Join us for a six-week introductory course in botanical drawing, led by Botanical Artist Sophie Smith.
This course is designed for adults with beginner-level experience and aims to teach the fundamentals of drawing plants using graphite and coloured pencils.
In a relaxed and supportive environment, you will spend time exploring a botanical subject selected by the tutor and practising the art of drawing from life. Sophie will guide you through essential techniques to help you accurately depict line, form, texture and colour.
The course will cover the basics such as
drawing to scale and in perspective
creating form using shading techniques
colour matching and depicting texture with coloured pencis
taking reference photos
creating a pleasing composition.
Participants will use their studies from life, along with photographic references, to develop a sketchbook-style composition that may incorporate both graphite and coloured pencil.
“I thoroughly enjoyed Sophie’s workshop, and I learned to see and appreciate much more detail in the flowers and the leaves”
What to bring
A camera phone is useful but not essential
What’s included
All required drawing materials and equipment
Coffee, tea and biscuits.
Dates and times
Mondays 10:00am - 12:30pm
26 January, 2, 9 & 26 February and 2 & 9 March
Note there will be no class on 13 Feb
Cost
£175 per person.
Suitable for ages 18+.
Spaces limited to 10 in total so book early to avoid disappointment!
Booking
Booking is made direct through Yardley Arts. You can email bookings@yardleyarts.org or book online below.
About the tutor
Sophie Smith holds an honours degree in theatre design from Manchester University and has worked in commercial interior design. After taking a career break to care for her two children, Sophie rekindled her passion for drawing from life, finding inspiration in the natural world. She enhanced her skills through a distance learning course with the Society of Botanical Art, earning a diploma with distinction in botanical art in 2023. Since graduating, Sophie has exhibited at the Mall Galleries in London and, in 2024, was awarded a solo exhibition at Abington Park Museum, Northampton. She enjoys leading botanical art workshops locally, including those for The Wildlife Trust.
Connect with Sophie on Instagram @sophiesmith_art