Geelong School of Botanical Art

Botanical Art classes are among the most popular activities held by the Friends.  The classes are held at the GBG Meeting Room. Experienced teachers conduct small classes of students at levels varying from beginners to advanced. The teachers and a number of past students have received recognition at significant botanical art exhibitions both locally and internationally.

Classes are held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Tuesday and Friday's classes are for students of all levels. Saturday classes are for advanced students.

The Timetable for 2022 Term 3 & 4 classes is now available Here

Location: All classes are held in the Geelong Botanic Gardens' Meeting Room at the rear of the Geelong Botanic Gardens, or online.

Enrolment and Fees: An Enrolment Form must be lodged at the Friends' Office at least two weeks before the start of the Victorian school term. Term Fees must be paid in full before the start of the first class.  Please check term fees at the Friends' Office before making payment.

Absence of leave policy

Absence of leave form

For more information about our Geelong School of Botanical Art - Botanical Art brochure  

The Wagtails

All members of the Geelong School of Botanical Art are encouraged to be part of the Wagtails. This is an informal painting session where students can come and work on their projects without formal instruction.  Coming to Wagtails enables you to meet other students from the other classes; this fosters a sense of collegiality among the School students. It also provides you with the opportunity to discuss any problems you may be having with your art with other students and to gain feedback and encouragement from them. It is a mutually supportive group and all students are very welcome to attend; from the new students to the more advanced.

• Wagtails must be members of the Friends of Geelong Botanic Gardens
• Wagtails is free of charge for current students, or,
• For members who have been enrolled in any of the previous four terms of classes, the fee for Wagtails is $25 per term
• Wagtails meet in the Art Room each Wednesday from 12.30 pm to approximately 4.00 pm. Occasionally, the commencement time may be delayed due to a Friends’ event in the Art Room 

February 2021

BOTANIC ART WORKSHOPS JANUARY 2023

‘THE BEAUTY OF SEED PODS’ WORKSHOP

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 January 2023

9.30 am to 4.00 pm

Tutor, Amanda Blake Sutterby

This 2-day workshop focuses on the simple seed pod. You will construct careful graphite drawings of varying compositions looking closely at the details. After considering the important elements of composition, we will transfer these drawings into watercolour paper and complete detailed paintings following the practise of botanical watercolour art.  All students will go home with at least one completed painting.     $180 members and $210 non-members. To book for this workshop, please contact the office on 03 5222 6053, or info@friendsgbg.org.au.

 Workshop Description and MATERIALS LIST

‘INTRODUCTION TO BOTANIC ART’ WORKSHOP

20, 21, 22 January 2023

9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Tutor, Craig Lidgerwood

This intensive 3-day workshop will focus on drawing from observation starting with graphite pencils and moving to watercolour to achieve realistic renderings of botanical subjects.  This will incorporate developing skills such as tonal variation, different mark making techniques, understanding how basic geometric shapes can be found in nature and translating them into your painting.  Suitable for beginners with little to no experience in botanical art.     $290 members and $320 non-members.  To book for this workshop, please contact the office on 03 5222 6053, or info@friendsgbg.org.au.

Workshop Description and MATERIALS LIST

Botanical Art:Trees