FOCUS ON FORM
Mon., Dec. 6 – Fri., Dec. 10, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
You can draw what you see. Begin with a brief
history and an overview of the specific elements of
botanical illustration. Learn the techniques for realistic
drawing in graphite pencil, including line drawing,
shading and perspective. In a series of small studies and
step-by-step exercises, you will train your eye to observe
carefully and your hand to record what you see. Take your
drawings from flat to fabulous.
The secret to portraying light and shadow on your
subjects lies in understanding the scientific method of
lighting as it applies to different forms. Beginning with
basic geometric shapes, refine your skills in showing light
and volume on any subject. As you progress to plant
material, you will overcome the obstacles to creating
three-dimensional drawings. Study range of value,
continuous tone, and textured highlights. You'll emerge
from this class with the skills you need to draw anything.
HAND-MADE JOURNAL &
HAND LETTERING
Mon., Dec. 6 – Fri., Dec. 10, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Learn two skills together: practical, pleasing journals
for your own daily use and calligraphy basics to make
beautiful entries. One of the earliest known sewn
structures for bookbinding, Coptic bindings are suitable for
binding a variety of papers, and are elegant and sturdy
enough for field or travel journals. Explore a variety of
options to personalize the journal with cover images,
colophon and a dedication page.
When your journal is complete, learn the basics
the beautiful art of calligraphic lettering. Whether you are
labeling your botanical artwork, taking notes in your
sketchbook, or even jotting entries into your garden diary,
lovely lettering adds the final touch to all of your creative
projects.
Botanical Illustration is where art and Denver Botanic Gardens’
science unite with beautiful results. BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
El Charco del Ingenio has partnered with the PROGRAM
Denver Botanic Gardens’ Botanical Art and
El CHARCO
Illustration Certificate Program to launch a
new program at El Charco. The program is
designed to teach a comprehensive series of
classes in botanical illustration, offering
2009-2010
participants the drawing and painting skills
required to render accurate depictions of the
plant world with a focus on detail, and the
artistic techniques to create beautiful botanical
compositions. This program is for the dedicated
illustrator, as well as the devoted amateur.
Illustration courses at El Charco qualify for
credits in the Botanical Illustration Certificate
Program at Denver Botanic Gardens.
El Charco del Ingenio is a nature reserve
and botanical garden in San Miguel de Allende
covering more than 300 acres and dedicated to
the restoration and conservation of its native
ecosystems. It has the second largest collection
of cacti in Mexico, many of which are rare or in
danger of extinction. It is a community
gathering space with historical and spiritual
significance and offers many educational and
recreational activities for all sectors of society.
Courses at El Charco are ranging from 5-day,
15 hour class up to 7-day, 21 hour class (3 hours
daily). The tuition begins at $235US for a member
of El Charco and $270US for a non-member (3100
and 3600 pesos respectively). Classes are limited to
15 people. For more information, to register for a
class or to sponsor a Mexican student for the week,
contact Naomi Zerriffi at nzerriffi@yahoo.com.
Illustrations: Marjorie Leggitt and Susan Rubin
Calligraphy: Renee Jorgensen
Introduction to Botanical Illustration:
ILLUSTRATION IN GRAPHITE
Mon., Nov. 30 – Fri., Dec. 4, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
You can draw what you see. Learn the techniques
for realistic drawing in graphite pencil, including line
drawing, shading and perspective.
In a series of small studies and step-by-step
exercises, you will train your eye to observe carefully
and your hand to record what you see. You’ll form a
solid foundation on which to build, and emerge from
this class with the skills you need to draw anything.
Botanical Sketching:
GAINING PERSPECTIVE
Mon., Nov. 30 – Fri., Dec. 4, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Learn simple techniques to conquer complicated
plants. Even experienced illustrators sometimes
struggle with foreshortening and simplify their subjects
to eliminate the difficult elements. Learn to see the
shape of an ellipse and discover the angle of the
element pointing at you, to create the illusion of
3-D depth on a 2-D surface.
You’ll work with botanical subjects that
demonstrate each aspect of perspective and learn
techniques for seeing and depicting perspective
accurately. Complete a final piece that shows your
new understanding of perspective principles. The
class will work entirely in graphite pencil, as the
principles apply to all art media.
ILLUSTRATION IN COLORED PENCIL I
Sat., Feb. 27 - Fri., March 5, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Explore this modern medium. Versatile,
portable and beautiful, colored pencils have grown
into a respected art form in recent years. Colored
pencils are perfect for sketching on location as well
as producing studio pieces.
Begin with a crash course in color theory and
color mixing by layering. Learn to identify the
components of a color and apply layers of pencil for
luminous effect. Move on to techniques for drawing
effectively in colored pencil. Learn foundation skills
including include application, building, blending, and
burnishing through instruction, demonstration, and
practice. Small studies of botanical subjects will start
you on the way to working in colored pencil.
- Prerequisite: Graphite
BOTANY FOR ILLUSTRATORS, GARDENERS
& AMATEUR BOTANISTS
Mon., March 1 - Fri., March 5, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Put away your drawing pencils for this enlightening lab
class designed specifically for students of Botanical
Illustration and amateur botanists who would like to
understand better what they see. What is the difference
between a carpel and a petiole, a pistil and a stamen? The
science of the plants you observe determines what you see.
Learn to observe plant anatomy and recognize botanical
details that will make your drawings more accurate and
realistic. Study plant morphology through detailed
instruction and supporting visuals.
SUCCULENT!
CAPTURING CACTI IN COLORED PENCIL
Mon., March 8 - Fri., March 12, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Take your colored pencil skills to the next level. Learn
about the botanical attributes that make succulents unique
in the plant world. Draw and observe cacti and succulents
using a variety of techniques to record size, form, color, and
details. Hone your skills with lessons that target techniques
to portray needles, spines and ridges, as well as the smooth
flesh of succulents. Practice your color layering skills to
achieve the range of greens and undertones often seen in
these plants.
-
Design and develop your field drawings and color studies
into a complete portrait of an individual cactus. Learn from
demonstrations and individual guidance as you create a
finished botanical work.
-Prerequisites: Graphite, Colored Pencil I
ILLUSTRATION IN WATERCOLOR I
Sat., July 24 – Fri., July 30, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Learn a fresh approach to a classic medium. The first
step to watercolor painting is mixing colors. Learn a system
for combining colors consistently so you can eliminate
frustrating trial and error. Demonstrations and practice will
show you how to match a variety of plant material. Combine
drawing skills with color mixing as you discover the delight
of putting brush to paper to learn the specific techniques
of transparent watercolor.
Instruction, demonstration, and practical exercises will
guide you through a variety of watercolor techniques: flat and
graded washes, highlights and dry brush detail. Learn to build
washes for depth of tone and shading and create soft and hard
edges.
-Prerequisite: Graphite
BOTANICAL LANDSCAPES
Mon., July 26- - Fri., July 30, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Expand your outlook beyond the studio. Learn to use a
viewfinder to compose intimate landscapes featuring
botanical elements. Learn to be selective, editing the scene
for elements that characterize the landscape and eliminating
extraneous objects.
Additional instruction in linear and atmospheric
perspective, color, and drawing techniques show you how
to portray your surroundings in pencil and watercolor.
Individual guidance will help you create a finished
landscape painting.
--Prerequisites: Graphite OR Gaining Perspective
COMPOSING COMPELLING ARTWORK
Mon., Sept. 27 - Fri., Oct. 1, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Learn to arrange elements in artwork - an art form in
itself. The difference between a pleasant picture and
amazing artwork is often found in composition. Beginning
with study of recognized masters and contemporary
professional illustrators, a screen presentation starts you
off with principles of composition.
Learn to place your botanical subjects to best
advantage using the principles of proportion, direction,
and flow. Completing your own sample compositions
will give you insight and expertise to enhance all of your
future artwork.
FLOWER PORTRAITS -
IN PENCIL AND COLOR
Mon., Sept. 27 - Fri., Oct. 1, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Start-to-finish, develop a pleasing plant portrait. Daisy,
Aster, Zinnia: flowers within flowers characterize the
Compositae/Asteraceae family. With both disc flowers and
ray flowers, these beautiful blooms are your portrait subjects.
First learn to draft the blossom in proper perspective,
then select a live specimen and work step-by-step from line
studies through value mapping and color analysis. Work in
graphite or water media, or combine them. Demonstration
and individual help will guide you toward a finished
botanical plate.
-Prerequisites: Graphite and entry level color media of
choice