Things to do · Arts and crafts
Learn botanical illustration
A friend has invited you to do this with them.
Botanical illustration means drawing a plant accurately enough to identify it, measured and observed leaf by leaf. Botanic gardens on both sides of the Atlantic run beginners' courses, and some lead to full certificates and diplomas.
Gentle£100 to £500 / $130 to $650A few weeksIndoorsAlone or with othersUK and US
Someone who has done it
These are real people who did this, as reported by the outlets named. We opened each one before linking it. None of them is connected with this site.
What it's really like
It starts with drawing, not painting. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's two-day introduction has you look closely at plant specimens and make accurate measured drawings, then use tone to make them look three-dimensional. Kew's five-day Fundamentals course covers drawing flowers and leaves using measurement and perspective, then watercolour and colour mixing.
The longer routes are a serious commitment. RBGE's online Diploma in Botanical Illustration takes three years, recommends around 20 hours of study a week, is not designed for beginners, and costs £4,950; RBGE recommends its Certificate first. The Society of Botanical Artists' distance learning diploma runs for 27 months, with 12 assignments posted to tutors for critique.
Most courses expect you to bring your own materials. RBGE tells students what to buy before the course starts, and Kew links to a separate materials list.
Ways in, side by side
| Where | Course/format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh | Introduction to Botanical Drawing, two days, 21 and 22 November 2026; 14 places | £140, or £126 for RBGE members |
| Kew Gardens, London | Fundamentals of botanical illustration, five days; suitable for beginners (last run February 2026) | £470, or £460 for Kew members |
| City Lit, London | Drawing from plants and flowers, from January 2027 | £349, or £279 senior and £227 concession |
| Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Virginia | Certificate of at least 303 hours; start with Introduction to Botanical Drawing I or Botanical Art History | Certificate enrolment free; classes $12 to $15 an hour plus materials |
The Society of Botanical Artists' 27-month diploma is taught by post, in graphite, pen and ink and a choice of watercolour, gouache or coloured pencil. Ask the Society for current fees.
How to start
- Book a short introductory course at a botanic garden, such as the two-day Introduction to Botanical Drawing at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
- Buy the materials on the course list before you go; most courses do not supply them.
- If you want to keep going, look at the certificate routes, such as Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden's in Virginia or the Society of Botanical Artists' distance learning diploma.
Where to go
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Introduction to Botanical Drawing UK
- Kew Gardens: short courses UK
- Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Botanical Illustration Certificate Program (Virginia) US
We opened these links on 7 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
Plan this
Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
Can a beginner learn botanical illustration?
Yes. RBGE's two-day introduction is a beginners' course, and Kew's Fundamentals course says it suits beginners. Diplomas such as RBGE's are not designed for beginners.
Do I need to be able to paint to learn botanical illustration?
No. RBGE's introduction is a drawing course using measurement and tone. Kew's Fundamentals course starts with drawing and then moves on to watercolour and colour mixing.
How long does a botanical illustration diploma take?
RBGE's online diploma takes three years at around 20 hours a week. The Society of Botanical Artists' distance learning diploma runs for 27 months.
How much does a botanical illustration course cost?
As last listed, £140 for RBGE's two-day introduction, £470 for Kew's five-day course, $12 to $15 an hour for classes at Lewis Ginter in Virginia, and £4,950 for RBGE's diploma.
Where this comes from: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Botanics Shop), Introduction to Botanical Drawing; Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, RBGE Diploma in Botanical Illustration (online) 2026; Kew Gardens, Fundamentals of botanical illustration; Kew Gardens, Short courses; City Lit, Beginners drawing courses; Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Botanical Illustration Certificate Program; Mall Galleries, Rooted in Tradition: Celebrating the 2025 Graduates of the Society of Botanical Artists' DLDC (2025). Opened 7 November 2026.
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