The Coach House

BOTANICAL PAINTING with BILLY SHOWELL

We will be running another two day course in the Spring. Please let me know if you would like to come.

Botanical painting uses an entirely different concept. Billy Showell, a member of the Society of Botanical Artists, will teach a small class basic techniques and use of colour, capturing the individuality of spiralling artichokes, the smooth contours of aubergines, the sumptuous reds of glossy peppers, the cool yellows of bananas, the subtle hues of blossom….

 More about Billy Showell

Billy says that her work, although botanically illustrative, is modern in its approach and is primarily about creating an arrangement that symbolises the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.   Design and composition are therefore as important to her as the true colours and shapes of the subjects.  She is always searching to try new avenues with her painting and constantly pushing herself to create new and beautiful paintings.  Botanical painting has allowed her to continue her love of design and she is always amazed at the kind welcome her work receives from Botanical Illustrators. 

Learn how to paint realistic fruit, vegetables and blossom. Billy Showell clearly explains how to create a huge selection of shapes and textures using step-by-step instructions. Starting with basic techniques and use of colour, and using traditional methods, overlaying washes, dry brush techniques, glazing, masking - she will show us how to develop pictures that are exciting and different, sometimes with an unconventional and amusing twist that takes the images on to new, contemporary levels. Explanations on drawing, composition, lighting, painting white subjects are included, along with many different ideas and dozens of useful and helpful tips.

Billy Showell graduated from St Martins School of Art with a B.A. in fashion design, but was irresistibly drawn to painting and illustration. In 1993 she set course for a career as an artist and now paints, illustrates and teaches botanical painting at her studio and art clubs in the UK, USA and Australia.