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
SSBA 2026 Exhibition – reminder to send in application forms
Thank you to those of you who have already submitted paintings for the exhibition and for those who have not yet done so please do so as soon as possible. The absolute deadline is 31st July at 12 noon.
Although I also need images of your paintings by the 31st July, I am happy to receive the applications in advance of the images so that if there are any issues, these can be resolved before the deadline. Scanned images are preferred as they can be put forward towards our 2027 calendar but if you are unable to get scanned images, photographs will be accepted. When you send the images to me, can you please name them with your name followed by the name of the painting as that saves me a lot of work in having to rename them.
Please check the instructions and read the application form carefully before submitting applications. We have received a number of applications for paintings larger than specified in instructions (unframed size no larger than 29.7cm by 42cm) so we may not be able to accept them if we have too many paintings as priority will be given to correctly sized paintings.
By submitting through the online form, you will get a copy of what you have submitted so when preparing your paintings, prints and cards, please make sure that the prices and descriptions are the same as on the application form. In previous years I have had people contacting me asking what they put on the form even though they had received a copy of the form, so please retain the e-mail or print it out so you do not lose the information.
Delivery of the paintings, cards and prints is on 19th August between 10:30 and 12:00 to the McHattie Building at Saughton Park (off the courtyard opposite the café). We will have a poster outside the door.
If you cannot deliver yourself, please try to get someone else to do so but if you are absolutely stuck for delivery, then get in touch with me. We will ask the person delivering the paintings to take away all wrapping and bring back when collecting the paintings (if not sold).
The People’s Choice Reward will be back this year – the artist of the most popular painting will get £50. There is also no hanging fee this year. Hopefully, these will encourage more of you to enter the exhibition but do get the entry in as soon as possible.
We are looking for artists who would be willing to do demonstrations during the exhibition, so if you are able to do so or want more information on this, please let me know. Send an e-mail to valeriegprdon2015@btinternet.com
Regards,
Valerie (for the exhibitions group)
SSBA 11th Annual Exhibition
20th to 24th August 2026
Venue: McHattie Building, Saughton Park Edinburgh EH11 3HH
Submissions are open to MEMBERS ONLY and the deadline is 31st July 2026 at midday
This year’s SSBA Exhibition will be held in the McHattie Building at Saughton Park from the 20th to 24th August.
HELP REQUIRED AT THE SSBA EXHIBITION
Stewards required for the 11th Annual Exhibition.
h Annual Exhibition
Note: It is usual for exhibitors to offer to steward at least once if at all possible.
We will need six stewards per day during the five days of the exhibition, between 10 am and 4 pm. If you are able to assist by stewarding either in the morning or the afternoon, or perhaps do a full day, then please contact us as soon as possible.
There is free parking close to the McHattie Room, however local sports events make parking at weekends difficult, so please consider using public transport.
Also, if you can help publicise the event locally or via Instagram or WhatsApp groups, then that would be appreciated.
We can email you a copy of our poster for the exhibition if you are able to print out A4 sized copies for display in local venues such as the library, local shops, schools and anywhere else appropriate.
If you can help, please respond to one of the emails below.
Christine Daintith: Cdaintith@orange.fr
Pauline Stevenson: pstvnsn10@hotmail.co.uk
To download a copy of the Exhibition poster click here
“Back to Basics” – Introduction to the Techniques used in Botanical Art
With tutor Lyn Campbell
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 20 hour course run over 4 days in the McHattie Room at Saughton Park Gardens, Edinburgh. Course numbers are limited to 12 so individual attention can be provided.
Link to the BOOKING FORM
Sunday 22nd February Saturday 7th March
Sunday 22nd March Saturday 11th April
All 10am to 3pm
© L Campbell
The course fees are £125 for SSBA members and £145 for non-members
DAY 1 – Measured Drawing & the Use of Tone to create shape and form 22/2/26
DRAWING
How to Measure – learn different methods to obtain accurate drawings (rulers, dividers etc.)
Importance of accuracy in Botanical Art.
Use of different pencils, hard to soft.
PRACTICAL – accurate line drawing of botanical specimen (e.g. Tomato or apple).
TONE
Tonal studies using hard and soft pencils to establish the importance of light and dark, highlights and contrast to give 3 dimensional form.
PRACTICAL – measure, draw and do tonal study (e.g. Garlic bulb or mushroom).
DAY 2 – Introduction to working with watercolour paint 7/3/26
Introduction to different types of paper, paint and brushes
Transparent, opaque paints etc. Tubes/pans. Brushes, different qualities, normal/miniature.
Mixing of paint.
Introduce basic watercolour technique of clear water, colour then blend.
PRACTICAL – painting in Sepia – circles, tubes, etc. to practice technique. Then subject such as Garlic bulb ormushroom.
DAY 3 – Painting with Watercolour 22/3/26
Revision of colours, transparency and opaque etc.
Colour mixing and matching to subject and the importance of accuracy.
PRACTICAL – Measure, draw and paint plant material. (e.g. Selection of leaves).
DAY 4 – Painting of selected subject 11/4/26
Revise accurate drawing and importance of colour matching.
PRACTICAL – select subject then draw and paint (e.g. Apples, plums, asparagus, small carrots, radish, peppers, etc.).
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Lyn Campbell BSc Hons, Dip BI RBGE
My professional career was as a Paediatric Physiotherapist and my interest in Botanical Illustration started when I attended a night class, Beginning Botanical Illustration, at the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE).
This was the first time since primary school I had done any drawing or painting, what a steep learning curve! When I retired, I undertook the 2 year Diploma in Botanical Illustration at RBGE, graduating in 2010.
Since then, I have exhibited twice at the RHS Botanical Art Show in London, and three times at Botanical Images Scotia (BISCOT) in Edinburgh.
I started teaching on the Certificate in Botanical Teaching at RBGE in 2011. I then went on to teach various classes at RBGE at both Introductory and Intermediate levels and the week’s Introduction to Botanical Illustration held every summer. More recently I have taught both the Introductory and Intermediate courses run by the SSBA in the north and south of Scotland.
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.