Despite my interest in plants and painting, it was only a couple of years ago that I had the opportunity to think about a course to hone my skills. The most relevant courses were full time and/or based in London, neither of which were suitable to someone based in Wales with family commitments. It seemed distance learning was the best option, but how to find a really demanding course?
I did a few short Botanical Painting courses at the National Botanic Garden of Wales and found I really enjoyed the discipline. And of course, that was when I broke my arm, just above the wrist. The left arm, the hand I write, draw and paint with -naturally.
Researching courses online, I found a post by Katherine Tyrrell, on her Making a Mark Blog, about the artist, Shevaun Doherty, painting carrots in the middle of the Egyptian revolution. And that's when I learned about the Society of Botanical Artists. It was like being struck by lightning. I had to apply for a place on the SBA Distance Learning Diploma Course. I rummaged through my paintings for something half-decent and sent off the letter of application with a sample of my work.
The Sample sent ot the SBA - Bindweed Study |