Scottish Society of Botanical Artists (SSBA)
The society was formed on the 18th June 2014 by a group of enthusiastic botanical artists from a variety of backgrounds with the aim of creating a botanical art society in Scotland that would be open to all.
The SSBA, as a Registered Charity (SC045778), is dedicated to nurturing and promoting botanical art, while respecting its traditions.
We aim to provide a forum to share and disseminate knowledge and expertise in all aspects of botanical art; encouraging a high standard of artistic achievement and providing a platform for the exhibition of botanical art in Scotland.
News
Beginner’s Course in Botanical Art
We are pleased to announce a Beginners Course in Botanical Art open to members of the SSBA and members of the public who are interested in botanical art and in developing their skills. This is a 30 hour course run over 6 days on Saturdays (and 1 Sunday in February) in the McHattie Room at Saughton Park Gardens, Edinburgh. Course numbers are limited to 10 so individual attention can be provided.
There is link to the BOOKING FORM at the bottom
The dates are 8th November, 22nd November and 6th December 2025, and in 2026 the 7th of February, Sunday 22nd February and Saturday 7th March.
DAY 1 – Measured Drawing & Tonal work 8/11/25
DAY 2 – Watercolour 22/11/25
DAY 3- Painting in colour 6/12/25
DAY 4 – Painting 7/2/26
DAY 5 – Work on subject of choice 22/2/26 SUNDAY
DAY 6 – Composition 7/3/26
This will give time to practise and develop skills between classes. The course fee is £180 for SSBA members and £200 for non-members. If you know anyone who would like to learn or develop botanical art knowledge and skills then please share the course Information them.
If you have not been to Saughton Park before there is ample free parking outside the venue. You will need to provide your own lunch or pop across to the cafe within the park. Tea and coffee will be provided.
The tutor is Lyn Campbell, who has previously developed and taught both beginner’s and intermediate botanical art courses for the SSBA. Lyn will be supported by Anne Carlaw one of the SSBA Directors. You will be advised about drawing and painting equipment and other materials you will need once your application is accepted.
To apply please complete the application form below by 10th October.
Once your place is confirmed you will be asked to pay the course fee.
Capturing Autumn – Fruits, Nuts, Squashes and Seedheads
Where: The Old Brewery, Cromarty, The Black Isle
When: October 25th & 26th 2025 from 10am to 4pm
Cost: The cost is £170 for SSBA members and £190 for non-members. This includes tea/coffee and a ‘pack lunch’ each day.
Accommodation is available at the Old Brewery for workshop participants.
Autumn workshop with botanical artist Julie Price
Autumn rewards us with a wonderful array of brightly coloured berries, vegetables and seedheads. In this two-day watercolour course, Julie will focus on accurate observation and drawing, using various watercolour techniques so that you can create a selection of subjects from shiny berries to unusually shaped squashes and seedheads.
You can complete various subjects as a composition or one individual study.
Guidance will be on a one-to-one basis and in a group setting with demonstrations using seasonal subject matter. Reference materials will be available, and you are welcome to bring along your own botanical subject or project which you may wish to develop. The course is designed to help you improve your existing skills in watercolour and move you to the next level of detail in your work.
It is not suitable for complete beginners. Places are limited to 10.
The cost is £170 for SSBA members and £190 for non-members. This includes tea/coffee and a ‘pack lunch’ each day. Accommodation is available at the Old Brewery for workshop participants.
For availability or more information please contact Julie Price via director@thessba.org
Coloured Pencil Workshop with Marion Wilson SBA Fellow
Where: The studio, in The Crichton Centre Dumfries, DG1 4TA
When: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th April
Cost: Numbers are limited to 10 and the cost of the workshop is £170.00 for SSBA members and £180.00 for non-members. This includes tea, coffee and lunch each day.
Accommodation if needed is available in the Holiday Inn on site, or nearby B&Bs if you prefer.
Workshop Programme.
Saturday 10am – 12.30
Introduction to choosing and drawing the subject.
Discussion of merits of types of paper.
Different Pencil qualities.
1.30 – 4pm Choosing colours and recording them.
Demonstration of different methods of laying down colour.
Individual help with students work.
Sunday
10am – 12.30 Demonstration of detail and methods of erasing.
Undershading method
1.30 – 4pm Demonstration of finishing touches and detail.
Continuing work.
Looking at results and ways to improve.
What to bring: cartridge paper, watercolour paper, pencil, magnifying glass, artists colour pencils if you have any On receipt of your application form we will confirm your booking and provide payment details
Click here to book
AS a Charity THe SSBA is solely funded by money raised through membership and exhibitions, if you would like to donate to us please use the following forms :
Our grateful thanks to The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society https://thecaley.org.uk/ and Giclee UK for their ongoing support.
Thank to the Finnis Scott Foundation for the Biennial award that funded the Introductory and Intermediate Botanical Art workshops in Aviemore and Dumfries from 2022 to 2024.