Rooted in Tradition: Celebrating the 2025 Graduates of the Society of Botanical Artists’ DLDC

drawing of artichokes
 Platycerium XX

On Friday 6th June 2025, the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) proudly celebrates the graduation of its latest cohort of students from the Distance Learning Diploma Course (DLDC), a 27-month programme renowned for nurturing excellence in botanical art while remaining firmly rooted in traditional craft.

Though taught at a distance, the DLDC is anything but remote in spirit. With assignments completed by hand and posted physically to expert tutors for critique, the course preserves the tactile, intimate connection between artist, paper, and plant. Students hone their skills in graphite, pen & ink and either watercolor, gouache or coloured pencil, mediums that require patience, precision, and above all, perseverance. 

Under the leadership of Course Director Simon Williams, the DLDC guides students through 12 increasingly challenging assignments, each carefully designed to build upon the last. From tonal studies to complex compositions, the curriculum provides a holistic foundation in the techniques and disciplines essential to botanical art. Students are encouraged to work from life, observing the intricate structures and behaviours of plants with a scientific eye and an artistic hand.

This balance between technical accuracy and creative expression is what makes the course unique and, according to recent graduates, life changing.

Patricia Gherase, a recent graduate with a background in Byzantine Iconography and Sacred Arts, reflected on the way the course broadened her artistic horizons:

“Botanical art introduced me to a completely new way of seeing and interpreting the natural world. The course was thoughtfully structured and intellectually engaging, pushing me to understand plant anatomy, growth patterns, and detail with scientific accuracy, while still encouraging personal expression. Each assignment built upon the last, helping me develop both confidence and discipline as an independent artist.”

Patricia Gherase DLDC Course 18 Savoy Cabbage PNG PNG

Botanical art introduced me to a completely new way of seeing and interpreting the natural world

Patricia Gherase

Though conducted from afar, Patricia felt closely supported throughout:
“The tutors were very supportive, offering clear, constructive guidance that helped me refine my technical skills. Their mentorship was especially valuable in a distance learning setting.”

Now an exhibiting member and part of the SBA Council involved in organising this year’s Plantae 2025 exhibition, Patricia sees her graduation as just the beginning of a deeper engagement with the botanical art community.

Caroline Jane Buckley, who graduated in 2023 with Distinction and the Award for Excellence, shared a similarly powerful experience:

“The course was absolutely excellent and has given me the skills to tackle further botanical art projects with much more confidence. The discipline of meeting assignment deadlines prepared me for working under time pressure in the professional world.”

Caroline Jane Buckley DLDC Course 18 Hyacinth JPEG jpg

Since completing the DLDC, Caroline has flourished: from becoming the first Artist-in-Residence for RHS Plant Review magazine to exhibiting internationally, winning awards, and teaching botanical art herself.

“It has been truly transformational... I am still learning, still developing into a better artist, I hope, but the DLDC Course certainly propelled me in the right direction.”

The Distance Learning Diploma Course does more than teach technique, it instills a lifelong discipline and passion for botanical art. It invites students to slow down, to truly see, and to translate that understanding through their hands. Whether beginning a second career after retirement or building on an existing practice, DLDC graduates consistently emerge with both refined artistic skill and a renewed sense of purpose.

Art allows you to leave a legacy, as Avantika Shrivastav, SBA Fellow and past student explains:

I recommend the DLDC to anyone who wishes to grow in the field of botanical illustration. Plantae 2025 is a wonderful exhibition event, celebrating SBA's 40th anniversary too. I am happy and proud to exhibit in it

Avantika Shrivastav
Avantika Shrivastav DLDC Course 16 Botanical Illustration jpg

Our students represent some of the best talent from around the world, Alice Rosa one of our international students outlined as follows “The DLDC diploma is highly regarded and respected all over the world, and the SBA itself is a very prestigious society."

Alice like many of our international members will be joining us in our celebrations “I’m looking forward to Plantae 2025. I’m honoured to be included in this such a momentous exhibition, among so many talented artists. It will definitely be a great time to reconnect with friends and enjoy some wonderful botanical art."

Website Version   Alice Rosa DLDC Course17 Quince png

As the SBA prepares to welcome the newest graduating class into its exhibiting community, we celebrate not just the completion of a course, but the continuation of a tradition where excellence, patience, and passion blossom in every brushstroke.

To learn more about the Distance Learning Diploma Course or how to apply, visit our Education page.

Website version   Frances Stanhope DLDC Course 19 Mixed Arrangement png

Article written by Emma Tildesley DipSBA (Dist) SBA Fellow

 

The Plantae 2025 exhibition will be held at Mall Galleries, from 28 May to 7 June 2025.

£5 admission, no booking required.

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