This course is ideal for complete beginners, and anyone with an interest in plants, nature, and creativity who would like to build confidence in botanical drawing and painting in a supportive studio environment.
You do not need any knowledge of botanical art or formal training in drawing or painting. All you need is an interest in learning and a willingness to experiment.

You will learn the essential skills needed to begin botanical drawing and painting, including how to observe plant forms carefully and translate them onto paper.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

- Observe and draw simple plant forms with greater accuracy and confidence
- Use line, shape, and tone to describe form and structure
- Build detail and texture through careful observation
- Approach your work with increasing confidence and independence

You will learn through practical, practice-led studio sessions that introduce new approaches and build on your prior learning. Classes are informed by artists’ practices and the tutors expertise, with presentations, demonstrations and guided exercises.

You will learn in a fun and supportive environment, with time to reflect on your work. Sessions are designed to be engaging and challenging, helping you develop your skills and confidence. You will receive one-to-one feedback, take part in group discussion and peer support, and reflect on the work produced at the end of each session.
Toward the end of the course, you will have time to develop your own personal project.

This course takes place in a dedicated art studio at WM College in Camden, London.
You will have access to:
- Large studio suitable for painting and experimentation
- Shared equipment and teaching resources
- A supportive and collaborative learning environment
- Small class sizes - up to 14 learners

You do not need to buy any materials before the first session. If you wish to buy your own materails to bring, your tutor will explain what you need and recommend suitable, affordable options.

Assessment is informal and supportive throughout the course. Individual learning plans will be used to set learning outcomes, personal goals, and to track your progress and development. You will be guided step by step and encouraged to develop at your own pace. There are no formal exams; instead, assessment is integrated into the learning process to help build confidence.

You will receive ongoing feedback from your tutor, with progress reviewed through your practical work. Sessions will include demonstrations, presentations, and guided exercises, alongside group discussion and peer feedback. You will also reflect on your work at the end of each session and receive one-to-one support.


By the end of the course, you will have developed confidence in your practical skills, improved your understanding of techniques, and built a body of work that reflects your progress. You will also gain confidence in discussing your work and begin to develop your own creative direction.


Opportunities to visit galleries during class time, and to show or sell your work within the college, may be built into the structure of your course. There is no required work outside of class, although optional homework activities may be suggested by your tutor to support your development.


Many learners continue across multiple terms to further build their skills. After this course, you may choose to continue on the same programme, progress to other art courses, or develop your own independent practice with guidance from your tutor.


For further information, please visit our website or contact the Art and Design Curriculum Manager at ArtsSchool@wmcollege.ac.uk.

You may be eligible for fee reductions or one of our bursaries, please check the Information and Advice section of our website to find out more.

Teachers are supported to ensure their materials are inclusive to meet learners’ needs. Provision of assistive equipment is available and access support can be provided through reasonable adjustments, subject to an interview with the ALS team and/or the Disability Officer. Digital Learning support is available in the Learning Centre.

We offer free support with finding a job, including 1-1 support with job applications, creating a CV or improving your interview skills, as well as advice about progression opportunities. Visit the website for more information or to book an appointment with our Employability Coach.

There are regular cross-college events, external speaker visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for you to get involved in college life. Look out for adverts around the college, iLearn or sign up to Our Newsletter via the website.

Sisetta Zappone is an artist, printmaker and educator with over a decade of international experience. Trained in Florence, she teaches at WM College (since 2021) and collaborates with London Drawing and City Lit. Her work is held in public collections including the National Print Collections of Italy and Morocco, and the Anatomy Museum in Pisa.

TEACHING AND LEARNER SUPPORT
She teaches drawing and watercolour at all levels, alongside botanical art and printmaking. Her engaging, hands-on approach builds confidence, technical proficiency, and creative independence. Learners develop a personal visual language, strengthen portfolios for further study or careers, and gain insight into diverse, inclusive art histories.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND CREDENTIALS
- MA in Printmaking, The Bisonte International School of Graphic Art, Florence
- Trained at the Florence Academy of Fine Arts
- Work held in public collections (Italy, Morocco, Pisa Anatomy Museum)
- International exhibitions across Europe, North Africa, and Mexico
- Artist residencies in Mexico and Morocco

PROFESSIONAL LINKS
https://sisettazappone.weebly.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sisetta.zappone/?
instagram: sisettazappone_artutor