Academy of Botanical ArtSM - Distance & Local Art Education
Home Gallery Commissions Reviews Education Newsletter Store About Us Contact Us


Academy of Botanical Art

Distance & Local Learning

Botanical Drawing and Watercolor Courses
in the French Court Tradition,
together with courses in support of
Nature and Fine Art Studies.

Register Here
More Links in Education
Courses/Workshops
Botanical Research
Instruction Books
Art Books
Student Supply Lists
Gardens
Museums
Schools
Manufacturers
Member Organizations


Academy Mission Study Locations Certificate Course Study Sequence Certification From Apprentince to Instructor
Olivia Marie Braida-Chiusano
Master Botanical Artist, Author, Educator
    Founder and Director of the Academy of Botanical ArtSM
and OM Art Designs
Join students around the world who take advantage of Ms. Braida’s 
techniques and teachings through her local and distance learning art study
based on her books: "Ten Steps - A Course in Botanical Art & Illustration."

The Academy of Botanical ArtSMwas established to offer both a creative experience and a road map for adventure.  It addresses our worldly needs and calls us to remember what is soul-satisfying. This beautiful art form can be accessible to all who are willing to open themselves to learning. An open admission policy, designed with complete flexibility, is an opportunity for both local and distance learners to take advantage of drawing, painting and other courses that will develop their artistic skills.

 The Academy of Botanical ArtSM offers training through a directed course of study based on Ms. Braida’s “Ten Step” series of books.  Students acquire accurate rendering skills unique to the scientific nature of the botanical subject.  A variety of elective courses held in various places in the United States and abroad is available through the Academy and other resources that will broaden the student’s range of education and development.  Above all, prospective students need to know that prior art experience is NOT required.

Independent Distance Learning Programs

Classes, Workshops and Travel Excursions

The Academy of Botanical ArtSM offers various methods and locales for students to accomplish their botanical art studies

  1. Workshops at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota, Florida
  2. Workshops at Studio 20, Sarasota, Florida
  3. Workshops at Studio 44, Lexington, Kentucky
  4. Workshops at Studio 16, Warren, New Jersey
  5. Distance Learning Programs with Tutor Assistance
  6. Travel workshops and other classes announced in our free monthly newsletter.

Click here to sign up now for the newsletter!

Certificate Course in Botanical Art & Illustration

The following information outlines a study sequence for a Certificate Course in Botanical Art & Illustration especially designed by O.M. Braida and now available through the Academy of Botanical ArtSM (local and distance learning),  the Ringling College of Art and Design-CSSP, and The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  The availability of this course is continually growing as new locations are being added and instruction is available from qualified Academy Instructors. The sequence shown below can be altered to accommodate the student’s schedule.

The certificate program is represented by 280 contact hours. There are twelve required courses that comprise 220 contact hours, and various electives to make up the additional 60 hours.

Each core course is represented by one volume from the text book series entitled "Ten Steps - A Course in Botanical Art & Illustration" by O.M. Braida, in addition to a supplementary set of 16 course paks that act as study companions. These books and course paks are the basis for the entire course. Books and paks can be ordered individually. Purchasing a set of "Ten Step" books Volumes 1-10, plus Twelve Course Paks #'s 1-11, plus Course Pak 13 Research on the Internet, are your most economical way to proceed!

Click here to find out about how to order the “Ten Steps” series of books.

Recommended Sequence for the Certificate Course
Volume 1 Botanical Drawing I Getting Started with Drawing Basics
Volume 2 Botanical Drawing II Nature: Up Close and Personal
Volume 5 Botanical Watercolor I Tools and Techniques
Volume 6 Botanical Watercolor II Form and Detail
Course 3a Research on the Internet –Course Pak #13 A World of Information at Your Fingertips
Volume 3 Botanical Drawing III Botanical Exploration for Botanical Reference
Volume 4 Botanical Drawing IV Composition and Expression
Volume 7 Botanical Watercolor III Transforming Composition
Volume 9 Botanical Pen & Ink I & II Pen & Ink Drawing for the Botanical Artist
Volume 10 Plant Morphology for Artists Plant Structure, Identification, and Scientific Portrayal for Botanical Artists
Volume 8 Botanical Watercolor IV Advanced Watercolor Techniques
Course 11 Marketing Your Art Course Pak #11 Distance Learning with Certified Academy Phone Tutor and Professional Marketing Consultant

Electives
60 contact hours of electives on a flexible sequence. Recommendations for the elective courses are: Colored Pencil, Bromeliads, Palms, Endangered Plants Species, Photoshop, Black and White Photography, Color Photography, Framing Techniques, Printmaking, Art History, and others. Inquire to be sure you are selecting electives that will help meet your goals.
Volume 12 Colored Pencil for the Botanical Artist Media, Techniques & Exercises
Course Pak 14 Bromeliads About Bromeliads for Botanical Artists
Course Pak 15 Palms About Palms for Botanical Artists
Volume/Pak16 Endangered Plant Species of the World Extinct, Extirpated, Endangered, Vulnerable Plants and Plantoids With Examples of Special Concern


Click here to find out about how to order the “Ten Steps” series of books.

For Class Supplies: Go here>

Requirements for a Certificate of Botanical Art and Illustration

I . Statement of Proposed Thesis

  1. The "Statement of Proposed Thesis" for Presentation of Independent Work must explain a connected botanical theme for an original body of work.
  2. This proposal must be submitted first to the Academy for approval.
  3. An copy of the “Statement of Proposed Thesis” will be returned to the student marked “approved”.
  4. A copy of the approved “Statement of Proposed Thesis” must be included in student’s portfolio of independent work.
  5. In addition to the original works of art, students are required to submit two portfolios. See below.


II. Original Works of Art:

The presentation of independent work will be presented as follows:

  1. Three Research Boards relating to the chosen theme - complete with research, key element studies, and color guides. These boards are to appear professional in appearance and content. Photographs are to be by the student, except for one or two that are included as research validation of species. Photographs are to back up your illustrations and watercolor color choices.
  2. NINE original botanical artworks completed from the three researched subjects.
  3. The nine artworks are as follows: THREE graphite drawings, FOUR watercolor paintings and TWO Scientific Illustrations in pen and ink. One of the watercolors is to be of an orchid.
  4. All completed artwork will be attached to foam board with a protective tracing paper overlay labeled with its specimen identification label as learned in Drawing III. Be absolutely sure that your ID label is positioned on the tracing paper overlay so that it does not cover any of the artwork.
III. A Professional Portfolio of Independent Work that includes:
  1. Name and Title Page
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Statement of Proposed Thesis
  4. Résumé as prepared in the Marketing Class
  5. Color Copies of each completed independent artwork inserted vertically into portfolio and on the right side only and in any order you choose.
  6. Slides or digital images submitted on disk of all nine completed independent artworks
IV. Course Portfolio
  1. Name and Title Page
  2. Table of Contents
  3. Twenty pieces of best work presented in sequence, either originals or color copies, as follows:
  4. One each from Drawing I through IV; Watercolor I through IV, and Pen and Ink, for a total of nine works.
  5. Ten additional pieces selected from Drawing I through IV; Watercolor I through IV, Pen and Ink and Botanical elective work.
  6. The final project from morphology is to be placed last.
  7. Images must be inserted vertically and on right side only.  Identifying tags on left are optional.
 
V.Becoming An Academy Instructor
Existing Botanical Artist/Instructors, or those students who successfully complete their botanical art certification, may wish to consider becoming an either an Approved Academy Vendor or an Academy Instructor.  Please be sure to inquire about this exciting program.  Application submission and acceptance is required.  Please inquire.
1. Approved Vendor: Academy Approved Vendors can sell OM Art Books, Paks & Products and receive commissions for sale of these items. An Approved Academy of Botanical ArtSM Vendor Certificate will be sent to your school for display.  Approved Academy Vendors can apply to be approved Instructors, and use the Academy materials to help their students achieve a Certificate in Botanical Art.  Students enrolled as Certificate Students through the Academy are eligible to receive additional course materials.  Those who complete the full 280 credit program and satisfactorily submit their independent study for review can achieve their Certificate in Botanical Art.

2.  Approved Academy Instructor -- An Approved Academy Instructor is one who can comfortably work to Level II of the “Ten Steps” Program.  This includes the ability to teach Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I and II, and Pen & Ink I and II.  

3.  Senior Academy Instructor: To become a Senior Academy Instructor, the applicant must have previous experience as a Botanical Art Instructor and must be capable of teaching to Level IV of the Ten Step Program or its equivalent.  Senior Instructors are themselves already Certified Botanical Artists or are awaiting Certification. 

4.  Certified Academy Instructor: To become a Certified Academy Instructor, instructors must first meet the requirements for Senior Academy Instructors status.  Senior Instructors who teach under the Academy program and with Academy materials for a minimum of one year may make application for the Certified Academy Instructor status. 

| Home | Gallery | Commissions | Reviews | Education | Newsletter | Store | About | Contact |