Botanical Illustration Classes

Courses are designed to provide a thorough foundation in the classical approaches and disciplines of botanical illustration.   Arranged in a series format, classes are structured for students pursuing the Garden Education Certificate in Botanical Illustration. Students may enroll in the certificate program only after taking “Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration” and “Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration.” Courses must be taken in sequence as listed in the curriculum, and classes in the series after the basic drawing classes  are open only to certificate students.  Pre-requisites are listed under individual course descriptions.

Looking for other media, including fiber arts and other drawing styles?  Check out Art in the Garden.

Classes are offered in-person, as synchronous (live) online programs, or using hybrid methods with both in-person and virtual content.  Class delivery methods are denoted next to each listing as VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, or HYBRID.  Please note Covid-19 related requirements for in-person classes.  All guidelines are subject to change.

Class Schedule April-August 2022

Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration | April 5, 12, 19, 26 IN-PERSON

Continue to explore line quality and expressiveness in this follow-up to “Introduction.” Students continue to develop the basic techniques and knowledge covered in Introduction to Drawing. Complete one or more drawings of a seasonally-appropriate botanical subject of your choice, practicing the core concepts taught in the class.  Instructors: Hazel Buys and Claudette Baker

Prerequisite: Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration

Botany for Botanical Illustration | April 30, May 7, 14, 21 IN-PERSON

Botanical illustrators need to be well versed in the intricacies of plant forms. Morning sessions help you learn to understand the structure of flowering plants and conifers and to study and draw a diversity of plant parts under the guidance of a botanist. Students keep an illustrated study journal. Scientific names in botanical illustration are discussed and used. Afternoons are devoted to graphite illustrations of plants related to the morning’s discussion. Instructors: Sheila Hayden and Judith Towers

Prerequisite: Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration

Color Mixing for Botanical Illustration | In-person May 4, 25, Virtual May 5-24 HYBRID

Stephey Baker guides you through the process of color mixing step-by-step. Hone your color mixing skills in a relaxed and inspired environment through creative discussion and testing/evaluating of watercolor paints. Color matching accuracy, artistic expression and establishing a personal creative process are emphasized. NOTE: This is a hybrid class, with beginning and end in-person sessions. Students are expected to work on their own and post progress regularly. The instructor will be available for individual check ins during the online portion of the class. A mandatory orientation session for the online portion is included.

Prerequisite: Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration

Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration | June 4, 11, 18, 19 IN-PERSON

Students learn about painting materials (papers and brushes), practice watercolor painting skills and complete exercises demonstrating core techniques. Complete one or more painting(s) of a simple botanical subject (e.g., leaf, nut, simple flower) of your choice, practicing the painting skills taught in the class.  Instructors: Hazel Buys and Stephey Baker

Prerequisite: Color Mixing for Botanical Illustration

Watercolor Techniques for Botanical Illustration: Building on the Basics | July 9, 23, 30, August 6 IN-PERSON

Continue to hone a strong foundational watercolor skill-set by building on the knowledge learned from Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration. This class provides hands-on experience using various watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, damp brush and dry brush, including how to discern grayscale value and its color equivalent and how to use color washes as an under-painting.  Instructors: Hazel Buys and Stephey Baker

Prerequisite: Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration

Graphite Techniques: Sunflowers | August 13, 20, 27, September 10 IN-PERSON

Students study and draw a single sunflower (supplied). Emphasis will be on accurate depiction of the flower, stem and leaves using scientific knowledge (botany) of the sunflower in order to complete a successful drawing in graphite. Guest lecturer in botany: Tom Case.  Instructors: Hazel Buys and Claudette Baker

Prerequisite: Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration

Botanical Illustration Sunday Studios IN-PERSON

Mentors and students work on certificate projects together in an informal setting. Open to enrolled Botanical Illustration certificate candidates only.

April Sunday Studio | April 10

May Sunday Studio | May 15

June Sunday Studio | June 12

July Sunday Studio | July 10

August Sunday Studio | August 14

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Interested in gaining a thorough foundation in the art of botanical illustration?

Explore our Botanical Illustration Certificate Program.

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