Class Listings

Advance your pen nib and ink skills in this six-week class. Explore the use of hatching and stippling to bring your botanical subjects to life. Learn troubleshooting tips like how to handle, clean and preserve pen nibs, how to restore damaged nibs and how to improve tools that are brand new.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/refined-hatching-pen-nib-and-ink-online

Join Michigan-based botanical artist Cara Cummings to learn surface pattern techniques using Adobe Illustrator. Your designs can be used to create fabrics, cards and gift items. Begin by learning what kinds of art works best for this process, then create your own repeatable design. No prior Illustrator experience needed. You will need access to a computer with Adobe Illustrator installed. A scanner, smartphone or tablet with camera also required.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/repeating-patterns-adobe-illustrator-online

Learn about this drawing medium that was used during the Medieval period and the Renaissance. The technique is similar to drawing with graphite except that you’ll be drawing with several different metals such as silver, copper, brass, aluminum and more. There are several different surfaces that can be used to draw on with these metals. You’ll learn a little about the history, the different metals and substrates and several techniques for drawing with silver and other metals.

The familiar ballpoint pen is ideal for creating distinctive, unique marks and lines, both in the studio and in the field. Explore techniques to create textures and value, then apply these discoveries to glorious fall subjects inspired by early winter’s gardens.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/drawing-ballpoint-pen-online

This course builds on Beginning and Intermediate Colored Pencil techniques. Using a live plant and/or reference photographs of their choice, students will create a small series of colored pencil pieces of native North Carolina plant(s).  No class 11/26

Explore this symbolic fruit through step-by-step instruction of the line tonal watercolor technique. From smooth washes to create a sense of form to mark-making for patterned skin, learn how to portray the botanical and aesthetic characteristics of the beloved apple.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/painting-apples-watercolor-online

Tackle the challenge of drawing a bunch of grapes accurately, using shading to bring them to life. Explore color matching, washes and dry brush techniques to render accurate grapes, then experiment with the watercolor bloom technique to create dynamic botanical illustrations.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/painting-grapes-watercolor-online

Using masking in watercolor is magic for preserving areas of color, creating white or light details on dark backgrounds, building interesting textures and layering color and values. Explore techniques for applying masking fluid, protecting your paper and integrating masked areas into your painting practice.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Class registration link here: https://www.botanicgardens.org/programs/masking-techniques-watercolor-online

Discover the fascinating history of the agave plant with ethnobotanist and author Gary Nabhan, from early archaeological findings to current obsessions with craft mezcal and tequila.

This program is offered by the School of Botanical Art & Illustration at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Registration link: https://tickets.botanicgardens.org/events/0196a28c-fc60-63b7-b59e-544740dc4902

Nature in Graphite

Chiang Mai, 5-10 January 2026 

Escape to the serene landscapes of Chiang Mai for an exclusive 6-day, 5-night Nature in Graphite Retreat. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at a private property, where a gentle stream flows nearby and lush fruit trees and a small orchid farm surround us. With the cool, comfortable weather, you'll have the perfect opportunity to indulge in outdoor drawing and capture the intricate details of botanical wonders.

We want you to maximize your time in Chiang Mai, so this programme includes a pre-workshop online tutorial session (2hours) to get you started on the exercises. To ensure you have continued support, there will post-workshop online feedback and guidance for up to two months.

Join Helen Byers in northern New Mexico for this exciting, intensive 2-week course devoted to realistic art & illustration techniques. Helen’s detailed demonstrations and personalized instruction will guide participants with detailed drawing techniques in 3 media: graphite, ink, and charcoal. Subjects will include an inspiring array of specimens, including rocks, shells, fossils, plants (seedpods, cones, twigs), and animal bones, as well as cultural artifacts from the Ghost Ranch Museums of Anthropology and Paleontology.

The first week, we’ll take a look at natural science art and illustration precedents, along with modern ones. Following Helen’s demos, participants will practice working in each medium. The second week, everyone will focus on mastering one medium and technique, or decide to explore each one more. At the end of the second week, we’ll share our work in a group show.

Some drawing experience is helpful, but all levels are welcome. Space will be limited to 10. Your goal may not (yet?) be to become a scientific illustrator, but that’s okay. Either way, your drawing skills will improve, and you’ll experience the winter serenity of spectacular, historic Ghost Ranch!

Skills you will learn and practice:

• mark-making techniques in each medium
• tips & tools for representing texture
• how to go from sketch to finish
• measurement techniques for accuracy
• the importance of lighting
• when (or whether) to use photography
• & more

Create your own botanical sketchbook in this week-long course with Dianne Sutherland in South-West France.

Whether you want a sketchbook to be part of your regular practice as an artist, or as an occasional activity for relaxation and to engage with nature, this course is an ideal starting point.

During the week Dianne Sutherland will provide demonstrations and instruction on how to get started with your botanical sketchbook. On day one you will be provided with materials to make your own small sketchbook, after which you will be guided through the process of filling the pages with beautiful drawings and paintings of plant material from within the grounds at the beautiful Clos Mirabel. Working both indoors, with collected plant material and some outdoor work in the surrounding area.

You will learn about the drawing and watercolour painting techniques that Dianne uses in her own work, which is applicable to both sketchbooks and other artwork. This will include the necessary sketching and watercolour techniques, such as the wet and dry painting techniques, which Dianne specialises in teaching. Subjects such as leaves, flowers, dissections and all of the relevant plant parts as well as surrounding plant habitat will be demonstrated.

You will also learn how to compose a page in your book by identifying the important parts of the plant to record, as well as how to annotate the pages with written texts and plant stories. At the same time you will be encouraged to develop your own interests and individual style as an artist. By the end of the week you will have made the first steps in your botanical sketchbook journey, and if you are like Dianne, you will always be looking for your next sketchbook subject.

To find out more and book, visit:

atelier.clos-mirabel.com

Learn Denise Walser-Kolar's approach to painting on vellum during this five-day workshop at the beautiful Atelier Clos Mirabel in the south of France.

You will begin by doing some exercises on small bits of vellum to learn technique and to get a feel for painting on this surface. Then, you will explore the grounds of Clos Mirabel to choose painting subjects – roses, hellebores, poppies, columbines, fruit trees, iris, and so much more will be blooming this time of the year...there may even be a few vegetables ready in the kitchen garden.

This class is designed for students new to vellum (learn how to successfully paint on vellum) as well as for more experienced vellum painters (learn new tricks and techniques and bring your work to the next level).

The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, hands-on time for developing skills, and lots of individual attention and feedback. You may also choose to do a Hoefnagel-inspired painting of the treasures you find in the gardens. Experienced vellum painters can use this as a studio class to work on anything they like.

To find out more and book your place, visit:

atelier.clos-mirabel.com

Join Botanical Artist Ann Swan as she returns to Atelier Clos Mirabel in April 2026.

Ann Swan works primarily in graphite and coloured pencil. She is well known for her fine detail, vibrant colours and strong contemporary style. She favours the underdog or the unusual in the plant world, drawing our attention to their beauty through her striking compositions. She is constantly experimenting with her chosen medium, trying to achieve a more painterly effect and ever brighter colours and has recently started a series of ‘Larger than Life’ images magnifying small sections of plants and pushing the boundaries of botanical art a bit further.

Further details of Ann Swan’s 2026 Botanical Art Workshop to follow.

Through ink drawing in a dedicated sketchbook, small elements of essential botany up to the basic notions of botanical watercolour, we will portray different seasonal subjects. Wild flora from the Pyrenees, flowers, leaves and seeds from the Clos Mirabel garden and vegetables from the kitchen garden to create a personal “cabinet” of botanical treasures.

This workshop is designed not only to provide basic technical notions and the main tools of botanical art, but also to approach various botanical subjects. We will learn how to keep a sketchbook and make it a study tool through the observation of Nature and the practice of drawing.

We will learn to use the ink pen with specific exercises, shadows, colour and how to compose pages. We will tackle the botanical watercolour technique by mixing colours, organizing the palette and studying the control of the brushstroke. Thus, over the course of the week, we will create a composition with various botanical subjects different in species, shape and colour, respecting their character and scientific data. Our personal collection of treasures, drawn and painted.

https://atelier.clos-mirabel.com/botanical-art/botanical-painting-workshop-france-giacomina-ferrillo

Catherine will be returning to Atelier Clos Mirabel in June 2026 to deliver her week long Botanical Art Workshop.

Discover the fascinating world of Botanical Art, starting with a walk around the magnificent Clos Mirabel property to choose your subject.

A variety of plants will be in bloom including Roses, Hydrangeas, Iris, Lupin, Lilies and numerous fruits and vegetables growing in the Jardin Potager.

Catherine will introduce her 10 stages to successfully illustrate a subject. You will carefully observe, measure and draw your subject focusing on form, light and texture. After composing your illustration, we will discuss the properties of watercolours and transparent colour mixing. You will apply several layers from the base tea wash to the dry brush finishing touches, using proper lighting to make your subject come to life.

The course will include a PowerPoint presentation, numerous demonstrations and an exhibition on the last day.

Catherine will also show you how to create a Botanical Journal to document your experience at Clos Mirabel. This is a lovely way to capture a special moment in a magical place.

Students will work with graphite and watercolour. If you prefer, you can use coloured pencils. All levels of experience are welcome.

To find out more and book your place, visit:

atelier.clos-mirabel.com

This workshop is strictly for students of botany and other natural sciences keen to improve their scientific illustration skills. Just 6 places available to residents of the seven Carpathian Mountains countries.

Join botanical artist and experienced tutor, Mary Dillon, for an immersive botanical art retreat at Clos Mirabel, where you’ll explore the beauty of summer blooms and refine your artistic skills in a serene, stunning setting.

You will connect with fellow artists, discover new techniques, and let the vibrant surroundings inspire you. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to create, relax, and grow — all while surrounded by the enchanting landscapes of South West France.

Everything about being in Clos Mirabel is special. From the warmth of your welcome by the family and team at Clos Mirabel to your first view of the Pyrenees, your beautifully appointed accommodation and the most delicious variety of locally sourced foods, you know that this will be a week for you!

The spacious art studio is a haven for artists. Taking your inspiration from the plants in the garden and the countryside you’ll practice some observational drawing and mark making. Early in the week you will have an opportunity to travel towards the upper slopes of the Pyrenees to experience alpine plants in their natural habitat. After a gentle walk and some field sketching you will enjoy a simple lunch in a village auberge.

Back in the studio, Mary will guide you in exploring the nuances of colour through easy exercises to help you grow in confidence with how you choose and use colour. Exploring and practicing watercolour painting techniques in a simple but systematic way can be applied to painting any subject. Using controlled wet and damp techniques and finishing with dry techniques, you will work in layers to create a painting that is both true to science and true to your emotional connection with your plant subject. This week will be a week to rest well, eat well and to replenish your personal resources in the process of creating your botanical painting!

To find out more and book your place, visit:

atelier.clos-mirabel.com

Come and explore the land of the colossal with Úrsula Romero and learn how to paint larger than life. Focusing on leaves, this workshop will explore the drama that can be created through thoughtful lighting and clever glazing.

You will have the exciting opportunity to learn how to capture the dramatic autumnal colours of leaves in an idyllic setting. From yellowing deciduous leaves to luscious evergreens; the countryside and gardens that surround Atelier Clos Mirabel are abundant.

This course will start with a short talk about leaves – their taxonomy, physiology and how paint them larger than life, then we will create our cleverly lit ‘leaf stages’. During this course we will examine the importance of composition and reveal the colours needed to mix realistic greens, browns and reds. You will learn more about capturing light in watercolour paint – how to make things look really three dimensional and how tackle trickier things, such as the translucency and hairs.

Úrsula will prepare a step-by-step process for each so you can see how to paint your subject in stages and she will be on hand, giving live demonstrations for you to watch so you leave feeling full of expert knowledge. This course is suitable for all levels.

6-7 DAYS PAINTING - under the expert tutorship of Vincent

Jeannerot in the

Floral Kingdom/ Namaqualand region

Cape Town - Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens