Artists with a passion for precision and a love of nature are invited to immerse themselves in a full day of focused creativity at Vergelegen Wine Estate.

Taking place on Wednesday 8 July, the Masterclass: Contemporary Botanical Drawing – The Camellia Collection offers an advanced, hands-on experience designed for those with established drawing skills and a keen eye for detail.

Guided by renowned botanical artist Sally Arnold, MA, Dip Bot Art (SBA Fellow), participants will explore how to plan, compose and execute a contemporary botanical artwork inspired by one of the world’s most celebrated camellia collections.

The programme is structured to help artists refine their technique, elevate their individual style and reinterpret a classical subject.

Vergelegen in Somerset West is home to Africa’s only International Camellia Garden of Excellence, awarded by the International Camellia Society in 2010.

One of just 39 such gardens worldwide, and only two in the Southern Hemisphere, the estate’s collection features more than 1 000 camellia shrubs, some dating back to the 1920s.

Flowering in autumn and winter, camellia blooms are elegant, rose-like flowers that appear in shades of white, pink and deep red. Glossy, dark green leaves contrast beautifully with their soft petals.

Arnold, who has studios in both Prince Albert and Luxembourg, is a highly regarded botanical artist known for her precise, contemporary interpretations of plant life that balance scientific accuracy with artistic expression.

A Fellow of the Society of Botanical Artists, she has a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and refined technique.

Her teaching is equally respected, guiding artists to develop both technical skill and a deeper, more observant connection with the natural world.

“My focus will be on drawing attention to the wonderful details within the camellia blossom, buds and leaves – and siting the ensuing compositions in a decidedly contemporary compositional layout,” Arnold explains.

Colour pencil

“Traditional botanical drawing styles and rules will be respected, but I would like participants to push the envelope in terms of how they highlight focal aspects of their chosen subject.

“Another important element will be the use of colour pencil layering-up, which can achieve richly luminous, powerful, three-dimensional shapes.”

The masterclass includes:

– a full-day advanced drawing masterclass with expert instruction;

– drawing and tracing paper (participants to take along their own pencils and tools);

– the proposed drawing size will be a uniform A3, but participants wishing to work on a smaller format due to time constraints will be accommodated;

– tea, coffee and a scone on arrival, and a light lunch.

The event is scheduled to take place from 09:30 to 16:30 at R1 750 per person.

. For bookings, visit https://vergelegen.co.za/event/masterclass-contemporary-botanical-drawing-the-camellia-collection/.