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 ceramics, perfume making, and other drawing/painting 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.

Class Schedule August – December 2023

Intermediate Watercolor for Botanical Illustration | November 4, 11, 18, December 2 IN-PERSON

Artists are guided step-by-step to complete watercolor studies (both within and outside the classroom) utilizing traditional watercolor techniques crucial to creating depth, form and the illusion of three-dimensionality. Slow, methodical work is emphasized, as is the need to record and document observations accurately using the scientific method. Artists must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the entire painting process, from the preliminary work to the final product. Instructor: Stephey Baker.

Please note that the dates that were originally published for this course have changed. This now course begins in November 2023.

Pre-requisite: Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration


Composition for Botanical Illustration | October 7, 14, 21, 28 IN-PERSON

The success of any work of art depends not only on the artist’s skill at drawing or painting, but more importantly on their ability to communicate ideas effectively. This course presents a variety of design strategies that are foundational to botanical illustration by exploring basic concepts of design and composition and examining a variety of approaches to composition that are specific to botanical illustration.

Pre-requisite: Intermediate Drawing for Botanical Illustration


NEW! Master Watercolor Course: Florilegia of Lewis Ginter’s Gardens | October 10, 17, 24, 31 IN-PERSON

This course is cancelled. As an alternative to this course, we recommend attending the Annual Conference of the American Society for Botanical Artists, occurring October 11-14, 2023, in Mobile, Alabama.


Advanced Watercolor for Botanical Illustration | December 7, 12, 14, 19 IN-PERSON

Description forthcoming. Instructor Stephey Baker. Please note that the dates that were originally published for this course have changed. This now course begins in December 2023.

Pre-requisite: Intermediate Watercolor

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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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