Course Prices
Inside UK
£400.00
Outside UK
£425.00
Instalments UK & International
£400.00 in 4 instalments at £100.00 each
International students will not be supplied with a paper copy
Botanical Coloured Pencil Online Art Course
Tutored by Gráinne Murphy
Bring the vibrant beauty of plants to life with our Botanical Coloured Pencil Diploma Course. This distance learning course guides you step by step in observing, drawing, and colouring flowers, leaves, and fruits using traditional coloured pencils — all with personal feedback from your tutor.
Designed for students with basic drawing skills, this course is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the detailed world of botanical illustration. You’ll learn to use coloured pencils effectively to capture light, shade, texture, and colour transitions — transforming your observations of nature into stunning works of art.
What you will learn
- Observation and sketching techniques for flowers, leaves, and fruits
- Understanding plant anatomy and key features for accurate drawing
- Blending and layering coloured pencils to achieve vibrant, realistic effects
- Techniques for shading, optical colour mixing, and texture
The course also covers how to choose your plant specimens, set up your composition, and select the right colours for your subject. Step-by-step assignments help you gradually build confidence and precision, with constructive feedback from your tutor to guide your progress.
Meet your tutor
Gráinne Murphy is an experienced botanical artist and teacher. She brings a wealth of knowledge in botanical drawing and coloured pencil techniques, providing patient and encouraging feedback to help each student develop their skills.
🖼️ Student Gallery
See the delicate and vibrant botanical art created by our students: Visit the Botanical Coloured Pencil Student Gallery →
❤️ Student Feedback
“I have found my tutor's critiques very useful. She was very thorough in her observations on where I needed help. She has come back to me immediately when I have asked for help.” – M Orchard
“The course assignments and my tutor's comments helped me greatly improve my botanical illustration work. So much so, I am applying to the Society of Botanical Artists for a place on their distance learning course to develop my skill further.” – C Bernik
“Amazing course and excellent tutor! Highly recommended.” – P Stevenson
❓ FAQs
Do I need prior experience?
Some basic drawing skills are required, but you do not need experience with coloured pencil art or botanical illustration.
What materials will I need?
You will need a set of quality coloured pencils, sketching pencils, and paper. A full materials list is provided in the course notes.
How long do I have to complete the course?
The course is designed to take around 1 year to complete, but you have up to 2 years to finish at your own pace.
Will I get personal feedback?
Yes, your tutor will provide constructive, tailored feedback on your assignments to help you grow as a botanical artist.
All our courses are written to be your comprehensive guide into
each of their subject matters. We understand that students appreciate
clarification about various aspects of their work from a course tutor, whom
provide reassurance that techniques are put into practice effectively.
Each courses has its own dedicated Tutor. The tutor keeps the
course up to date and relevant to today's students. They are available to the
individual student for advice and encouragement. Each course has regular
exercises and assignments that are constructed in such a way as to give the
student the opportunity to practice the techniques learnt on the course and to
test themselves as they go along. Students are encouraged to submit the
assignment work to the college for the tutor to critique.
Coursework can be submitted online, as digital photographs, in your individual art room account and the tutor will upload their critique for you to download and retain forever. On many courses the assignment work may be suitable for inclusion in a student's Portfolio of Work that could be very useful later. The college will use the assignments submitted as the basis for the award of your diploma.
On successful completion of this course you will have studied new skills and gained knowledge for your own enjoyment and development.
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Students are able to upload their artwork to the 'The Art Room' on our website. Each student is
given a unique username and password on enrolment for their own private area in
The Art Room.
Students can upload their artwork for the tutor to collect and
critique. The tutor will then upload feedback for the student to download. If
you do not have facilities to upload your artwork, you can mail your artwork to
the tutors centre and receive your artwork back with your critique.
It is essential you label all
packages/artwork with your student number.
I loved doing this course. I liked the flexibility in hand-in dates and I liked working from feedback given after the assignments. Grainne was very encouraging and I feel I have grown in confidence doing this course.
Really enjoyed the course and Ida was a great tutor, also Melanie fantastic with weekly challenges and so friendly! Have enrolled for another course! 10 out of 10!
I have found my tutor's critiques very useful. She was very thorough in her observations on where I needed help. She has come back to me immediately when I have asked for help.
The course assignments and my tutor's comments helped me greatly improve my botanical illustration work. So much so, I am applying to the Society of Botanical Artists for a place on their distance learning course to develop my skill further.
Amazing course and excellent tutor! Highly recommended.
Good tutor who is skilful in her line of speciality and provides great tips through her vast knowledge. The administration team are very patient and helpful in the tutorial aspect when one has problems and queries.
Below are a few images from the course itself.
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