This visual mentoring approach allows you to clearly see the difference between “good” and “excellent” — accelerating your development in a practical, constructive way.


Prospectus and Enrolment Form 2026

Enrolment times are flexible throughout the year. Places are limited but due to small teaching numbers, enrolments can be accepted any month of the year.

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About the Course -
In 2022, Simon launched his own 12-Month Botanical Painting Course, a comprehensive and immersive programme created to support dedicated artists in developing their skills to a professional standard. Designed for committed botanical painters seeking meaningful growth, this in-depth course offers structured learning and high-level, professional feedback. Through carefully guided tuition and ongoing mentorship, artists are encouraged to refine their technique, strengthen their artistic abilities, and build a confident, cohesive body of coursework projects. Ideal for those ready to take their botanical art practice seriously, this programme provides the focus, discipline, and expert guidance needed to elevate both skill and confidence over the course of a transformative year. The course is set around a series of 6 practical projects to complete in drawing, perspective, textures and techniques, flora and fauna and a final project focusing on biodiversity. This could cover rare, exotic, endangered or symbiotic partnerships as topic choices. Your final artwork at the end of each project will be posted to Simon for evaluation and critique.

Very few UK botanical tutors use the same method Simon works in. More often, they will rely on video demonstrations. There are huge advantages to digitally modified visuals over video. For example, by using Photoshop, a painting composition can be completely deconstructed and put together in a more visually pleasing layout. Leaf venations can be redrawn, tapered and corrected and even outline drawings can be improved. Something that cannot be broken down through video demonstrations.
This ‘new version’ visual can be emailed to the learner to aid progress and development.

If this course sounds appealing to you, please download a prospectus and enrolment form available above and return the enrolment form to Simon, either via email or post. Contact Simon directly if you have any questions.
Email: simon@swillustrations.com

This course has been developed to help you improve your existing skills, challenge and fulfil your painting ambitions.
Working in either watercolour or gouache, modules are set based around a combination of botanical and natural history topics to choose from.

Individual Zoom consultations are held at the beginning of each project to discuss any ideas you have. Advise will be given during the consultations about your project and techniques relating to subject choice. A 30 - 45min, approx' consultation via Zoom, will be scheduled at the beginning and every 4 weeks into your project.
This time should be used to discuss your progress and also talk about any difficulties you may be having with painting techniques.

You will need to have some experience in botanical art or natural history painting and must have the willingness to pursue a precise rather than loose style of painting.

Simon will endeavour to give you confidence in your own ability, hone your existing skills and help you to achieve brilliance in your artwork.

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