Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.
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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.
You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.
What will we cover?
We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.
Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers
Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.
Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms.
Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.
Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.
Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.
Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.
Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.
Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.
Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as Painting 1 or Painting 2. Alternatively you might progress to Watercolour painting: f ocus on nature and colour, or Drawing into watercolour painting. We also have a range of techniques courses including Painting: colour-mixing for artists, and Drawing: colour pastel techniques.
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.
Diane MartinSee moreSee less
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Anne-Marie FosterSee moreSee less
Anne-Marie studied Fine Art at Epsom School of Art & Design and Advanced Printmaking at Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design. She has been working with printmaking, drawing, watercolour and mixed media since 1976 and has been involved in art education since 1987 at City Lit College of Adult Education, Central Saint Martin’s School of Art & Design, Bath Spa University School of Art & Design, Norwich School of Art & Design, Havering college of Further & Higher Education, V & A Museum Education department (printmaking workshops,) Morley College of Adult Education. Anne-Marie has exhibited nationally including the Hayward Gallery, Royal Academy of Arts, Battersea Arts Centre and internationally at Brooklyn Art Library USA, RAMOMA (Museum of Modern Art Nairobi Kenya,). Publications: Mandy Bonnell & Stephen Mumberson ‘Printmaking on a Budget’; Jane Stobbard ‘Drawing Matters’; Jackie Newell & Dee Whittington ‘Monoprinting’ Teaching forms an integral part of Anne-Marie’s art practice with both often acting as a stimulus for the other.
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
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/painting-from-plants-and-flowers233787Painting from plants and flowershttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img1-1080.jpg349349GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Courses/Art & design/Painting/Painting techniques & processes/Courses/vm/Courses for Making Your Own Art/Courses/vm/Beginners courses in art & design/Courses/vm/Inspired by nature22851132191619191790136081373012285113219161653Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.00https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img2-1080.jpg3030418Painting from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img1-1080_29.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNov 2026Art & designVM024349349Painting from plants and flowers279227349Ro Sylvesterpainting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm024-2627Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.<p>We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.</p><ul><li>Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers</li><li>Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.</li><li>Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms. </li><li>Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.</li><li>Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li></ul><p>Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.</li><li>Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.</li><li>Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.</li><li>Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li><li>Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.</li></ul>Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.<p>All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.</p><p>You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2</em>. Alternatively you might progress to <em>Watercolour painting</em>: f <em>ocus on nature and colour,</em> or <em>Drawing into watercolour painting</em>. We also have a range of techniques courses including <em>Painting: colour-mixing for artists</em>, and <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067870Painting from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img1-1080_32.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-06-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJun 2027Art & designVH954349349Painting from plants and flowers279227349Anne-Marie Fosterpainting-from-plants-and-flowers/vh954-2627Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.0000-Available|2027-06-21 00:00:00You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.<p>We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.</p><ul><li>Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers</li><li>Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.</li><li>Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms. </li><li>Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.</li><li>Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li></ul><p>Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.</li><li>Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.</li><li>Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.</li><li>Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li><li>Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.</li></ul>Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.<p>All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.</p><p>You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2</em>. Alternatively you might progress to <em>Watercolour painting</em>: f <em>ocus on nature and colour,</em> or <em>Drawing into watercolour painting</em>. We also have a range of techniques courses including <em>Painting: colour-mixing for artists</em>, and <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067891Painting from plants and flowers289289https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img1-1080_30.jpgInStockDaytimeMonKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-02-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allFeb 2027Art & designVM081289289Painting from plants and flowers231188289Sisetta Zapponepainting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm081-2627Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.0000-Available|2027-02-22 00:00:00You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.<p>We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.</p><ul><li>Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers</li><li>Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.</li><li>Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms. </li><li>Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.</li><li>Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li></ul><p>Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.</li><li>Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.</li><li>Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.</li><li>Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li><li>Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.</li></ul>Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.<p>All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.</p><p>You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2</em>. Alternatively you might progress to <em>Watercolour painting</em>: f <em>ocus on nature and colour,</em> or <em>Drawing into watercolour painting</em>. We also have a range of techniques courses including <em>Painting: colour-mixing for artists</em>, and <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual3067903Painting from plants and flowers349349https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/m/vm081-paint-plants-flowers-img1-1080_31.jpgInStockDaytimeThuKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Art & designVM306349349Painting from plants and flowers279227349Diane Martinpainting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm306-2627Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.0000-Available|2027-04-22 00:00:00You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.<p>We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.</p><ul><li>Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers</li><li>Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.</li><li>Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms. </li><li>Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.</li><li>Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li></ul><p>Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.</li><li>Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.</li><li>Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.</li><li>Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li><li>Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.</li></ul>Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.<p>All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.</p><p>You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2</em>. Alternatively you might progress to <em>Watercolour painting</em>: f <em>ocus on nature and colour,</em> or <em>Drawing into watercolour painting</em>. We also have a range of techniques courses including <em>Painting: colour-mixing for artists</em>, and <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesvirtual279,231349,289227,188VM024,VH954,VM081,VM306NONEMon,Thu02/11/26 - 07/12/2610:00 - 13:0010:0013:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayKSKeeley StreetRo Sylvester,Anne-Marie Foster,Sisetta Zappone,Diane MartinBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00,2027-06-21T00:00:00+00:00,2027-02-22T00:00:00+00:00,2027-04-22T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeNov 2026,Jun 2027,Feb 2027,Apr 2027Art & design289349,289Painting from plants and flowerspainting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm024-2627,painting-from-plants-and-flowers/vh954-2627,painting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm081-2627,painting-from-plants-and-flowers/vm306-2627Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.0000-Available|2026-11-02 00:00:00You will be introduced to a selection of different painting media and techniques to describe and observe plants and flowers through inventive mark-making, mixing colour and working to different scale. You will be encouraged to take an experimental approach taking inspiration from a variety of exciting contemporary artists.Explore a variety of creative approaches for painting flowers from observation. Discover the rich history of this genre while taking inspiration from artists who use flowers as their subject matter.<p>We will look at the history and techniques of painting flowers and plants, working with a wide variety of materials including gouache and watercolour, plus soft pastels and acrylic paint.</p><ul><li>Identifying and simplifying complex forms in plants and flowers</li><li>Building skills in colour mixing and matching form observation.</li><li>Examining the effects of light on a range of natural forms. </li><li>Varied and inventive methods of paint application and mark-making using colour-media.</li><li>Working at different scales, and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li></ul><p>Each week we will look at different artists' techniques to inspire a personal response.</p><p> </p><ul><li>Confidently analyse and simplify complex organic forms.</li><li>Mix and match observed colour in a range of media.</li><li>Make inventive use of mark-making to communicate different characteristics of natural living forms.</li><li>Work at different scales and on a variety of coloured or textured grounds.</li><li>Develop personal compositions and interpretations inspired by different artists' who use plants and flowers as their subject matter.</li></ul>Beginners are welcome but some experience of drawing or painting is useful.Group and one to one tuition, demonstrations and looking at images from other artists. The course will be hands on, with a bit of discussion to facilitate understanding. The use of a sketchbook to record your thoughts and develop your work will be encouraged, and basic research methods discussed.<p>All basic art materials and a selection of plants and flowers will be provided. In discussion with your tutor, there may also be an opportunity to bring in flowers to share in project work.</p><p>You can progress onto a variety of observational painting courses such as <em>Painting 1</em> or <em>Painting 2</em>. Alternatively you might progress to <em>Watercolour painting</em>: f <em>ocus on nature and colour,</em> or <em>Drawing into watercolour painting</em>. We also have a range of techniques courses including <em>Painting: colour-mixing for artists</em>, and <em>Drawing: colour pastel techniques</em>.</p>PaintingPainting techniques & processesconfigurable
