enrolments, 22M Minutes of video, and 50+Languages
  • Includes a star rating system and apparently independent consumer reviews
  • ​How it works FAQ
PLUS 
  • Full lifetime access
  • ​30-Day Money-Back Guarantee​
This is a platform designed to allow teachers to deliver online learning to their own design. 
  • Each Udemy course is created, owned and managed by the instructor(s). (i.e. they are not constrained by any standard teaching model) - but there is a Course Quality Checklist for instructors and support for instructors creating and marketing courses
  • Courses are on demand - start when you like, finish when you like, lifetime access to learning materials. 
  • payment is by course fee (i.e. NOT subscription - where access terminates with the subscription)
  • payment by students is to Udemy - but revenue is shared with Udemy depending on how it is made
  • Udemy pays teachers on a monthly basis

Paint Realistic Watercolours and Botanicals with Heidi Willis

website: https://www.udemy.com/user/heidi-willis/

Heidi Willis is an entirely self-taught Natural History watercolour artist based in Australia.
She paints portraits of bird life and native and exotic plants, flowers, fruits and seed capsules. Her work has featured in  The Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize  seven times to date. She won a Highly Commended award in the Works on Paper section in 2014 and 2016
4 courses:
Course Offerings vary by course. This is what she provides for her first course.
  • 3 hours on-demand video
  • 1 article
  • 2 downloadable resources
  • Full lifetime access
  • Access on mobile and TV
  • Certificate of Completion
Essentially an online version of a step by step book; there is no interaction with the tutor or assessment of your finished painting.

​Comments online suggest some are very happy with her tuition while not everybody gets good results with her tutorials.
Introduction to Botanical Art - Eucalyptus Leaves with Cheryl Hodges
website: 
Cheryl Hodges focuses on Australian native plants and insects and is an award winning Australian botanical artist with over 20 years experience. She teaches botanical and insect illustration in watercolour using  various watercolour techniques to build up detailed paintings. 
website: ​https://www.cherylhodges.com/
Online: 
Course offering:
  •  suitable for: ​Beginner and intermediate watercolour artists interested in botanical art
  • 27 lectures totalling 3 hours and 49 minutes (of which painting accounts for 2 hours 23 minutes)
  • ​sample previews for 4 topics available totalling 30 minutes
  • initial instructor rating of 4.5 out fo 5 with some positive and public comments from 51 students (last time I looked)
  • 4 hours on-demand video
  • 7 downloadable resources
  • Full lifetime access
  • Access on mobile and TV
  • Certificate of completion
TEACHABLE

Teachable provides a platform to enable teachers to build a brand and have a stable platform on which to build and deliver courses.
  • more than 100,000 instructors now use Teachable as a platform for creating an online course or coaching business - including multimedia lectures, videos, and coaching sessions.
  • includes a dashboard to keep track of numbers

Julia Trickey - Botanical Art Tutorials
​

Julia Trickey GM SBA ASBA has won four RHS Gold Medals and is a very experienced botanical art tutor. She works in watercolour and is based near Bath. She has
  • won nine RHS medals in total
  • plus a number of prestigious international awards - including a Kirstenbosch Gold Medal and awards by ASBA and the New York Horticultural Society.
  • She has also had her art selected for inclusion on Royal Mail stamps.

She has written three books

​She uses the Teachable Education Platform​ to provide access to
  • her free demonstrations about tips and techniques and
  • her (priced) step by step tutorials.​ ​
  • ​She also has an Etsy Shop where you can buy some of her publications
Julia Trickey botanical art tutorials
Julia Trickey Botanical Art Tutorials on Teachable
Website: Julia Trickey - Botanical Art Tutorials
Facebook Page: Julia Trickey Art
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliatrickeyart/
Etsy
Course offering:​
Price / Access
  • BOTANICAL ART SHORTS  FREE / Unlimited Access
  • Self-paced online tutorials £9.60 or £8 / Unlimited Access
  • Short 6 week Course £108 / 10 weeks total
  • Set of 7 downloadable PDFS on different aspects of botanical art £12
Julia has also  been running six week ONLINE SHORT COURSES on Texture and Detail and Botanical Colour - with feedback. On these courses Julia aims to replicate the classroom experience where you can follow weekly tutorials, post work in a named folder, get feedback and encourage others on the course. She includes an extra 4 weeks after the initial 6 weeks to catch up with projects or revisit tutorials. (At the end of which access to the courses ends).
  • Short Courses: 6 weeks with weekly video; access for 10 weeks + tutor support. Places are limited and suitable for those with a certain amount of watercolour and botanical art experience.
IMPORTANT NOTE Want to try these courses?
These courses have proved very popular during the Pandemic - with students from all over the world
- so Julia is taking a break, before RE-LAUNCHING them in the New Year. 

SUBSCRIPTION MODEL
​

Online VIDEO Tuition by Botanical Artists (subscription model)
​

There are two types of video based Online Tuition website 
  • Artists' Own websites (subscription access to a library of videos)
  • Third Party Software
    • Patreon (subscription model - different rates for different iers)
    • Teachable (for higher priced courses)
These ALL provide instruction wholly developed and delivered by individual artists - although they may have help from friends and family and people they employ in relation to technical help with making videos and the routine administration which running a course involves. ​
These are all courses which are based on the development of a suite of videos to provide the core tuition. 
  • These videos are typically for streaming only and are not to download and keep i.e. you only have access to them so long as you keep paying the subscription fee. ​
  • While you can see tasters of their videos online, and there may be a sample full video, you will never see the full video until you register. 
  • One way to sample these courses is to try the monthly registration which gives you access to what's on offer
  • a community support group (or monthly webinar) for subscribers is often offered and helps tackle the isolation which many painters experience
  • ​Note: subscription renewal is often automatic i.e. you have to make a decision to stop.
There are common themes - but every single offering is a bit different in terms of how they structure and deliver
What distinguishes one from the other are:
  • whether the videos are structures or you can choose what you want to do
  • the quality of the production of the video
  • the quality of the tuition provided in the video
  • any associated instruction materials provided in addition to the video
  • Feedback is typically
    • NOT individualised via Skype or written
    • via the community support group developed for subscribers which tackle the isolation which many painters experience
COURSES ARE ORDERED BY NUMBER OF VIDEOS / HOURS OF CONTENT
BELOW are brief summaries of each online course.
  • These do NOT include all relevant details.
  • Courses may also change before this page is updated.

Essentially the course is run by an individual operating as a sole trader who should comply with all relevant government regulation related to eCommerce

The link to the course website is BELOW the title of the course.
​YOU are responsible for satisfying yourself about a course, based on the information provided by the tutor before you make a payment or commit to a course.

​More to come!
What you can see below is my initial analysis of what's on offer. It's basic and I am to develop it over time - so if you like online tuition you might want to keep this page bookmarked!

Artists' Own Websites
​

Billy Showell - The Billy Showell School of Botanical Art (125+ online video tutorials / 104 hours+ content)
​​

Billy Showell is a very experienced and popular tutor in botanical painting in watercolour. She has an exceptionally easy to listen to voice, a very clear way of explaining techniques and a very positive manner - which makes for a VERY popular tutor of botanical painting in watercolour. She is also the author of several instruction books about botanical painting. She has been making and publishing videos about botanical painting for the last 8 years. She aims to create 24 new projects each year. See recent tutorials.

Billy is also the current Co-President of the Society of Botanical Artists
​Course offering:  ​
  • Tutorials for all levels of ability - separated into
    • beginner,
    • intermediate and
    • advanced skill levels
  • Over 190 clear and easy to follow tutorials online tutorials - comprising a c.50 minute video; a pdf download pack with line drawing, materials list and reference images
  • monthly access gives full access to all tutorials - which can be categorised by level of difficulty - beginners, intermediate and advanced skill levels. 
  • New tutorial every two weeks
  • add tutorials to your "favourite" list and build your own library of your most loved tutorials
  • no minimum contracts
  • videos for streaming not downloading
  • scope to adjust the video playback speed so you can clearly see every detail of the tutorial 
  • Materials needed
  • Q&A Page
  • Member testimonials​
LINKS:
​Website: https://www.billyshowell.com/ - as from 2019 this offers more introduction and advanced materials.
  • Secure: Yes​
YouTube: ​Billy Showell's YouTube Channel has 150 videos (created since 2013) and 24.3k subscribers. 

​SUBSCRIPTION MODEL: 
  • ​Pricing page
  • Seedling - FREE Try before you buy
  • Full Bloom (MONTHLY) £11.99 per month - billed monthly (no ongoing contract)
  • Full Bloom  (ANNUAL) - £99.99 per year (for 12 months in one payment) + automatic membership renewal
  • last price update: March 2019

Anna Mason - Learn botanical painting online (70+ Video tutorials / ?? hours content)
​​

Anna Mason is a very popular online tutor in botanical painting. Over the last 7 years, she has taught her method to thousands of people from over 70 countries worldwide.

She also has an RHS Gold Medal for botanical art (2007), is a member of the Society of Botanical artists, a judge of international botanical art competitions and teaches botanical art tutor at RHS Wisley. She is also the author of The Modern Flower Painter.  Interestingly she has never taken a class and is entirely self-taught.
​Course offering:  ​
  • focuses on a structured practice approach to learning how to paint watercolour in 20 hours.
  • library of step-by step high-definition video tutorials with close-up footage and detailed, guided instruction (complete with subtitles).
  • Reference photos and outline drawings
  • a vibrant and engaged private community where you can receive support, get feedback​
Course Videos
  • over 70 step-by step high-definition video tutorials
  • include with close-up footage and detailed, guided instruction (complete with subtitles). 
FREE Video Playlists on YouTube
SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
  • £14.99 per month
  • £69.99 for six months
  • £119 for one year
  • plus 7 day money-back guarantee

​LINKS: (all secure i.e. https)
Website: Anna Mason - Learn botanical painting online ​YouTube: Anna Mason Art - 108k Subscribers and 100 videos.

Wendy Hollender: ​Draw Botanical  (83 Video tutorials / 20 hours content)
​

Wendy has been a botanical illustrator since 2001 - combining watercolour and coloured pencils. She is a very experienced American tutor - and an author or an instruction book on coloured pencil - who has been working with online delivery of tuition for over five years. Works mainly in coloured pencils with some watercolour
Wendy Hollender is a botanical artist, illustrator, author, and instructor who works predominantly in coloured pencils and who work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues. She is currently an instructor at the New York Botanical Garden. and is the author of Botanical Drawing in Color - and has a new book out in 2020 - see below
Wendy is also a very experienced online tutor who has developed an awful lot of videos. Wendy has been uploading short videos to YouTube for five+ years and has a significant number available to view. 

This online course "The Practice of Botanical Drawing" was launched  in January 2015.

Draw Botanical - Botanical Basics (40 videos - 6 hours content)
​

​Course offering:  
  • oriented towards
    • colored pencil and watercolor beginners;
    • Experienced illustrators in need of a refresher;
    • those with limited free time;
    • Learners of all ages and students who need motivation
  • 40 videos
  • 6 hours of content
  • Live Interactive Webinars​
  • Image based art forum/feed/community
​Content: Course outline available online
  • Foundational concepts
  • Rendering tonal layers
  • Light source and shadows
  • Adding color to drawings
  • Draw a tomato, branch, apple, onion, and petal
  • Cross-contour lines to apply patterns to forms
PLUS 
  • SAMPLE VIDEO about Continuous Toning
Website: ​Draw Botanical - Botanical Basics
​Secure: Yes
  • ​​ SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
  • ​From: $20.00 / month or $200 for one year
  • enables access to the complete course of Botanical Basics for s long as you subscribe
  • subscriptions on an auto-renew basis (every 30 days or every year)

Draw Botanical's Complete Course - The Practice of Botanical Drawing​ (43 videos / 14 hours of content)
​

Course offering: 
  • aims to  support a routine of practice on a regular basis with a minimal time commitment.
  • Topics covered listed on the Outline Page. Details of the entire course outline and each module also provided on the website.
  • 43 videos
  • 14 hours of content
  • 30-minute instructional modules about botanical drawing with associated Worksheets, Videos, PDFs, community forum and monthly webinar
  • encouraged to post work, view other students’ work, and get involved in the discussion around the lessons.
Website:  ​Draw Botanical - The Practice of Botanical Drawing
Secure: yes 
​
YouTube: Wendy Hollender's YouTube Channel - has 8.9k subscribers and 43 videos created over the last 6 years

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drawbotanical/
SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
  • 40 Lessons From: $40.00 / month or $400 / year
  • access to materials lasts for as long as you subscribe;
  • subscriptions have automated monthly renewal
The Joy of Botanical Drawing
​A Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing and Painting Flowers, Leaves, Fruit, and More 
​by Wendy Hollender
Cover of
Cover of "The Joy of Botanical Drawing" by Wendy Hollender
SCOPE
An easy-to-follow guide to realistic botanical drawing for those who enjoy drawing nature and creating realistic plant portraits. Wendy Hollender shares her drawing techniques for coloured pencils and watercolour pencils:
  • using short lessons that start simple
  • build on the basics with easy to use step by step instructions
Techniques cover a range of textures from delicate petals to stems and textured bark. 
COMMENTARY
Wendy Hollender is an American botanical artist who has been providing instruction in the use of coloured pencils and watercolour pencils for botanical art and illustration for a very long time. She has a wealth of experience in teaching - which will provide excellent grounding for the lessons to be found in this book. Plus very many followers - which will doubtless lead to good sales. The Amazon listing now provides various images which deliver a comprehensive "look inside". The book appears well designed and the content looks good. It also clearly indicates that Wendy writes well - in a coherent and accessible way.​
BASICS:
  • Paperback: 192 pages
  • Also available as a Kindle edition
  • Publisher: Watson-Guptill 
  • Publication Date: April 7, 2020
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1984856715
  • ISBN-13: 978-1984856715
  • Product Dimensions: 216 x 279 mm (8-1/2 x 11 in)
ORDER IN NORTH AMERICA
ORDER IN UK

Jarnie Godwin - Jarnie's Art Room ( 41 videos / 100+ content hours)

Jarnie is a trained teacher who left full time teaching in 2011 and has pursued an interest in botanical painting and illustration ever since. 
  • She is a member of SBA
  • She started delivering botanical art online in 2017. 
  • She was also the full time tutor for the botanical painting course at the London Art College during 2017-2019.
  • Her new website launched this year.
​Course offering:  ​
  • Structured method, with emphasis on why techniques are used
  • Step by step tutorial HD videos for all abilities ( for streaming not downloading ). 
    • New full length tutorial each month. 3 levels of difficulty to choose from. 
    • 41 project videos
    • ​100+ hours of content
  • Short InPractice skill based exercises
  • ToolBox technique videos.
  • New ones added frequently
  • Downloadable support materials, colour charts, outline drawings, reference images. 
  • Free tutorial package of one full length tutorial, all support material downloads, InPractice sketchbook video exercise, access to two ToolBox technique videos.
  • 7 day money back guarantee
PLUS Free Resources
Website: Jarnie Godwin Art

Online: Jarnie's Art Room
  • Secure: Yes
YouTube: The Jarnie Godwin Art Channel has 8.09k subscribers. There are 34 'taster' videos available - made in the last 4 years.
The full versions are accessible via subscription
SUBSCRIPTION MODEL:
  • ​FREE Taster Session - "watch while I paint" video
  • pay monthly £10.99
  • pay every 6 months £55
  • pay annually £90

Online Instruction via Patreon Community Artists
(Subscription: Tiered Access)
​

Patreon

Patreon is an American membership platform that
  • provides business tools enabling creative artists to offer content and run a MONTHLY subscription content service.
  • enables creators and artists to earn a monthly income by providing exclusive rewards and perks to their subscribers, or "patrons".
It's a great platform - and stepping stone - for those botanical art teachers who are:
  • either want to offer a content service on a smaller scale compared to those who are building large video libraries (see category above this one)or 
  • or are not yet ready to create their own dedicated website to deliver the same service.
  • ​or want to build a following before investing in a dedicated online content website

NOTE: The list below ONLY includes botanical artists who are offering instruction.
Patreon Botanical Art Teachers

In order of subscribers (listing dated as of 15th January 2021)
  • Lara Call Gastinger (141 patrons)
  • Sarah Morrish (72 patrons)
  • Sandrine Maugy (36 Patrons)
  • Janie Pirie (30 patrons) - started Jan. 2021
  • Sharon Tingey (25 patrons)
  • Helen Campbell (? patrons)
Courses are ordered according to the number of Patrons

Note that Patreon charges you monthly - every month - at the beginning of the month.
(so you might want to wait until the beginning to subscribe)​

​Lara Call Gastinger
creating botanical art and nature journalling
Lara Call Gastinger is a botanical artist and illustrator in Central Virginia. She is
  • the chief illustrator for the Flora of Virginia Project and
  • a two time gold medalist at the Royal Horticultural Society Botanical Art Shows in London (2007, 2018).​​
Lara Call Gastinger PATREON COMMUNITY
Will include a range of demonstrations and skills for all skill levels - everything from starting and maintaining your perpetual journal, to pen skills, and detailed botanical watercolor painting. 
Common posts: aim to post every week to:
  • In the Studio - featuring something in my studio, resources, or supplies
  • Videos - range in length from 1-30 minutes of projects I am working on
  • Friday Flora - weekly photo of a plant that I have seen plus its natural history
Third Thursday - live demos at 2:00 EST for lichens and above
Raffles for giclees and study paintings occur on solstices / equinoxes
Website: Lara Call Gastinger 
Patreon: Lara Call Gastinger - botanical art and nature journalling
​No of Patrons: 184 (started June 2020) 
​Subscription Model: 4 Tiers: (VAT needs to be added for all EU/UK patrons)
  • Moss £3.50 per month + VAT
  • Mushroom £8.50 per month + VAT
  • Lichen £15.50 per month + VAT
  • Acorn £38.50 per month + VAT - includes ​one hour virtual critiques/lessons per month (total bargain says BA&A!!)​

Sarah Morrish - Illustrating Nature's Details

Sarah Morrish has taught natural history and botanical illustration via workshops and courses for many years. She is also qualified to teach adults in the context of 'lifelong learning'.

Artist achievements:
  • Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Certificate in Botanical Illustration (Distinction)
  • Fellow of the Linnean Society
  • exhibiting member of the Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society and American Society of Botanical Artists
  • has provided workshops for ASBA
  • awarded a Silver Medal by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) in 2016 and a Certificate of Botanical Merit by the SBA (Society of Botanical Artists).
​
​Illustrating Natures Details PATREON COMMUNITY
  • creating learning experiences in botanical & natural history art
  • 4 different membership levels (monthly subscription) to suit all budgets 
  • Mentorship option - with individual feedback sent as a PDF document that also includes an annotated pictorial assessment
  • digital downloads and/or pre-recorded "watch me work" videos (you can ask questions during the session)
Website: Illustrating Nature's Details
Patreon: Illustration Nature's Details - botanical and natural history art
​No of Patrons: 72 (started March 2020)
​​Subscription Model: 4 Tiers (VAT needs to be added for all EU/UK patrons)
  • Barn Owl - £6
  • Tawny Owl - £12
  • Little Owl - £25 Individual mentorship SOLD OUT
creating learning experiences in illustrating nature

Sandrine Maugy

Artist achievements: As an artist she has
  • won a number of awards
  • taught Botanical Painting at West Dean College since 2005 
  • had her book Colours of Nature published in 2013 
  • has written more than 50 tuition articles for Artists & Illustrators Magazine - see published work
  • fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists; member of the Association Of Illustrators
Tuition Offering:
  • ​has a very active YouTube Channel (all videos are free)
  • plus a new two tier Patreon community
  • "Violet" is focused on long video tutorials (paint-along videos) and downloadable PDF tutorials 
  • "Lavender" - as per Violet plus added contents focused on behind the scenes materials
Website: https://sandrinemaugy.com/​
Patreon: Sandrine Maugy
​No of Patrons: 38 patron
​​Subscription Model: 2 tiers
  • Violet £3
  • Lavender £9
Janie Pirie

Janie Pirie is an
  • award-winning coloured pencil artist
  • member of the Society of Botanical Artists and the UK Coloured Pencil Society
  • teaches on the SBA's Distance Learning Course

​Artist achievements: As an artist she was
  • exhibits nationally and internationally
  • awarded a Gold Medal at the RHS Botanical Art Show (Malvern) in 2009 and 2014. 
  • awarded Best In Show, Runner-up Best in Show and Best Botanical in various exhibitions
  • author of a book about Roses

Tuition Offering:
  • creating real time and time-lapse videos in coloured pencil
  • Two tiers
    • Coloring page for each subject + list of pencils used
    • Work-in-progress on new upcoming projects
  • Videos :
    • up to one hour for Monet
    • up to two hours Manet
LINKS:
Website: http://www.janiepirie.co.uk/
​Patreon: Janie Pirie 
​No of Patrons: 37 (started Jan 2021)
​Subscription Model: Two tiers (VAT needs to be added for all EU/UK patrons)
  • Monet £5 per month + VAT (£6)
  • Manet £10 per month + VAT (£12)
  • Matisse £20 per month + VAT

Sharon Tingey - Sharon's Studio
​

Sharon Tingey lives in Edinburgh and teaches on the Diploma and Certificate courses run by the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh.

​Artist achievements: 
  • Won her RHS Gold Medal for a suite of paintings of Helianthus annus (sunflowers) and a Gold Medal at BISCOT (endangered conifers) in 2013.
  • Visited Nepal in 2015 to draw and paint plants for the Flora of Nepal project.
  • She has work in the permanent collection of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh and Kew.

Tuition Offering:
  • ​view live demo once a month
  • access to all videos and downloadable PDF tutorials.
  • join Studio Course lessons, and download worksheets for each session.
  • plus small gift
  • one - to one zoom lesson (extremely limited numbers, on a first come first served basis)
Website: none
​Facebook: Sharon in the studio
Patreon: Sharon's Studio
​No of Patrons: 23 (started February 2019)
Subscription Model: ​Four tiers (Note: VAT needs to be added for all EU/UK patrons)
  • Blackberries $4 per month
  • Strawberries $8.00 per month
  • Raspberries $15.50 per month
  • Cherries £31 month - includes one-to-one zoom lesson (1 hour) once a month.
Helen Campbell - Make Your Botanicals Bloom
Helen Campbell is a
  • self taught botanical artist and commercial illustrator who learned entirely from books.
  • paints entirely from photographs 
  • writes regular articles for Leisure Artist. 
  • set up and moderates the Botanical Art Lovers Facebook Group.

Artist achievements: As an artist she was
  • awarded a Silver Gilt Medal at the RHS Botanical Art Show (Malvern) in 2014. 
  • exhibited her work at The Bankside Gallery and The Royal West of England Academy. 
  • provided commercial botanical illustrations for a number of businesses including The English Garden Magazine 
Tuition offering
  • monthly art tutorial with reference photograph, line drawing for you to trace and a list of materials.
  • + photo editing tutorials (which need an Apple app)
  • ​+ critique facility and help with editing your photographs
LINKS:
Website: Helen Campbell Botanical artist and illustrator
​Patreon: Helen Campbell Art 
​No of Patrons: ?? (UNCLEAR)
Subscription Model:  Three tiers
  • £3 per month + VAT
  • £7 per month + VAT (£8.40)
  • £10 per month + VAT (£12)
  • £19 per month + VAT (£22.80)
creating Vibrant Botanical Art Tutorials

FOR INFORMATION ONLY
Online Tuition by Tuition Platform Providers (Subscription for Access)
​

These are courses provided by a company set up to provide tuition for corporate profit.
​What they provide are:
  • a structured methodology for the provision of tuition
  • Subscription service allows you to access multiple (all) tuition and supporting content for all of the courses they provide - for the duration of the subscription (i.e. subscription ends and content disappears)
  • corporate support to individual tutors such that the tuition offered meets a minimum standard
  • streaming videos which are accessible anytime and anywhere - but cannot be downloaded.
(for them) BELOW is a brief summary each online course.
  • These do NOT include all relevant details.
  • Courses may also change before this page is updated.

The important thing not to forget is that the price you pay is not the price the tutor gets - which is the price (for them) of using a tuition platform.

Craftsy (TN Marketing) (2020-date) / BLUPRINT (NBCUniversal ) (2017-20202) / Craftsy​ (2011-2017)​

MAJOR QUESTION MARK over this platform due to the number of times it has changed hands recently
My conclusion: NOT RECOMMENDED.
  • botanical art / illustration content is poor
  • students lose access to information when your subscription finishes.
  • Business model is really awful for tutors. The shift to a subscription service has seen the income of many tutors drop. Plus their courses are retired if they don't get enough viewing hours - which for minority interest topics is likely. I just don't think it's ethical in business terms - plus there is evidence that this business model fails and falls over in due course.
I am reluctant to invest more money in a product that I don’t physically have (comment by student following the takeover)
Craftsy was a pioneer in putting crafts based courses online - developing an identity crisis.
​
It's a tuition platform which does not specialise in either botanical art or botanical studies

Craftsy was a corporation which orientated itself to an audience of those who like to create and value the handmade 
  • It invested in developing a technological platform which delivers online tuition - via videos and apps.
  • It sold individual courses "forever"
  • July 2017: Craftsy was taken over by Comcast NBC Universal (a major corporate) and rebranded as Bluprint  - all Craftsy content transferred to Bluprint (see article)
  • 2020: NBC Universal sold Bluprint to TN Marketing
  • August 21, 2020: The Bluprint apps on Android, Apple, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV Stick were shut down
  • TN Marketing is currently developing its own Roku App and Amazon Fire TV Stick app for Craftsy 
Craftsy/Bluprint/Craftsy specialises in providing instruction at a certain level for a wide range of arts and crafts - and sells access via subscription
  • Premium annual membership enables access to all courses across the platform for a year. (i.e. NOT course specific)
  • recruits established instructors in their fields - but will have less success in future judging by comments by past tutors
  • the website has become much less informative of late
  • home to 1,500+ in-depth classes in more than 20 craft categories 
To me, this is classic marketing gone amok. Not only did we all pay for "lifelong" classes that we could reference forever, we all (or most of us) had to pay for additional software (kching kching) in order to get what we already paid for.  

Craftsy was such a great platform for so many crafts. I wasn't a big fan when it morphed from Craftsy into Bluprint and after reading about the changes I never purchased another class or paid a fee to join. It really is a sad loss for not only the consumer, but also for the excellent quality and professionalism of all the instructors.
Trustpilot comment on the change of business model from a consumer's perspective
REFERENCE:

Review of Online Botanical Art Courses
​

This page identifies and reviews ALL opportunities to learn about botanical art online - no matter where the artist or organisation is based.

It would help me greatly if you could:
  • EITHER Tell me what sort of course you'd ideally like to do online
  • AND/OR Tell me what you "need to know" before you choose an online course and decide to pay a fee or subscription.
  • AND/OR Provide feedback about any online courses you have paid for and taken. e.g. Why did you opt for online learning? Who provided the course? Did course delivery meet your expectations - based on information provided? What did you have access to and do?  Did you find it helpful? What did you like/not like? Was any aspect disappointing?

Please use the form for your messages
PLEASE NOTE COMMENTS ARE NOT PUBLISHED ONLINE - unless you indicate permission to use them for testimonials.

    ONLINE BOTANICAL ART COURSES:
    Message me using this form

How TUTORS can add a online botanical art course to this listing
​

What I need to know is as follows:
  • your name
  • your background as a tutor (qualifications; when you started teaching and online teaching; how many courses you have taught)
  • URL for your online course
  • summary of course offering - highlighting the online features
  • pricing
  • plans for the future (if any)
Your submission will then be reviewed and IF SUITABLE will be added to the appropriate section above.

Please note:
  • I only include experienced teachers.
  • I retain your feedback within the security of my gmail system but will not use your personal details for any other purpose.

    ADD my ONLINE course (for tutors)
Self-improvement for beginners and developers See also the Botany for Artists Section on this website which covers a range of botanical knowledge relevant to botanical illustrators

Need Tuition?
Other Opportunities​
Banner Photo by Michał Grosicki on Unsplash