Celebrating Botanical Art

The Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) has been a leading voice in botanical art since its founding in 1985. Built on a belief that art and science can work hand in hand, the association supports artists who study plant life with accuracy, sensitivity, and technical skill. Its members include painters, illustrators, printmakers, and educators who collectively uphold the tradition of botanical art while continually pushing the discipline forward.

At the heart of the SBA’s annual programme is Plantae, the society’s flagship exhibition. More than a showcase, Plantae reflects the association’s commitment to celebrating the breadth of botanical work being produced today. Each exhibition brings together pieces that explore form, structure, seasonal change, and the wider significance of plant species. Works are selected for their precision, artistry, and contribution to the ongoing dialogue between nature and visual representation.

The 2025 Plantae: 40th Anniversary exhibition continued this focus, presenting a thoughtfully curated collection that highlighted both established specialists and emerging botanical artists. Themes of conservation, climate impact, and species diversity appeared across the show, with artists offering detailed studies that combined observational rigour with personal interpretation. The Mall Galleries provided a fitting backdrop, giving space for viewers to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that botanical art demands.

Among the artists featured was Sarah Wood, whose watercolour Ilex aquifolium, Holly was awarded the Daler-Rowney/Princeton Brush Prize. Reflecting on her experience, Sarah shared:

“The Daler-Rowney/Princeton Brush Prize was a highlight of my year, awarded for my watercolour painting, Ilex aquifolium, Holly’. It was part of the Society of Botanical Artists Plantae exhibition, held at the Mall Galleries in London earlier this year.

The SBA exhibition was a fantastic success with so many beautiful artworks displayed. It was well attended with queues spilling out round the side of the Mall Galleries. My winning painting was sold at the exhibition.

I am having fun painting with the Princeton brush set. The brushes hold a large amount of water and have very fine points, which have kept their shape. I also like the fact that they are synthetic, they are animal friendly, that is important to me. I have increased my range of brushes by ordering more.

I am working on woodland paintings for my latest book in my ‘Watercolour Secrets’ series.  I have about ten woodland plant paintings in various stages of completion plus thirty that are already finished.

My diary is filling up with exhibitions for next year. In addition to the SBA I am a member of North Wales Society of Fine Art, Wirral Society of Arts, and other local art groups. I’m also a regular entrant in other open art exhibitions such as the RI and Wirral Open.

You can find me online at www.sarahwoodart.com.”

Sarah’s award sits within a wider tradition of the SBA encouraging artistic growth, providing opportunities for members to exhibit, and fostering a community built around shared study of the natural world. Awards within Plantae are not only acknowledgements of skill but also affirmations of the association’s core values: precision, respect for plant biology, and a dedication to artistic excellence.

Visit the Society of Botanical Artists’ website for more information and keep an eye out for next year’s exhibition: https://www.soc-botanical-artists.org/