Class Schedule July – December 2025

NEW! Introduction to Botanical Drawing I | August 28, September 4, 18, 25 | IN-PERSON

This class is designed to provide foundational drawing skills and inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Any age can learn to draw. Marks on paper are all a drawing is. Marks can be made on paper by anyone. Despite this, not everyone takes the time to learn how to draw. It isn’t easy to develop drawing skills without spending a lot of time drawing. This class provides time, motivation and inspiration for you to draw. Learn to think like an artist, get curious, ask questions, and play— all while learning how to draw. We start with an overview of botanical art and learn about the benefits drawing provides for the brain and our physiology. Drawing habits and dealing with the inner critic are also discussed. Using pencil marks on paper, participants explore sketchbook work, basic line qualities, light on forms, and transforming reality into three-dimensional illusions. Sketching, contour drawing, negative space, and measured drawing are also covered.

Instructors: Claudette & Stephey Baker

Prerequisite: None

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DRAWING WORKSHOP SERIES WITH INTERNATIONAL ARTIST ROGÉRIO LUPO

Explore various drawing techniques through virtual workshops with award-winner, scientific illustrator and artist Rogério Lupo, who will teach from Brazil. Each course includes drawing demonstrations of the various skills discussed. Students enrolled in the Garden’s Botanical Illustration certificate program will earn elective credit.

NEW! Representing Sunlight on Plants in Colored Pencils | September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15 | VIRTUAL

Although the classical school of botanical art does not recommend illustrating plants with sunlight illumination, many contemporary academic botanical artists are achieving spectacular results with that, without any impairment of the morphological or chromatic aspects of the plants portrayed, proving that the pictorial tendencies in all types of visual art are in constant motion. Thus, this course proposes a profound study of the very particular qualities of the reflection of the sunlight on plants, which, when not meticulously observed and represented, can jeopardize the rendition of a good impression of the lighting atmosphere. We will explore the processes for capturing these qualities that enable us to accurately create and convey the illusion of sunlight through artistic representation.

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NEW! Mixing Greens: Rendering Realistic Leaves | September 24, 26 | IN-PERSON

Intricate leaf veining? Pillowy patterned leaves? Dark, shiny, smooth leaves? Folding? Curling? Insect damage? Serrated edges? In this “focus” session, you will build confidence and skill in practicing techniques to achieve realistic effects. Mixing greens in watercolor will be the main color focus. Layering colored pencil and watercolor will be demonstrated and can be practiced and incorporated as well.

Instructor: Gail Goodrich Harwood

Prerequisites: Botanical drawing, beginning watercolor, color theory

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Botanical Drawing II: Shading & Structure | September 27, October 5, 18, 25 | IN-PERSON

Expand your understanding of depth and dimension by exploring light, shadow, and value.

This course takes the next step in your artistic journey, sharpening your ability to see subtle shifts in light and shadow while deepening your focus and observational skills. Using graphite, you’ll explore grayscale rendering and value mapping, learning to blend smooth transitions between highlights, midtones, and shadows. The result? More refined, visually rich botanical drawings that convey structure and realism.

Instructors: Claudette & Stephey Baker

Prerequisite: Introduction to Botanical Drawing I

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NEW! Illustrating Pollinators for Botanical Art: Butterflies | October 9, 10, 11 | IN-PERSON

This revised workshop offers a focused, graphite-only exploration of butterfly anatomy, movement, and ecological role. Designed for botanical artists who want to deepen their connection to nature, it offers the best of both worlds: time outdoors observing butterflies in their natural environment, paired with indoor studio time to reflect, refine, and develop your drawings.
You’ll engage in specimen pinning, field sketching, and close study of how leg structures, wing shapes, and flight patterns reveal each butterfly’s unique function and behavior. Rather than producing a polished, portfolio-ready piece, you’ll create a richly layered study page—a visual record of labeled sketches and notes that blends scientific observation with creative interpretation. This page will serve as a foundation for future botanical drawings.

Instructors: Claudette Baker, Stephey Baker and Clara Aus

Prerequisite: Introduction to Botanical Drawing 1-2 or Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration

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NEW! Autumn Jewels…Rendering Heirloom Apples with Character! | October 30, 31 | IN-PERSON

Heirloom apples are special. Grown from seeds passed down for hundreds of years, there are many varieties available in Virginia. Heirlooms have a lot of character, interesting textures, colors, and shapes — all characteristics you will perfect in this “focus” session.

Instructor: Gail Goodrich Harwood

Prerequisites: Botanical drawing, beginning and intermediate watercolor, color theory, and colored pencil I

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Botanical Art History – Becoming Part of an Enduring Tradition | November 1 | IN-PERSON

Explore the beautiful and intriguing history of botanical art! Join us for this 3-hour session, designed for art lovers and current and prospective Botanical Illustration certificate students. Learn about what it means to become a part of the enduring tradition of botanical art and illustration. Discover Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s library collections and archival resources, along with how to access those resources to enhance your botanical art journey and add impact to required and elective certificate coursework. View artwork and resources first-hand through a guided library tour.

Instructors: Gail Goodrich Harwood, Betsy Lyon, Ann-Marie Parrish

Prerequisites: None

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Botany for Botanical Illustration: Ferns | November 8, 15 | IN-PERSON

Learn about the life history and biodiversity of ferns.  The first session will address reproduction (the distinction and unique functions of sporophyte and gametophyte generations) and survey sporophyte diversity of typical ferns.  Examples will include Christmas Fern, Sensitive Fern, Cinnamon Fern, etc.  The second session will explore several unusual ferns, including the aquatic Mosquito and Four-Leaf-Clover Ferns, Whisk Ferns, and Horsetails.  A selection of several different kinds of fern will be provided or students may bring their own subject material.  Media, either graphite or watercolor, student’s choice.

Instructors: John and Sheila Hayden

Prerequisite: One previous Botanical Illustration course in the medium selected.

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ART IN THE GARDEN SUPPORTING WORKSHOPS

These workshops can provide additional skills that enhance your artistic journey while also providing limited elective credit.

Introduction to Nature Journaling | August 1, 2 | IN-PERSON

In this guided class, local artist and pollinator advocate Stephey Baker will show you how to capture the magic of nature using words, sketches, and numbers—no prior experience needed! Absolute beginners are welcome, and all art materials are provided, so you can jump in—no shopping list, no stress. We’ll begin with a brief, friendly orientation on basic materials and simple techniques. Then, through curiosity-driven exercises, you’ll learn to capture the beauty of nature using words, sketches, numbers in a way that’s uniquely yours.

Instructor: Stephey Baker

Prerequisites: None