BOTANICAL artist and teacher Mary Brewin has just launched her latest venture: a course in botanical illustration which starts in Great Malvern on Wednesday, February 28.

Following her successes teaching art in Ross-on-Wye, Mary, who has recently relocated to Malvern, is offering what she hopes will be the first of many courses.

The course lasts for five weeks and it will inspire those who adore all things floral to try their hands at creating a realistic representation of their favourite plant or flower.

It is aimed at beginners and no previous experience of art is necessary, as key skills will be taught over these first five weeks and subsequent terms.

Based at Elmslie House in Avenue Road, the course will be taught in small groups - maximum 10 people.

The course will introduce students to drawing and painting realistic representations of plants and flowers, discovering both the art and science of plant illustration through observation, short talks and demonstrations, and giving students the basic art skills to create a plant picture.

Each session lasts one and a half hours from 2pm starting on Wednesday, February 28. The first taster session is free and the cost of the next four sessions is £32.

All you need to bring to the taster session is an HB pencil, smooth white paper and an eraser.

She said: “I am thrilled to be working with Anna Taylor of Elmslie House to launch this exciting new project. So many of my past students have been amazed by the results they are able to achieve and I am looking forward to working with new learners. Students are often capable of so much more than they think.”

To book, contact 01684 568288 or 07761 017802.