About

During this three-day course, we will draw a complex subject in pencil, before rendering it in pen and ink using line and a choice of tonal rendering techniques.

Flower dissection and the enlargement of details will be introduced.

We will also study the work of Kew’s botanical illustrators with a tour of the Herbarium, and selected works from the Library, Art and Archives Collection of botanical artwork from the past 250 years.

About the tutor

Lucy T Smith is a freelance botanical artist who has been based at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for twenty-four years.

She has received international recognition and awards for her work, including the Jill Smythies Award for Botanical Illustration from the Linnean Society of London and two gold medals from the Royal Horticultural Society. Her scientific illustration work has been recognised by her receipt of First Prize in the Margaret Flockton Award for Scientific Illustration, from the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney. 

Represented in the Shirley Sherwood collection.

As well as freelance work, Lucy produces illustrations and paintings for private commissions and exhibitions.

Important information

• This class is suitable for those with some experience.
• You will need to bring the materials listed in the ‘Pen and Ink’ section of the materials list.
• Small amounts of cartridge paper, pen and ink paper, and tracing paper will be supplied in class.
• Lunch is not provided on the course but there are a variety of eating places in the Gardens. Alternatively, you may wish to bring a packed lunch and drink.
• Free tea and coffee will be available all day in the classroom.
• Read our terms and conditions