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BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS
AND ABSTRACT PATTERNS

In this workshop where fun is far more important than perfection, you will create an abstracted painting using acrylic paints on canvas, inspired by floral photographs taken at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The focus is on translating natural forms into expressive shapes, colors, and textures rather than painting literal realism. Participants will explore color mixing, layering, mark-making, and the use of texture and negative space to create balance, movement, and visual interest. Emphasis is placed on intuitive composition—learning when to add, when to simplify, and how negative space can be just as powerful as the primary subject matter. The workshop welcomes all experience levels and encourages experimentation, play, and personal interpretation. This workshop will be led by Shelley Row, an LGBG instructor, along with her fellow retired art educator, artist, and lifelong friend, Sarah Matthews. Together, they bring decades of shared experience and a genuine love of teaching. All materials are provided. You’ll leave with a finished piece, along with new techniques and renewed confidence in your creative process. No prior painting experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity.

Fees: Member $90, Non-Member $113

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

Register Member $90

Register Non-Member $113

Dates:
Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - Thursday, June 11, 2026
Time:
9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Event Details

All materials are provided.

This class takes place over two sessions:

  • Wednesday, June 10 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Thursday, June 11 from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Shelley RowAbout the Instructor

Throughout her career, Shelley Row has taught art at the elementary, middle and high school levels in Chesterfield County Public Schools. She has had her own studio and gallery, taught “in home” painting workshops and served as adjunct faculty for the VCU Art Education Department. She strongly believes in everyone’s ability to create and the pure joy to be found through “playing” with a variety of art media. As a practicing visual artist, she also understands the absolute necessity of the arts in society and advocates for the visual and performing arts. “Teaching at Lewis Ginter has been the greatest gift of my retirement years. I have had the privilege of working surrounded by beautiful, ever-changing inspiration and meeting the most wonderful people.”

Sarah Matthews is a professional artist whose work reflects a lifelong dedication to creative expression and art education. With a 35-year career as an award winning art instructor and more than two decades as a mural painter, Matthews brings a deep understanding of composition, color, and design to her studio practice. She was voted Best Art Educator for the State of Virginia in 2018.

Her current body of work explores the natural world through layered compositions rich in color, pattern, and implied texture. Featuring animals from both land and sea, her pieces evoke a sense of harmony and vitality.
Matthews primarily works with PanPastels, complemented by acrylics and pen and ink.

When not in the studio, she draws inspiration from her wild and wonderful garden and her enduring connection to animals and nature.