......making learning at a distance easier
Botanical Art Online Dianne Sutherland
Creating a Sketchbook Not currently available but a tutorial will be made available in January 2020
A sketchbook is an immensely important part of any artists work, it demonstrates the process that the artist uses to create final drawings or paintings, and gives an insight into their thought processes and interests. Historically artist sketchbooks have often been able to tell us more about the artistic process than any finished painting can do.
A sketchbook is your library and personal learning process, which contributes towards the point where finished works can be created. Your sketchbook allows you to explore and develop ideas, if you only ever make a drawing as part of creating a final piece of work, you are probably missing a part of the process and you may not have the knowledge to create convincing and creative interpretations of a specific plant.
A sketchbook is definitely not a collection of contrived final artworks, it’s your visual record, your notes and research, nevertheless it can be a beautiful piece of work in its own right.
For a botanical artist it’s particularly important, especially when working in the field. It acts as an annotated record, it’s your personal library of material which can be referred back to and of course a great way of learning more about plants.
About this Course
Many people feel daunted by sketchbooks, they often feel that they don't have the time or are unsure which elements to include in their pages. This course is designed to guide you through the process to create an informative and attactive sketchbook.
It will highlight the important information such as measurements, quick sketches, notes and colour studies. Each week you will develop new pages in your book and by the end of the course you should have an attractive sketchbook to continue with beyond the course. Materials will be delivered via this website, with password access to the materials and there will be a dedicated Facebook Group for discussion and sharing of work. You will submit work via email and recieve individual feedback throughout the course. Video demonstrations are given for sketchbook pages.
Recommended Sketchbook and Materials
You may use a book of your choice but the one I recommend is the Stillman & Birn Zeta series, size 14.0 x 21.6 cm, in natural white, smooth surface. It has good heavyweight paper for washes and is available from a number of sellers, Such as Jacksons Art or Dick Blick. You will also need pencils and a basic set of watercolours, preferably artist quality.
How Many Hours per Week and Cost
As little as 3 hours per week will allow you to work through this course, you may take up to 6 months to complete the course but like anything- the more you put in the more you will get out of it!
Hopefully you will continue with the sketcbook beyond the end of the course and the course materials will be available to you further period of 6 months, so 12 months in total.
​
​