Sketching for Garden Design - Intermediate

Would you like to spend two days learning sketching techniques for planting design in the studio and plein air? 

On this course, we will take a deeper look at how to translate your plans and ideas into illustrative, atmospheric sketches. We will explore how to capture the shapes, forms and characters of plants and different ways of adding depth to your drawing through 1 point and ‘atmospheric’ perspective. Combining these methods, we will go though drawing an area of planting step by step with lots of techniques you can use in your practice.

Outside the studio, we will explore plein air techniques and ways to train your observational skills and take sketchbook notes. We will also add expressive watercolour washes to really bring life to your drawings.

Topics covered will include:

• Materials. Making the most of pens and pencils. Line
• A deeper look at capturing plant shape and character, from perennials to trees
• Creating depth and a feeling of 3D to your drawings through atmospheric perspective.
• Principles of one point perspective
• A step by step procedure for drawing planting
• Fast, observational drawings
• Using drawing as creative tool on site and at your desk
• Sketching ‘plein air’. Taking notebook observations
• Fast, expressive watercolour washes

Anna Ribo combines her knowledge of planting design and drawing to give students skills that are relevant to horticulture friendly and informative workshops. Beginners are welcome. All materials except paper will be provided. Please bring a hardback sketchbook, minimum paper weight of 160 gsm, and some inexpensive paper for fast drawings.

This is a 2 day course held at the Chelsea Physic Garden

Arrival refreshments will be provided

Places limited to 20