Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Drawing Tulips
A STUDY OF FORM, LIGHT, AND OBSERVATIONAL WONDER

Celebrate spring by tiptoeing through tulips—on paper, that is. In this relaxed, process-driven workshop, you’ll train your visual system—eye, brain, and hand working as one—to interpret the tulip’s complex form through observation and mark-making. Beginning with line, you’ll study structure and proportion from life before exploring how light, value, and color interact across form. Students will create color studies in colored pencil or watercolor (for those who have completed Color Mixing). Alongside guided demonstrations and individual support, we’ll look to botanical artists of the past whose tulip studies blended art, science, and culture. Their work reminds us that observation is both a discipline and an act of wonder. Through shared discussion and plenty of drawing time, you’ll refine your powers of observation, think more critically, and connect artistic curiosity with scientific inquiry—all while building community with peers who love both art and nature. By the final session, you’ll gather your sketches and studies into a finished tulip study page that reflects process, persistence, and the joy of giving your full attention to the living beauty of tulips.

See class supply list below.

Fees: Member $289, Non-Member $343

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 $289

REGISTER NON-MEMBER $343

Dates:
Friday, April 10, 2026 - Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time:
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Event Details

GES: BI, 20, elective*

*This class is an elective for the new Botanical Illustration Certificate program and provides 20 hours of credit.

Prerequisite: Completion of Introduction to Botanical Drawing Part II

Students are responsible for bringing all materials listed on the supply list. The instructor will provide live specimens and shared studio materials. Dress for the weather and walking in the Garden. Before class, please review the supply list.

This class takes place over 2 Fridays and 2 Saturdays:

  • April 10
  • April 11
  • April 17
  • April 18

View and print the Supply List for Students.

Stephey Baker

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Stephey Baker is an artist specializing in pen and ink, watercolor, color theory, and graphic design for the professional artist community. Her lifelong connection to nature led her to botanical illustration, with a special interest in pollinating insects and the plants that nurture them. Stephey obtained her botanical illustration certificate at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She believes in cultivating a curious spirit and finds joy in teaching others how to easily connect to their artistic side. Stephey lives in Church Hill with her rescued cats and dogs and tends to an urban garden full of life. In her favorite dreams, she can talk to Bumble Bees. Learn more at markedbythemuse.com

 

Claudette BakerClaudette Baker comes from a long lineage of artists and has lived her life as a student and teacher of various artistic practices. She taught art to children, served as a guest artist at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, and is a graduate of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s botanical illustration program. Claudette’s favorite medium is pencil, both color and graphite. She is a free spirit who accepts all with open arms. As a teacher, she encourages students to learn the basics as the first step in their journey to find their own style and voice. You can follow her on Instagram @claudette_baker.

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