Exhibition of botanical art at RHS Shows

Guidelines for judging group exhibits of drawings and paintings of plants, flowers and gardens

(as they appear in the Manual 2004, for Judges, p13, No7)

a. Exhibits of groups of drawings or paintings are assessed first and foremost as botanical illustration. Judges should assess both the individual quality of the drawings / paintings and the quality of the way they are presented as an exhibit. They should assess the overall impression and how this has been achieved both in relation to its botanical content and artistic effect.

b. The following may be regarded as positive features in assessing an exhibit:
1) good draughtsmanship and, when applicable, good painterly skills.
2) that the depiction of plants or plant material is botanically accurate
3) that each picture is well composed
4) that the space allocated in which to hang the pictures is well-filled without being overcrowded
5) that the exhibit has an overall unity
6) that any written information is accurate and well presented and includes the Latin name
7) that any frames, mounts or other accessories used are appropriate in style, scale and condition
8) that the design of the display enhances the appearance of the drawings or paintings

c. The following may be regarded as negative features in assessing an exhibit:
1) that the exhibit does not conform to the rules for exhibiting as published in the relevant Manual or Show Schedule
2) that the depiction of plants or plant material is botanically inaccurate or horticulturally misleading
3) that the composition or execution of any picture is not satisfactory
4) that the space allocated in which to hang the pictures is not well-filled or is overcrowded
5) that the exhibit does not have an overall unity
6 ) that any written information is inaccurate or not well presented
7) that any frames, mounts or other accessories used are not appropriate in style, scale and appearance
8) that the design of the display detracts from the appearance of the drawings or paintings

d. Artists submitting groups of drawings or paintings of gardens for exhibition should bear in mind that these will be assessed first and foremost as botanical illustration.

To view details of regulations for exhibiting click here