Society of Botanical Artists - Assignment 1

In August 2023, my youngest child started college. The day we took her to school was the same day I submitted my application for the SBA distance learning diploma. I had been dreaming of applying for many years, and the time had finally come! On October 23, I got an email confirming my acceptance into the program!

One of the most remarkable and unforgettable days in my life! Until then, I had been learning art on my own. I relied on online resources such as YouTube and Instagram videos, as well as books that I purchased and completed the assignments from. Therefore, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be taught by a teacher or tutor who could provide me with the feedback I needed to improve my skills and learn from top professionals in the industry. As an added bonus, I had the chance to travel to London to meet some incredible individuals in January.

Following our amazing London trip, I started on my first assignment. I have to confess that it felt quite intimidating, yet incredibly exciting! I was absolutely thrilled and filled with anticipation. The assignment involved drawing an outline a leaf in pencil, creating a tonal chart and completing a study in pencil showing tone. This marked my first attempt at drawing from direct observation. Until then, I had solely relied on my personal photos or images bought online. Coincidentally, one of my friends was going on vacation and graciously lent me her amaryllis plant which was just about to bloom. See below for all the details :)

Part 1 was to create an outline of an image. I decided to draw a new monstera leaf. My outline sketch was super light and didn’t make a good photo.

Part 2a was to produce a complete study in pencil showing tone (light, medium, and dark and texture).

To start, I took numerous measurements of my plant, including the bud size and leaf length, and made a rough sketch of the plant in my sketchbook. I also made a note of any distinctive or uncommon features of the plant that I wanted to emphasize, as well as where these highlights were situated in my sketches.

As shown in the image above, I utilize a sheet of tracing paper next to my artwork to serve as a resting surface for my hand, preventing any smudges on the paper. I encase all my drawings/paintings with tracing paper, leaving only the specific area I am currently working on exposed. This precaution has proven invaluable in preventing accidental damage to my artwork, such as dropping a brush or spilling paint. Errors are inevitable, and this method ensures the continual protection of the painting.

Here is my finished pencil drawing. I enjoyed drawing this. :))

Part 2b was to create a tonal strip of all the different tones/shades of graphite pencils. I ended up getting marked down on this. I used a q-tip to blend my pencils and my tutor said they could see that i used something to blend it which was very true. I did!

Part 2c was to identify the tones in my drawing by overlaying a piece of tracing paper and numbering the tones from the tonal chart above. Below is my example.

I receievd a 8.85/10 on my first assignment! I was over the moon excited and happy with it. I appreciated the feedback so much. The tutors spend so much time on helping each of us and I can already see where and how I have improved. My next assigment is due April 26, 2024.