ArtPlantae Today

Classes listed on ArtPlantae Today are for the benefit of members of our creative community. Their inclusion is not an endorsement by ArtPlantae LLC. As with anything, please investigate your choices thoroughly. Then get outside and be inspired!

Brookside Gardens School of Botanical Art & Illustration Certificate Program (Maryland)
www.brooksidegardens.org
This program offers classes in botanical drawing, botanical painting, introductory botany, as well as classes specializing in specific art techniques and plant groups. Learn More

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
www.lewisginter.org
In 1884, Lewis Ginter purchased some property and built a gathering place for Richmond bicyclists. One hundred years later, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden was established on this same piece of property and soon became one of the top five destinations in Virginia. The Garden is home to Artbase a searchable database containing 2,500 botanical watercolor paintings by Alexandre Descubes. The Adult Education program at the garden includes workshops in botanical drawing and painting.

View Spring 2012 Schedule & Register

• Color Theory for Botanical Artists – Wednesdays,
  February 1, 8, 15, 22, 2012; 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Learn the principles of color harmony and discord, as well as basic watercolor techniques and special effects. Materials list sent upon registration. Lunch on your own. Instructor: Celeste Johnston. Cost: $194 non-members, $150 members.
• Beginning Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink – Saturdays,
  March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2012; 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Develop your drawing and observation skills while learning botany and the traditions of botanical art. Some drawing experience helpful. All materials provided. Lunch on your own. Instructor: Celeste Johnston. Cost: $250 non-member, $195 member
• Colored Pencil Over Watercolor for Botanical Artists – Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, 2012; 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Students will learn how to layer colored pencil over transparent watercolor glazes on paper. Some knowledge of watercolor techniques and botanical drawing is needed. Materials are provided. Lunch on your own. Instructor: Celeste Johnston. Cost: $250 non-member, $195 member
• Advanced Botanical Illustration Workshop (Orchids) – Tues/Thurs, March 27, 29 and April 3, 5, 2012; 10 AM – 4 PM. Taught in conjunction with the Orchids Galore! exhibition. Students will complete an orchid study applying what they learn about orchids and about composition. Materials list will be sent upon registration. Lunch on your own. Instructor: Juliet Kirby. Cost: $239 non-member, $195 member (includes a blooming orchid plant to take home)
• Anatomy of Flowers for Botanical Artists – Wednesdays,
  April 11, 18, 25, 2012; 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Students will observe, dissect and draw flower parts to understand their structure and function. Students will make a small drawing or painting of a flower to present in botanical terms. A basic knowledge of drawing required. Materials list will be sent upon registration. Cost: $158 non-member, $125 member
• How to Draw Stuff (in the Garden) – Saturdays,
  April 14, 21, 28, 2012; 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Spend a leisurely morning drawing in the garden! Learn the drawing and sketching techniques necessary to record your observations in your journal. Recommended text is Drawing and Sketching by Jackie Simmonds (purchase on your own). Instructor: Susie Kowalik. Cost: $138 non-members, $105 members. $15 materials fee for new students.

Linda C. Miller
http://lindacmiller.blogspot.com
Linda is a Virginia botanical artist who has been appointed the Artist in Residence at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC. Learn more about this special honor here.

Visit Linda’s blog, Botanical Art Today, and her new online store where you can purchase prints of Linda’s traditional and whimsical botanical paintings. Looking for note cards? Note cards will be available soon, just in time for Valentine’s Day!

• Camellia Watercolor Workshop – February 14-16, 2012;
  9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC has over 300 Japanese camellias in their collection, represented by over 125 cultivars. Learn basic drawing skills, observation, and watercolor techniques to create a botanical painting. Each student will work at their own pace while the instructor consults with each student individually. Beginner to advanced welcome. Materials list provided. Cost: $145. Contact The Elizabethan Gardens to register, (252) 473-3234.
• Drawing Nature in Pen and Ink – Saturday, March 31, 2012;
  9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Explore nature’s world of color, textures, and complexity and create a black and white illustration. Working with a technical pen, learn techniques to make strokes that mimic the fuzz on a fern, the fur on an otter or feathers on your favorite bird. Learn how to create lines and stipple to develop a full range of values and texture. Beginner to Intermediate. This class will be taught at Freedom Park in Williamsburg, VA. Limit: 6 adults. Cost: $35. Registration: (757) 259-3200 or http://www.jccegov.com/recreation
• Botanical Watercolor Workshop – Open Studio – April 17-19, 2012; 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Use your artistic skills to illustrate and create a botanical portrait of plants from The Elizabethan Garden’s greenhouses and grounds. Learn basic drawing skills, observation, and watercolor techniques to create a botanical painting. Each student will work at their own pace while the instructor holds demonstrations and consults with each student individually. Beginner to advanced welcome. Materials list provided. This class will be taught at The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC. Limit: 12 students. Cost: $145. Contact The Elizabethan Gardens to register, (252) 473-3234.
• Botanical and Nature Watercolor Workshop – April 24-26, 2012; 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Learn the fundamentals of botanical art by watching Linda C. Miller demonstrate techniques in botanical drawing and watercolor. Students will select plant specimens from the garden and work at their own drawing as Linda consults with each student. Limit: 6 students. Cost: $140. Registration: (757) 259-3200 or http://www.jccegov.com/recreation