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RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration

Study options: Online Or Attended

The RBGE Certificate in Botanical Illustration (CBI) is a great way learn the fundamental techniques of paint and pencil. Using plants as our core subject this course is an ideal starting certificate for those wishing to complete the RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration.

The techniques you learn are valuable across all areas of illustration and a seldom taught in art colleges or university art departments, so it is well suited to any developing artist.

There are many courses that teach botanical illustration, but this structured course consists of 10 units with assessment built into the programme within a standard framework. The focus is on the fundamental skills, and is taught by experienced and enthusiastic tutors.

Frequently asked Questions

What does the course cover?: The course will cover fundamental skills such as 3d modelling, colour mixing, painting techniques and composition. The techniques you learn are valuable across all areas of illustration and a seldom taught in art colleges or university art departments, so are well suited to any developing artist.

This certificate also gives you all the skills required to join the RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration if you wish to take your studies to a professional level.
What is the structure of the course?: The course consists of these 10 units:
CBI-01 Context of Botanical Illustration and the sketchbook
CBI-02 Drawing plants
CBI-03 Modelling in 3D
CBI-04 Colour and Mixing Painting
CBI-05 Painting techniques 1
CBI-06 Painting techniques 2
CBI-07 Exploring Composition
CBI-08 Composition
CBI-09 Composition and Review
CBI-10 Final Assessment

Some theory provided to aid your understanding (in the form of short, highly visual presentations), but the course is designed to be delivered and assessed using a predominantly practical approach.

The CBI is a formal qualification and students must therefore pass on-going assessment to achieve the award. Students are required to build up a course portfolio containing notes, visuals and exercises. This body of work will show progression and help develop skills leading to a final painted composition. Both the portfolio and the final piece will be assessed and the marks combined to provide the final grade. There is also an element of continuing self-assessment and evaluation within the programme.
When does the attended course run?: This course normally runs as a summer block course that runs over 2 weeks in July or a monthly course that runs from August - June with the individual units taking place on Saturdays.
What is the format of the online course?: The online certificate runs for approximately 6 months and starts in multiple times throughout the year, we're currently planning the daes for 2020/21 and hope to confirm these shortly.

Using PropaGate Learning, our online learning platform, you will be able to access course materials such as demonstration videos, activities, notes, galleries together with prompt tutor and technical support, discussion forums, and an upload area for your drawings and paintings. Work is assessed online so there is no requirement to send us your work.
Do I need any prior knowledge?: You do not need prior experience for this course. Enthusiasm and motivation is all that is required!
How much does the course cost?: The cost is £600. The full payment is required on acceptance of a place.
What support will I get for the online course?: Tutor support takes place on our PropaGate learning environment forums. There is also a private messaging activity within the course where you can contact your tutor or the online learning team directly.

The advantage of an online course is that you can contact us at any time and receive a quick response. Replies from the Online Learning Team (for practical technical support) and from your tutors is very prompt, enabling you to make progress with your learning.

You will also be able to interact with and take advice from fellow students.
What will I need?: This is a practical course so you must have basic drawing and watercolour painting materials. A detailed list can be found in the course handbook. For the online course additional equipment such as a scanner will be required.
How do I apply?: We are currently in the process of planning for the 2020/21 academic year, however this process has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. If you are interested in joining the waiting list for this course please email: education@rbge.org.uk including your name and the course you are interested in.

When details are confirmed you will be sent a copy of the applicants’ handbook as soon as it’s released.

Please note that while we work to support students on courses that were unable to complete this year as planned, some courses may have to start at a later date or in some cases might not be able to run at all.

Download the course handbooks