FAQs

The ‘Botanical Elements’ Course is designed to allow you to work at your own pace and can last anywhere between six months and a year from when you sign up. (The course is available from January 20^th, 2019)

The length of time varies according to how much time you have available. An average student working 4-8 hours a week will finish the course in six months.

The ‘Botanical Elements’ Course is an online art course. Students must own or have access to a computer and internet to complete the assignments. Only basic computer skills are required.

A full Recommended Materials List is available for download as a PDF.

The course notes will be available from January 20^th, 2019 and are available to students only. You can start the course from when you have signed up.

The modules are progressive, so it is better if you start at the beginning and work your way through the assignments rather than racing ahead.  To get the most benefit from the course, please wait until you have received your written critique before moving on to the next assignment.

Yes. For each completed assignment submitted, there will be a detailed written critique given which will point out your strengths and any areas that might need further attention. I believe in positive encouragement, so will never be harsh or judgmental.

If I feel that the work submitted needs further attention in order to improve, I may occasionally ask you to resubmit your work.

Usually written critiques are returned within 28 days of submission, but I will try to get them back to you sooner. If for some reason there is a delay in returning the work, I will let you know immediately. I always prefer to give constructive detailed feedback using relevant images to explain what I mean rather than generic rushed critiques.

You will need to either take a digital photo in good light or scan your work, and email the image as a .jpeg or .png to me shevaun.doherty[at]gmail.com

Advice on how to take good images of your work will be given in the Introduction Section of the Course.

When submitting work for assessment, please make sure you label the subject line of the email with your Name, Student number and the Assignment Number.

It is entirely up to you how much time you have available to paint. I think it will take each student 4-8 hours every week to complete the course. It is beneficial but not essential to get into the habit of daily art practice, even if it’s just to make a colour chart, or to do a small study. The more you practice, the quicker you improve.

Yes! I am very happy to answer any questions that you may have, or to clarify anything that might not be clear in the course notes. I will be setting up a private Facebook Group for my students (optional) so that general questions may also be asked there. If there is a particular area that everyone needs help with, it is possible to add a mini-tutorial to the group.

It is entirely up to you how much time you have available to paint. I think it will take each student 4-8 hours every week to complete the course. It is beneficial but not essential to get into the habit of daily art practice, even if it’s just to make a colour chart, or to do a small study. The more you practice, the quicker you improve.

No, the Facebook Group is entirely optional. However, in my experience, a Facebook Group can be a supportive community that encourages and motivates. The group will be small and private, and you don’t have to share your work if you don’t want to. Posts within the group are only visible to members.

You are very welcome to share your work online. This is not a ‘Paint by Template’ course- you are being taught to ‘think’ like an artist, and although I will be there to help you every step of the way, your painting will be entirely your own work- so be proud!

However, please do not share the course notes, images, videos or the critiques online. These are for students only.

Payment is very easy, just click on the Course Shopping Cart Button. You can pay using Paypal or Stripe, both trusted online payment systems

The course costs €495. This can be paid in full, or can be paid in 3 instalments of €175

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Life is full of unexpected surprises. If for some reason, you need a break from your studies or an extension, just let me know.

If you join and decide that the course is not for you, please contact me within 7 days for a full refund. Refunds given at a later date in the course are entirely at my discretion.