Introduction to Botanical Art: Foundations in a Week

Name: Introduction to Botanical Art: Foundations in a Week
Start: 2026-05-29T09:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-05-29T14:30:00-04:00
Location: 900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA, United States, Massachusetts 02482

Schedule

Fri May 29 2026 at 09:30 am to 02:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA, United States, Massachusetts 02482 | Wellesley, MA

If you’re drawn to plants and curious about capturing what you see on paper, this beginner-friendly botanical art course is the perfect place to start. All experience levels are welcome—no prior art training required.
Over three full days and one half day, Sarah Roche will guide students through structured exercises, demonstrations, and hands-on projects that introduce the foundational techniques of botanical drawing and watercolor painting. Participants will learn how to observe plants closely, translate those observations into accurate drawings, and build confidence working with watercolor.
This course serves as an introductory series for beginning botanical artists. Students are required to purchase items on the supply list prior to the first day of class. A lunch break is included each day; please plan to bring your own lunch.
Instructed by Sarah Roche
Sarah Roche is Lead Instructor for the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate offered by Massachusetts Horticultural Society (MHS). She has a degree in Graphic Illustration from the University of the West of England, where she majored in Botanical Illustration. She has exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), receiving Bronze and Silver Gilt Medals. Her illustrations are included in the collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and have appeared in many other publications. Her work is included in collections in the UK, Ireland and Europe as well as in the United States.
Sarah is Founding Director of the New England Society of Botanical Artists, a chapter of the American Society of Botanical Artists and exhibits widely, with work included in many national and regional juried exhibits.
Originally from the UK, where she taught for many years, Sarah founded the Certificate program for the Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens in 2006. This transitioned to MHS’ headquarters, the Garden at Elm Bank, in 2023.
Class/Program/Workshop: 26 BAC 101A Introduction to Botanical Art: Foundations in a Week
Dates: 4 days: May 29, June 1, 3 & 4, 2026
Time Frame:
5/29, 6/1, 6/2: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.;
6/4: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: In person, the Garden at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 02482
Photo by Sarah Roche