Students become proficient in the age-old skills of pen and ink and crowquill. Technique, composition, scratchboard, anatomy, professional practices, final projects, handouts, tutorials, live video conferencing and email are included as above. In all sessions, we work from live material as much as possible. There will be a February break.

HTTPS://WWW.GRETCHENHALPERT-DISTANCEPROGRAM.COM/UPCOMING-CLASSES

Learn how to begin and take your work from sketch to an accurate, full-value rendering in a virtual classroom setting. We cover observation, perspective, proportion, rendering textures, value, scientific conventions, lighting, and transferring drawings. Students also become comfortable with technical skills for proper scanning, uploading and preparing artwork, video conferencing and creating files. Pen and ink and professional practices are introduced. Fee covers all assignments, tutorials, handouts, video conferencing and emailing. Beginning and intermediate students are encouraged to apply. There will be a February break.

WWW.GRETCHENHALPERT-DISTANCEPROGRAM.COM

In the classes, we will:

• Explore the physical aspects of colored pencils in their dry modality (without solvents) and how to obtain the best result. 

• Understand the importance of choosing the best paper’s texture for our own individual style and of maintaining our pencils always sharp. 

• Learn to work softly and gradually to capture the correct contrast and precise strength of light and shade, and also avoid damaging the paper. 

• Examine the use of the colorless blender and discover the advantage of lighter colors overlapping darker ones. 

• Comprehend the importance of planning which should be the first and last color in the layering sequence, and how different is the resultant color depending on the order of layering.

• Experiment with a simplified and summarized take on the color theory, through a visual rather than a conceptual understanding of the relationships between colors. 

• Approach and represent colors by detecting first their general aspects regarding temperature, vibrance, and position in the color wheel.

• Assess the convenience of using colored or toned papers and understand how they participate in the color building. 

• Explore methods to detect, represent and match multiple colors appearing on every subject with all their subtle variations. 

In the classes, we will:

• Explore the physical aspects of colored

pencils in their dry modality (without solvents) and how to obtain the best

result. 

• Understand the importance of choosing

the best paper’s texture for our own individual style and of maintaining our

pencils always sharp. 

• Learn to work softly and gradually to

capture the correct contrast and precise strength of light and shade, and also

avoid damaging the paper. 

• Examine the use of the colorless blender

and discover the advantage of lighter colors overlapping darker ones. 

• Comprehend the importance of planning

which should be the first and last color in the layering sequence, and how

different is the resultant color depending on the order of layering.

• Experiment with a simplified and

summarized take on the color theory, through a visual rather than a conceptual

understanding of the relationships between colors. 

• Approach and represent colors by

detecting first their general aspects regarding temperature, vibrance, and

position in the color wheel.

• Assess the convenience of using colored

or toned papers and understand how they participate in the color

building. 

• Explore methods to detect, represent and match multiple colors appearing on every subject with all their subtle variations. 

Students will explore the many different shades of black or tints of white, such as yellowish white, greenish grey, and brownish black to name a few. With graphite as the medium (traditional and water-soluble pencils, blocks, and the powered form, as well as tinted graphite pencils), a light or neutral colored botanical subject of choice will be portrayed on suitable tinted paper as the substrate.

The focus will be on technique; from establishing a value sketch to progressing towards a complete work that can stand on its own or used later as a preparatory study for a painting in full color, using a variety of strokes and multiple methods to apply, darken, lighten, or resist the graphite.

Instructor will bring subjects but students are welcome to bring their own.

New England Flora 2023

Find a natural habitat or open space close to your home and draw it throughout the growing season to create a record of both the environment and individual plants. With the guidance of Lauren Meier, draw and identify flowers, ferns, shrubs, grasses and trees in your habitat to expand your botanical art and illustration skills through the close study of natural plant communities and seasonal changes. Between meetings, work independently to create accurate illustrations of your habitat. The final product will be a field sketchbook and finished drawing or painting illustrating each season. Optional suggested text: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide by Lawrence Newcomb. For intermediate or advanced artists.

Botanical Subject(s): Spring Bulbs (paperwhites, amaryllis, daffodils, crocus). This time of year, you can often find forced spring bulbs at grocery stores, big box stores, or local gardening centers. If you can’t find these, you can substitute onions, shallots, or chives, and any simple white flowers.

Workshop Description: Jump into spring and explore the wonder of adding bright white highlights to your deep dark shadows on tan Kraft Paper to bring your drawings to life. These spring beauties will be the perfect subjects to practice slow-toning by combining colored pencil and watercolor on mid-tone Kraft Paper.

Our workshops include a set of pre-recorded videos for you to watch as you prepare for class, as well as recordings of each workshop session. ALL of the registration and video material for this workshop is delivered to you via email. Please be sure to add info@drawbotanical.com to your email contacts so that you do not miss important correspondence from us!

We encourage collaboration and community, and we strive to create a safe environment for everyone to draw together. Instructors provide live demonstrations of relevant techniques on the first day of a workshop and constructive critiques of your work on the second day. Don’t be shy! Ask any and all questions you may have; the answers could benefit all participants.

Recommended Supplies: 

Note: This is a KRAFT PAPER workshop. Be sure to bring Kraft Paper: . https://drawbotanical.com/product/refill-of-stonehenge-kraft-paper/

We also highly recommend a Prismacolor wax white pencil and Faber Castell Polychromos Colored Pencil #179 (Bistre).

Find all of the supplies we recommend here: https://drawbotanical.com/art-supplies/ . Feel free to follow along with any supplies you have (your result may just end up looking a little different). Our lessons are about a combination of fundamental 3D art concepts and colored pencil and watercolor technique, so you can skip the supplies-specific tips and still learn a lot about art basics including perspective, light source, composition, etc. One of the main points we teach is colored pencil and watercolor technique for slow, continuous toning, but as long as you are able to achieve the same blending result with your chosen materials, you can still benefit from our course lessons.

Register at https://drawbotanical.com/product/zoom-workshop-82-kraft-paper/ 

In this class with botanical illustrator, Alice Tangerini, create a scientific botanical illustration of red maple, Acer rubrum, using dried and pressed herbarium specimens augmented with digital images and living material. Working with the traditional tools of the museum artist, you will learn how to expedite a drawing by tracing photocopies of the pressed specimen onto translucent acetate, reconstructing to a more naturalistic appearance, and adding floral and fruiting details to fit a prescribed format suitable for publication. The final drawing will be traced using traditional dip pens, technical pens and brush with ink onto matte surface drafting film. The goal is to show clearly the morphological aspects of the subject as it would be described by a botanist. Alice will cover the conventions in drawing for the scientific community, as well as determining line weights which can be reduced without loss of detail. Suitable for intermediate to advanced artists, with some pen & ink experience helpful.

Sketch on an iPad and learn how to turn your observational drawings into sophisticated digital renderings, through the powerful and versatile software program Procreate. Drawing with a stylus, students will engage in a series of class exercises. Gradually, they will build forms of greater complexity. Students will learn techniques permitting them to work in multiple layers simultaneously, and to work backward as well as forward. They will manipulate color and design personalized brushes for every need. Prerequisite: Session I of the Scientific Illustration Distance Program, or strong basic drawing skills. 

Instructor bio and equipment requirements can be seen on the SIDP Website: https://www.gretchenhalpert-distanceprogram.com/blank-1

When April springs, you won't want to miss this online workshop devoted to early buds and blooms! Working from live plants and demos, Helen's live demos and feedback will guide you in the delights of making detailed botanical studies in watercolor. We will practice sketching flower parts for accuracy, then painting in layers using wet-in-wet and dry-brush techniques. A supplies list will be sent to registrants. To see galleries of Helen's work and slideshows from her courses, visit helenbyers.com. All levels welcome.

Learn how to observe and record blooms by using a combination of regular and watercolor colored pencils. Demonstrations will review how to capture intimate botanical details through the use of foundational principles such as proportion, form, perspective, tone, value, and basic color theory.

Whether you are new to botanical drawing or have previous experience, this workshop will leave you feeling inspired and encouraged.

Art Supplies must be purchased in advance of this workshop:: https://hsandeckiteaching.wordpress.com/art-supply-lists/morris-museum/

Explore spring botanical subjects in colored pencils. Each session will have a different plant or technique focus. There will be various class projects to inspire both beginners and returning students. We will use a variety of colored pencils techniques and approaches to drawing and sketching from observation. Learn through instruction, demonstrations, drawing alongside and sharing your work and practice. You are welcome to work in a loose, "precise" or any other style you prefer.

Contact Dorota if you have questions: dorotabotanical@gmail.com

Dorota's website: www.dorotahaberlehigh.com

Link to register: https://canvas.osartists.org/classes/932

Students become proficient in the age old skills of pen and ink and crowquill. Technique, composition, scratchboard, anatomy, professional practices, final projects, handouts, tutorials, live video conferencing, tutorials and email are included. In all Sessions, we work from live material as much as possible. Individual attention, class critiques.

Take your sketchbook outdoors and reconnect with plants in their natural environment. In this course, students are encouraged to shed old habits and try new techniques as they travel through the variety of gardens and habitats in their home areas. Through a combination of guided exercises and free experimentation, students discover new ways of seeing plants, new problem-solving skills, and a refreshing way of thinking about layout and color. Several media are used, from ballpoint pen to watercolor to pencil. No prerequisite. 

More information at https://ncbg.unc.edu

Botanical Sketchbook Virtual: https://reg.learningstream.com/reg/event_page.aspx?ek=0005-0014-a89f51caf4e14478bd3509fd14a0843f

Zoom Workshop

Confused, lacking confidence or simply stuck in a groove? It's never too early or too late to take a deep dive into one of the most challenging aspects of botanical art.



Suitable for artists working in any medium.

• Principles, elements and systems
• Looking is learning
• Approaches 
• Using a checklist stategy 
• Your voice but 'truth to plant'
• Video case studies
• Practical exercises
• Show and tell* (optional)

*I invite you to share a problem piece for my live feedback

Students will study and render the play of light and shadows on botanical subjects in monochrome, creating the appearance of three-dimensionality on a two dimensional surface (paper)

This online open studio format will focus on the technique of dry brush watercolor. Participants can use this class time to paint a new botanical subject or continue with a subject from a previous workshop. They can simply practice the technique or just observe. There will be a demonstration of the dry brush technique which will include applying light washes, transitioning to dry brush, layering colors, glazing, and creating contrast. The remaining time will be focused on guiding each student with their paintings and addressing questions. Some painting experience is helpful. Work in progress will be sent to the Instructor via cell phone and shared on her screen so students can learn from each other. 

Learn how to observe and record blooms by using a combination of regular and watercolor colored pencils. Demonstrations will review how to capture intimate botanical details through the use of foundational principles such as proportion, form, perspective, tone, value, and basic color theory. Whether you are new to botanical drawing or have previous experience, this workshop will leave you feeling inspired and encouraged.

Art Supplies must be purchased in advance of this workshop:

https://hsandeckiteaching.wordpress.com/art-supply-lists/morris-museum/

This two-day workshop is open to all artists — beginner to advanced. Participants will be presented with the history of botanical art expression, the process of creating a botanical illustration, drawing techniques, and seeing and creating value in watercolor on paper from tea wash to dry brush. All materials for the workshop will be provided for the participants. Limit of 10 participants. This class will meet each day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Landscape Design Studio: 500 Packets Court, Williamsburg, VA. 

Students will learn to replicate the different and many hues of green found in nature, and to match, deepen, alter, and choose the appropriate colored pencils for botanicals.

Guided by their tutor and by local botanical knowledge, the five students shall spend the week observing, sketching and painting seasonal wild plants growing in the wood pastures above Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Periods of intensive study are balance with fieldwork in this exceptional landscape, home to over 1000 plant species. The school owns a rare set of the Transylvania Florilegium. In 2022, we began an herbarium of plants found above the village. Both these valuable resources may be examined by our students during the week they spend with us.

This workshop will focus on using dry brush watercolor to replicate the colors, form, and texture of a red parrot tulip. Demonstrations will include color mixing, working light to dark, layering of colors, adding fine detail, and dry brush. Participants will be provided with a photograph of the subject, a line drawing, and color guidance. The class will meet online using Zoom, where we will discuss the dry brush technique and how to utilize it for painting this subject. Participants will paint throughout the day as the Zoom meeting will remain live. The Instructor will offer advice to each student as they progress with their paintings and live demonstrations will reinforce the learning process. Students will text a photo of the work in progress throughout the day to the Instructor so she can offer advice and answer questions. Some painting experience is recommended. Dry brush is a technique that requires patience and practice since many layers of paint are required using a minimal amount of water. This painting will not be finished in one day, but participants may send the finished painting to the instructor at any time in the future.

Guided by their tutor and by local botanical knowledge, the five students shall spend the week observing, sketching and painting seasonal plants growing wild in the wood pastures above Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Periods of intensive studio time are balanced with fieldwork in this exceptional landscape, home to over 1000 plant species. The school owns a rare set of the Transylvania Florilegium. In 2022, we began an herbarium of the plants found above the village. Both these valuable resources may be examined by the students during the week they spend with us.

Gin Botanicals

Most gins will have four base botanicals: juniper, coriander, a root and a citrus peel. Some may have as many as 31 such as allspice, cassia bark, coriander seeds, fennel, ginger root, juniper berries, lavender, lemongrass, citrus, rhubarb, pink peppercorns and rose petals. Create a small study sheet on paper or vellum.

Suitable for those who enjoy the slow art of botanical and working with fine detail. Guidance will be given on making a collection composition and how to get the best from 'dry-brush' watercolour.

Includes an excursion to Assisi

This stunning hill town has a pristine historic centre and Unesco-listed Basilica di San Francesco, which is home to one of Italy’s most celebrated artistic masterpieces. St Francis was born in Assisi in 1181. 

Visit a traditional watercolour maker A. Gallo, who make artisanal watercolour pigments ground by hand to historic recipes. 

• Whole day trip by coach, returning for dinner at il Collaccio
• Lunch at your own expense.
• Guided visit to shop of A.Gallo with presentation.
• Time for cultural visits and shopping.

Residential botanical art courses for 12 intermediates or advanced beginners. Incredibly sociable and welcoming. Non-painting partners who enjoy relaxing in rural surroundings are most welcome.

Studio Day 1 usually starts with a short slideshow to introduce the theme. Daily tuition is a mixture of group discussion, demonstration and individual guidance. My aim is that everyone enjoys learning, and trying out new skills in a friendly, non-competitive environment.

Elaine Searle is lead tutor assisted by Mary-Ellen Taylor. Great ratio of 2 instructors to 12 participants.

Includes an excursion to Fabriano Museum of paper and Watermarks 

• Whole day trip by coach, returning for dinner at il Collaccio
• Lunch at your own expense.
• Guided tour of Museum in English with demonstration of paper making.
• Time for cultural visits and shopping.

Guided by their tutor, and by the local botanical knowledge of their hosts, five students shall spend the week observing and painting seasonal plants growing wild in the wood pastures above Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Periods of intensive studio time will be balanced by fieldwork in this remarkable landscape, home to over 1000 plant species. Your hosts own a rare set of the Transylvania Florilegium. In 2022, they started an herbarium of plants found above the village. Both these valuable resources may be examined by students during the week they spend with us.

Guided by their tutor, and by the local botanical knowledge of your hosts, five students will spend a week observing and drawing seasonal plants and trees in the wood pastures above Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Unlike our other classes, in which periods of intensive studio time are balanced with fieldwork in the landscape, this class will be en plein air, which is how Sarah Simblet likes to draw. Students should be reasonably agile and tolerant of hot weather.

This workshop will focus on using dry brush watercolor to replicate the colors, form, and texture of an Iris bud. Demonstrations will include color mixing, working light to dark, layering of colors, adding fine detail, and dry brush. Participants will be provided with a photograph of the subject, a line drawing, and color guidance. The class will meet online using Zoom, where we will discuss the dry brush technique and how to utilize it for painting this subject. Participants will paint throughout the day as the Zoom meeting will remain live. The Instructor will offer advice to each student as they progress with their paintings and live demonstrations will reinforce the learning process. Students will send a photo of the work in progress throughout the day to the Instructor so she can offer advice and answer questions. Some painting experience is recommended. Dry brush is a technique that requires patience and practice since many layers of paint are required using a minimal amount of water. This painting will not be finished in one day, but participants may send the finished painting to the instructor at any time in the future.

Botanical illustrator Agathe Haevermans, and her husband, botanist Thomas Haevermans, both form the Natural History Museum in Paris, shall together lead a week-long summer workshop in the field and studio in Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Students should be reasonably agile, the better to explore this hilly landscape, home to over a 1000 plant species and brown bears. The school owns a rare copy of the Transylvania Florilegium and has started its own herbarium. Students may examine both during their stay. For further details, please visit www.podart.space

This workshop will focus on using dry brush watercolor to replicate the colors, form, and texture of dragon fruit. Demonstrations will include color mixing, working light to dark, layering of colors, adding fine detail, and dry brush. Participants will be provided with a photograph of the subject, a line drawing, and color guidance. The class will meet online using Zoom, where we will discuss the dry brush technique and how to utilize it for painting this subject. Participants will paint throughout the day as the Zoom meeting will remain live. The Instructor will offer advice to each student as they progress with their paintings and live demonstrations will reinforce the learning process. Students will send photos of the work in progress throughout the day to the Instructor so she can offer advice and answer questions. Some painting experience is recommended. Dry brush is a technique that requires patience and practice since many layers of paint are required using a minimal amount of water. This painting will not be finished in one day, but participants may send the finished painting to the instructor at any time in the future.

The Turkish botanical artist and illustrator Isik Guner shall return to Transylvania to lead her fifth workshop with us. Guide by Isik, and by the local botanical knowledge of your hosts, five students shall spend a week observing and drawing seasonal plants growing wild in the wood pastures above Copsa Mare, a tiny farming village in southern Transylvania, Romania. Periods of intensive studio time will be balanced with fieldwork. Students should be reasonably agile the better to explore this remarkable, hilly landscape, home to over a 1000 plant species and brown bears. The school owns a rare set of the Transylvania Florilegium and has started its own herbarium. Both these resources may be examined by students during their stay with us.

Learn my approach to painting on vellum during this five-day workshop. Begin by doing some exercises on small bits of vellum to learn technique and get a feel for painting on this surface. Then choose a small botanical subject to draw and paint. Or take inspiration from Joris Hoefnagel’s Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta and create a painting of tiny natural treasures – plants, seashells, insects, etc.

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). The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, hands-on time for developing skills, and lots of individual attention and feedback. Handouts with step-by-step instructions will be provided. 

Experienced vellum painters can use this as a studio class to work on anything they like. If you would prefer to work on paper, that is fine too.

​

Join Helen Byers in this relaxed, intensive workshop at historic, scenic Ghost Ranch in Northern New Mexico to refine your drawing skills with a focus on autumn leaves. Fall is the most spectacular time to be here! We will gather leaves native to the high desert—including cottonwood, oak, aspen, & more—& draw them in layers of colored pencil & watercolor to achieve accurate colors, tones, textures, & details. All levels welcome.

Our work space will be Longhouse, a rustic structure based on a Native American design, with skylights, 2 side walls that raise up (weather permitting), electricity, & heat. Mornings will be spent in the classroom. Afternoons will offer free time to continue working, explore the Ranch or nearby sites (such as Ojo Caliente Hot Springs or the nearby Georgia O'Keeffe house), or take a tour or horseback ride. Evenings will include guided nature walks with Helen (who is a local resident & has taught here often).

Email Helen directly for more information and to register. The registration fee bundles tuition, 5 nights' lodging, & all meals from dinner, Oct 1 to breakfast, Oct 6. Lodging options include historic cottage rooms with private or shared bath, or dormitory-style rooms with communal bath.

Visit helenbyers.com to see slideshows of Helen's previous workshops and students' work.

Learn my approach to painting on vellum during this five-day workshop at the beautiful Clos Mirabel in the south of France. We 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, we will explore the grounds of Clos Mirabel to choose painting subjects. Apples, pears, plums, figs, kiwis, and berries will be at their peak this time of the year. You might also choose to do a Hoefnagel-Inspired painting of the treasures you find in the gardens.

​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). The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, hands-on time for developing skills, and lots of individual attention and feedback. Handouts with step-by-step instructions will be provided.

Experienced vellum painters can use this as a studio class to work on anything they like.

​