The Society of Botanical Artists

A huge certificate

Welcome to Behind the Brush… I’m so happy you’re here. I usher in each new month with a roundup of seasonal inspiration, some of the projects going down in my studio, the botanical art world, and more. Whether you’re an artist, or a botanical art fan, keep an eye out mid-month for this additional timely letter too.

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So excited to share that I recently received a ginormous certificate from The Society of Botanical Artists to mark my new Fellowship. Why am I thrilled? As their website says:

“Fellows are those artists whose work is consistently of a high standard of artistry and observation and who can rejoice in becoming part of a Society that has a broad and yet vibrant selection of artistic styles, while still supporting and highlighting the excellence of exquisite botanical illustration. This type of membership is restricted to professional, practising artists who require the qualification ‘SBA Fellow’ (SBAF) to demonstrate excellence in this field. Our aim is to encourage and support those at the pinnacle of their artistic prowess.  Our Fellows will be representative of the best botanical artists from around the UK and the world.”

If you’re not familiar with SBA, it’s a fantastic organisation that supports artists and the advancement of botanical art, and one that I’m proud to now be a part of. I applied last October submitting 5 images of my work, an artist bio and statement. My work was reviewed by their Election Committee and some guest judges so I was delighted to learn that I had been accepted as a Fellow just before Christmas. Can’t think of a better gift!

I’d love to share some of its rich history with you. Now in it’s 39th year, SBA was established in 1985 by Suzanne Lucas, and brings together artists of national and international repute. It has been a registered charity since 1995. 

Their aims are:

• To advance the education of the public by promoting the appreciation of  botanical art

• To provide facilities for the exhibition of work by artists who practice this genre of art

• The evaluation and awarding of qualifications to practicing, and those seeking to become, professional artists

• To promote the protection, appreciation, conservation and nurture of plants and natural habitats of plant life with special reference to endangered species.

(a screen grab from their website showing I have recently been added!)

Their first exhibition was in 1986 at the Mall Galleries in London. For many years after they exhibited annually at the Central Hall Westminster Gallery until June 2019, when their exhibitions returned to the Mall Galleries.

In 2004 The Art of Botanical Painting was written by past president Margaret Stevens for the Society and published in association with Harper Collins. Initially designed for those searching for a practical guide to botanical art, the book has been a resounding success and the American edition was published by Harper Collins US in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution.

Realising that The Art of Botanical Painting would be an ideal textbook on which to base a course, the Society launched its now popular Distance Learning Diploma Course in January 2005.

Another book, The Botanical Palette, again written by Margaret Stevens for the Society, was published by Harper Collins in October 2007.

In March 2010 Anova Books published Botanical Sketchbook by SBA Member and former DLDC student Mary Ann Scott, under the auspices of the SBA and with Margaret Stevens acting as consultant and co-editor.

In 2012 Anova Books published a heavily revised and expanded update of a classic text by Ernest E. Clark, Handbook of Botanical Forms for Botanical Artists, which features the contemporary work of tutors and students of the Society’s Distance Learning Diploma Course.

In 2018 they saw the release of a new book by Margaret Stevens ‘Botanical Painting with the Society of Botanical Artists’ published by Batsford Ltd.

Pretty cool, huh? I look forward to exhibiting with them for the second time in their annual “Plantae” show next month with my five hyacinths “All the Single Ladies”. This exhibition brings together artists from all over the world and is always a highlight of the botanical art show calendar. If you are interested in becoming a Member check out their webpage.

Until my June 1st newsletter, happy painting,

Emma x (CSBA, SBAF)