......making learning at a distance easier
Botanical Art Online Dianne Sutherland
A New Botanical Sketchbook Course for 2027: The Sketchbook Year
I’m delighted to finally be able to offer this new course to a small group of students. I will only be offering this course once as I have no in person classes in 2017. So, its an opportunity for those of you who want to learn how to use a sketchbook with confidence and with my guidance and with personalised feedback on you pages.
We’ll cover everything from making your own books, to finding suitable plants, drawing and painting, using different media, composition and, most importantly maintaining momentum throughout the year - so your sketchbook becomes a natural part of your artistic practice.
I’ll be guiding students through a full sketchbook year, with monthly examples and structured activities beginning in the New Year. The course will officially open in December 2026 to allow time for preparatory work, materials gathering, and an introduction to the course.
There will also be a dedicated group forum where students can share their sketchbook pages, discuss challenges, celebrate progress, and support one another. This shared space will be an important part of the learning experience, helping you stay motivated and connected as your sketchbook grows month by month.
How much does it cost: the fee is £500 for the year, and your place can be secured today by paying a £150 deposit, with the remaining fee either paid in two more instalments or in full, before the course start date.
When does it begin: January 5th 2027 but will be open in early December in order to give students plenty of time to prepare
Who is this course suitable for? Anyone who want to keep a sketchbook, whether you have experience or not.... Sketchbooks are for all!
More information to follow shortly with a video upload next week.
Secure your place today and book before 7th August for 10% discount with code: SKETCHYEAR27
See what can be achieved in just a few months!
Here is my sketchbook for the first half of 2026, showing some of the subjects I’ve illustrated so far this year. It gives a glimpse into the kind of observational work, seasonal studies, and botanical detail we’ll be exploring together in the course.
Throughout the programme, I’ll be teaching you my full sketchbook approach, including:
-
Page layout strategies: How to design clear, balanced pages that tell a visual story and guide the viewer’s eye.
-
Working with large plants and small parts: Strategies for fitting oversized subjects into a sketchbook, and of course how to scale up smaller parts
-
Colour mixing methods: How to create reliable colour mixes, make swatches, and label them so they become a practical reference throughout the year.
-
My botanical techniques: From fine line work to controlled washes and dry brush, and the small refinements that bring botanical subjects to life
-
How to incorporate different media, graphite, ink, gouache and more
By the end of the year, you’ll have a beautiful, personal sketchbook - one that reflects your growing skills, your connection with nature, and your confidence in both drawing and painting.