......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. As I won’t be running any in‑person classes in 2027, this will be a one‑time opportunity for those who want to learn how to use a sketchbook with confidence and purpose.
Throughout the year, you’ll work closely with me, receiving personalised feedback on your pages as you develop your skills in sketchbook practice, plant observation, and botanical drawing techniques. My aim is to guide you step by step so your sketchbook becomes a natural, enjoyable part of your botanical art journey.
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!
THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL
Thank you to everyone who has registered. If you’re interested in being added to a waiting list in case of cancellations, please feel free to contact me via email; info@botanicalart-online.com or use the contact form.
You can also get in touch if you’d like to receive information about a possible in‑person sketchbook class in the UK in 2027.
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:
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Page layout strategies: How to design clear, balanced pages that tell a visual story and guide the viewer’s eye.
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Working with large plants and small parts: Strategies for fitting oversized subjects into a sketchbook, and of course how to scale up smaller parts
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Colour mixing methods: How to create reliable colour mixes, make swatches, and label them so they become a practical reference throughout the year.
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My botanical techniques: From fine line work to controlled washes and dry brush, and the small refinements that bring botanical subjects to life
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How to incorporate different media, graphite, ink, gouache and more
By the end of the year, you’ll have a beautiful, personalised sketchbook - one that reflects your growing skills, your connection with nature, and your confidence in both drawing and painting.
Sketchbook Through the Seasons
A selection of pages from my sketchbook across the seasons - winter, spring, summer and autumn - shows how the year naturally provides a rich variety of subjects. Although these examples reflect a typical British seasonal cycle, it truly doesn’t matter where you live. There is always something to observe, record and enjoy in a sketchbook throughout the year, whether it’s garden plants, wild species, or simple everyday botanical finds.
Your sketchbook becomes a companion that keeps you looking, noticing and drawing, no matter the season or location.
