Thursday, October 15th 1-3:30pm for 5 weeks
All materials included in price. (instruction book, paper, paints, brushes, sketch books, palettes, plant and fruit models)
Member $180 + HST
Nonmember $210 + HST
This approach to painting plants emphasizes the aesthetic value of the plant or flower, is botanically and scientifically correct but doesn’t show the complete life cycle of the subject as would be required in Botanical Illustration. The art work is usually in color and on a white background. It may include a record of the plant growing in its natural habit and habitat. The botanical painter learns to slow down and to see and record the small details of nature, which in turn brings the subject to life on paper. Botanical Art requires a measured and mindful painting style. Those who know and love plants will enjoy this painting course.
The five- week course will begin with a peek into plant morphology and preliminary contour drawing. Session two will continue drawing plants using contour drawing with a calligraphic line and explore the Elements & Principles of Art and Design and how to apply them to your work. These two sessions will use graphite pencils, dip pens and ink. Numerous studies and more finished drawings will be completed in your sketchbooks. The third session will transition from drawing to painting by using only botanical grey watercolor paint to help understand and identify the importance of light and dark in painting plants by making and using a tonal value scale, applying the basic washes, painting on damp paper, using dry brush, using glazing and lifting out color to create highlights. The two final sessions will use the complete botanical palette of six hues, learn about the properties of color and how to mix natural colors, complete a color wheel and apply all of the skills from lesson three to studies and more finished paintings.
The pace of the sessions will be adjusted as needed to the skill level of the group. Most art supplies are included but students may need to forage additional plants to paint from and provide their own portable desk light for use in class plus an extension cord.