Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.
What will we cover?
• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making. • Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers. • Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels. • Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds. • Select and simplify complex forms. • Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels. • Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
• Practical work in the studio • Demonstrations • Presentations and handouts • Individual and group tutoring • Group discussion.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: Drawing and painting from plants and flowers, Drawing: colour pastel techniques, Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour.
Ro Sylvester is a veteran of film and theatre, having made costume and props for productions such as ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Legend’ back in the ‘80s. She ran a costume studio in Covent Garden for some time, supplying the Opera House and other West End Theatres with costumes and props. Ro also made many props and costumes for pop videos including Eddie Grant, Supertramp and New Order. From the early ‘90s, she worked in secondary and 6th form teaching, delivering exam courses in Design Technology, Textiles, Graphics, Computer Graphics and Model Making. Having retired from secondary teaching in 2017, Ro has worked to private commission in retail display, commercials and theatre. She has also worked as a tutor at City Lit, teaching; Model Making, Prop Making, Perspective, Pastel drawing and general creativity skills. She continues to create bespoke lightweight jewellery, window displays and props for theatre and film. Ro runs a lively and fast moving classroom, helping students to explore their potential and progress onto other courses where applicable. You can see much of her work and that of her students on her website.
Sisetta ZapponeSee moreSee less
Sisetta studied at the Florence Fine Arts Academy, earning a first-class degree as a Master Printmaker. In 2011, she moved to London, developing her printmaking practice while teaching workshops for adults of all abilities in various communities. She teaches Botanical Drawing, Watercolour, Advanced Life Drawing, and Printmaking, inspiring students to expand their skills and explore innovative approaches. She promotes art as a global language, celebrating diverse artistic traditions. Sisetta’s work is exhibited internationally and held in public collections, including Italy and Morocco’s National Collections, the V&A, and the Museum of Graphic Arts in Pisa.
Steve WrightSee moreSee less
Steve is a London-based painter and art tutor. He has worked in adult education since 2012, developing a wide range of courses in drawing and painting that balance technical skills with an openness to individual ways of working. He is skilled at finding both strengths and areas to improve in a student’s work and in communicating this in a supportive way to individual learners. Steve studied Painting at Wimbledon School of Art and Newcastle University, completing his MA in 2001. His own painting practice informs his teaching and he likes to share some of his drawings, paintings and working methods with students. Steve’s work is included in several public and private collections and has featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. www.stevewqrightart.com
Eleanor develops precarious and fragile forms through drawing, painting and sculpture. The abstracted forms of the sculptures are heavily influenced by drawings of architecture, organic forms and landscape. The work questions the interconnection between personal identity and place. Eleanor spent her formative years in Japan before moving to London. She completed the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing School in 2008 and the Turps Art School’s Studio Programme in 2018. She has been teaching since 2008. Website: www.elbedlow.co.uk Instagram: @eleanorbedlow
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
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Suitable for all levels of experience.45https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-image2-vm050_copy.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-image3-vm050_copy.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh745-draw-plants-flowers-img4-1080.jpghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/h/vh745-draw-plants-flowers-img5-1080.jpg3030100Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_36.jpgInStockEveningWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceOct 2026Art & designVM003349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349Sisetta Zapponedrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm003-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2026-10-07 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3030103Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_35.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026Art & designVM050349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349Ro Sylvesterdrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm050-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067483Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_37.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVH103349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh103-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2027-01-21 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067705Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_38.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceJan 2027Art & designVH745349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349Steve Wrightdrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh745-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2027-01-11 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067735Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_40.jpgInStockEveningFriKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-06-04T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2027Art & designVH994349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349Eleanor Bedlowdrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh994-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2027-06-04 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual3067753Drawing from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/d/r/drawing-plants-flowers-vm050_39.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceApr 2027Art & designVM657349349Drawing from plants and flowers279227349Ro Sylvesterdrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm657-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2027-04-12 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesvirtual279349227VM003,VM050,VH103,VH745,VH994,VM657NONEWed,Mon,Thu,Fri14/09/26 - 19/10/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetAvailable courses2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00,2026-09-14T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-21T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-11T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-04T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-12T00:00:00+00:00Evening,DaytimeOct 2026,Sep 2026,Jan 2027,Jun 2027,Apr 2027Art & design349349Drawing from plants and flowersdrawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm003-2627,drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm050-2627,drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh103-2627,drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh745-2627,drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vh994-2627,drawing-from-plants-and-flowers/vm657-2627Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.0000-Available|2026-09-14 00:00:00Through the close observation of natural forms, this course will give you the opportunity to develop your drawing skills and mark-making techniques. You will explore a variety of approaches to applying and manipulating colour. Taking inspiration from historical and contemporary artists, you will work on a range of studies, from small to larger scale, with an increasingly personal approach to your compositions.Explore the delicacy and beauty of plants and flowers through the medium of drawing. Respond to their structural qualities and colours, using a range of media and taking inspiration from a rich and varied history of the subject. Suitable for all levels of experience.<p>• Working from observation of plant and flower specimens, explore the core elements of drawing: line, tone, texture and mark-making.<br>• Investigate the structural qualities of plants and flowers.<br>• Experimentation with colour mixing using both oil and soft pastels.<br>• Images and approaches of artists’ work will be discussed as starting points for our own personal expressions of the subject matter.</p><p>• Make observational studies from plants and flowers using a range of techniques and grounds.<br>• Select and simplify complex forms.<br>• Create colours and textures through blending and layering oil and soft pastels.<br>• Develop a personal approach to compositions, using other artists as inspiration.</p>Some drawing experience at beginner level would be an advantage, but not essential. You do not need any previous experience of using pastels.• Practical work in the studio<br>• Demonstrations<br>• Presentations and handouts<br>• Individual and group tutoring<br>• Group discussion.<p>All basic drawing materials and resources will be provided. A sketchbook will be useful.<br> </p><p>You may wish to continue at City Lit with another course, including: <em>Drawing and painting from plants and flowers</em>, <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>, <em>Watercolour painting: focus on nature and colour</em>.</p>DrawingDrawing techniques & processesconfigurable