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. Enrollment in the certificate program is not required to take courses in the Botanical Illustration curriculum. 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.
Use the class title to navigate to a detailed description and to register online. View the calendar to explore by date.
Class Schedule April-August 2016
Advisors and students work on certificate projects together in these sessions for certificate candidates.
Learn a detailed approach to observing and painting spring specimens with a monochromatic sepia palette. You will learn how to accurately render stems, create value, detail different textures, and use brush control to attain a tight finished look. Instructor: Lara Call Gastinger. (This is an intermediate to advanced level class)
Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration | April 30, May 7, 14, 21
Students learn about painting materials (papers and brushes), practice watercolor painting skills and complete exercises demonstrating core techniques. Instructor: Hazel Buys. (Pre-requisites: Introduction to Drawing and Intermediate drawing or equivalent)
Botany for Botanical Artists Workshop: Ferns and Mosses | May 25, June 8
Explore the delicate forms of the ferns and mosses. Learn the basic biology of these interesting plants and study and draw a diversity of plant parts under the guidance of a botanist. Instructors: Sheila Hayden and Judith Towers. (Pre-requisite: Introduction to Drawing)
Techniques for Watercolor: Mixing Greens, Painting Leaves | June 2, 9, 16, 23
See how light falling on leaves reveals structure, form, and texture and use the paints in your palette to make nature’s greens. Instructors: Hazel Buys and Judith Towers. (Pre-requisites: Introduction to Drawing, Intermediate Drawing, and Introduction to Watercolor)
Advanced Watercolor for Botanical Illustration | June 20, 22, 24, 27
Williamsburg-based botanical artist Juliet Kirby leads this four-day watercolor workshop for advanced botanical artists.
This class explores drawing materials, line quality and expressiveness as well as basic aids to drawing. Students study the basics of proportion, perspective and composition in addition to simple approaches to rendering form with tone. Instructor: Hazel Buys
Interested in gaining a thorough foundation in the art of botanical illustration?
Explore our Botanical Illustration Certificate Program.