WINTER/SPRING 2011

BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION

Certificate Program
Botanical Illustration is the place where
art and science unite with beautiful results.
 W I N T ER /S PR I N G 2 0 1 1 CATA L O G
C ERTIF IC AT E I N B O TAN I CA L A RT A N D I L L U S TR AT ION

Botanical art and illustration is the well-established tradition of portraying plants for scientific purposes, recording vanishing
species for historical recollection or rendering the beauty and inspiration we experience in the flora of the world around us.

Denver Botanic Gardens’ Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration program is designed to offer a comprehensive
series of classes in botanical illustration, offering participants the drawing and painting skills required to render
accurate and useful depictions of the plant world with a focus on detail. This program is for the dedicated illustrator,
as well as the devoted amateur. It culminates in a certificate for some students and offers an ongoing program of
botanical classes for others.

INTRODUCTORY COURSE
Students wishing to learn more about botanical illustration
or brush up on their skills before beginning the certificate
sequence can take Introduction to Botanical Illustration that is
not part of the certificate requirements.
experience in botanical art. In addition to the 13 required
courses, students must select 100 elective hours. The number
of elective classes offered in any one year may vary. Guest
instructor workshops may be taken as electives.

Please note: To receive credit for any course, attendance is

REQUIRED COURSES
The following 13 courses are required if you wish to receive a
Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration. The recommended
sequence of courses is listed below. This succession is
appropriate for both the certificate and the non-certificate
student. Classes can also be taken in the order determined
by their prerequisites. Courses consist of exercises, critiques,
demonstrations and homework assignments. A list of supplies
for each course will be sent with class confirmation.
1. Botanical Illustration in Pencil I
2. Botany for the Botanical Illustrator
3. Botanical Illustration in Pencil II
4. Composition for Botanical Illustration
5. Color Layering for Colored Pencil
6. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I
7. Perfecting Perspective
8. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
9. Color Mixing for Artists
10. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I
11. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II
12. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I
13. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II
ELECTIVE COURSES
Elective courses serve a variety of purposes. They are
designed to increase the student’s knowledge, ability and
required at the first class and at 80 percent of all classes.
SCIENCE AND ART LECTURES
Selected lectures at Denver Botanic Gardens can qualify for
elective credits. Participation in one lecture gives one elective
credit hour; students can receive a maximum of 15 credit
hours from these lectures. Café Botanique, organized by
Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski, is a lecture series open to Botanical
Art and Illustration students, Gardens members, the general
public, academia and artists. Pre-registration is recommended
but not required.
Portfolio Review
Upon completion of all course work, you may apply for portfolio
review (held each January and June) by requesting a transcript
from the Program Manager when you request your review.
The complete portfolio will contain five (5) finished
botanical plates:
1. Graphite Pencil
2. Colored Pencil
3. Pen and Ink
4. Water Media
5. Artist’s Choice: This can be a plate in any of the media
taught within the program or a combination of them.

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G UEST WO R KS HO P S
Drawing on Tradition: Women’s Painted Furniture (1790 – 1830)
The long-lost art of women’s painted
furniture uses watercolor and ink
painted and drawn onto wooden sur-
faces to create delightful images. This
charming work done by American
schoolgirls, 1790-1830, was part
of the curriculum in New England
rural schools and academies. Learn
the techniques to paint and ink a
16”x20” cradled birch panel stained
Betsy Krieg Salm and prepared to accept the artwork.
Patterns and accompanying colored photos from antique
originals will be provided for the project. The result: a lovely
piece of Americana to keep. Fee: $170 member, $192
Discover Scratchboard: Ink and Graphite
Discover the potential and excitement
of scratchboard, where contrasts in
textures and values produce dramatic,
luminous effects, and where, as in no
other medium, ink is correctible! All
fear of using ink is gone. Use pen and
blade to combine black and white
lines and dots, which are the basis of
ink textures. Graphite pencil rendering
Trudy Nicholson can achieve subtle, delicate effects.
Demonstrations and examples show how to create a vast range
of textures portraying subjects with detail and accuracy. Choose
your favorite subjects from nature and create a composition.
Sketch, transfer, and render in ink or pencil on white scratchboard.
Use acquired techniques to convey form, shading, textures, and
spatial placement of each element of your composition. Work
toward completing at least one ink and/or one graphite pencil
Natural Colors and Science of Art
Discover the amazing world of natural colors! Learn where colors
come from, how we perceive them, and what we can create from
them. Explore “color as light” in an 18th century-style science lab,
“color as pigment” in a 16th century-style scriptorium, and “color
as art” in a hands-on painting activity. We’ll touch upon subjects
ranging from early human history and the first paintings on cave
walls up to modern day applications. Use natural pigments, binders
and other materials made from animals, vegetables and minerals
to make homemade paint. Work with a number of natural paint
pigments to create a cave-style miniature painting to take home.
Fee: $210 member, $257 non-member. All students are welcome,
non-member. All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
(Pencil I and Color Mixing for Artists strongly recommended).
No refunds for registration cancellations after December 30
unless your seat can be filled.
• Fri. – Sat. Jan 21 – 22, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Betsy Krieg Salm
Betsy Krieg Salm is a scholar, artisan and teacher of the
long-lost art of women’s painted furniture. She has exhibited
her own work at more than 60 prestigious shows. She also
lectures at museums and teaches woman’s painted furniture
ornamentation for the Historical Society of Early America
Decoration, needlework guilds, colleges and art institutions.
illustration. Fee: $210 member, $257 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I. No refunds for registration cancellations after March
17 unless your seat can be filled.
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., April 15 – 17, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Trudy Nicholson
Trudy Nicholson is a freelance illustrator with many years
experience in medical and scientific illustration. Her main
interest is portraying animals in their natural world with
accuracy and detail. For many years she has used the
medium of ink or pencil on scratchboard. Her work is featured
in Scratchboard for Illustration by Ruth Lozner. Among the
numerous books that she has illustrated are Warner Shedd’s
Owls Aren’t Wise and Bats Aren’t Blind and Carl Safina’s
The View from Lazy Point. She has exhibited widely. Her
enthusiasm for scratchboard is unbounded.
with no prerequisites. No refunds for registration cancellations
after January 15 unless your seat can be filled.
• Fri. – Sat., Feb. 18 – 19, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Rebeccah Cope, Raleigh, NC
Rebeccah Cope has taught “Natural Colors and the Science of
Art” and “Primitive Paints of the Ancient Arts” in a variety of
settings including the NC Botanical Gardens, the NC Museum
of Art, NC State University and Meredith College in Raleigh.
She is currently the Manager and Program Director of the
Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, NC.
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IN T RO DUC T O RY C O U R S E S
Introduction to Botanical Illustration
Are you new to drawing? If you can write with a pencil, you can
draw with one. Step-by-step, acquire the techniques you need to
draw what you see. Simple exercises train you to observe objectively
and draw accurately. A relaxed pace and straightforward in-
struction will open your mind to your own creative abilities. Build
drawing skills to enter the Botanical Illustration program with
confidence. Fee: $192 member, $243 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites. Note: If you have had some
drawing experience, please go directly to Pencil I.
• Wed., March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
• Fri., June 10, 17, 24, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
REQUIRED C O U R S ES
Botany for the Botanical Illustrator
What is the difference between a carpel and a pistil? Where can
I find the stamen? The science of the subjects you draw determines
what you see! Put away your pencils for this enlightening lab class
designed specifically for students of Botanical Illustration. Take
a close look at plant anatomy and learn to recognize botanical
details that will make your drawings more accurate and realistic.
Learn plant morphology through detailed instruction and supporting
visuals. All of your botanical art will improve when you understand
the subjects. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Wed., Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
• Mon. April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Composition for Botanical Illustration
The arrangement of line, shape and color in artwork is an art form
in itself. The difference between a pleasant picture and amazing
artwork is often found in composition. This course begins with a
study of recognized masters and contemporary illustrators. Learn
how to use compositional elements and principles in your botanical
illustration. Exercises to create your own thumbnail compositions
develop insight and expertise to enhance all of your future
illustrations. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Wed., Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
• Wed., June 8, 15, 22, 29, July 6, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Botanical Illustration in Pencil I
Renee Jorgensen
Learn to draw! Begin with a brief history and an overview of the
specific elements of botanical illustration. Learn the skills of careful
observation and realistic drawing in graphite pencil, includ-
ing line drawing, shading and perspective. Step-by-step, added
techniques help you render accurate perspective, texture and
detail. This is the entry course for every program student and a
prerequisite for all courses to follow. You’ll emerge from this class
with the tools you need to draw anything. Fee: $192 member,
$245 non-member. All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Tue., Jan 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 25 – 27, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
• Mon., April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., June 3 – 5, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Offsite at Arvada Center
(call 720-898-7200 to register or go to www.arvadacenter.org)
• Wed., Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
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REQUIRED C O U R S ES
Botanical Illustration in Pencil II
Simple and classic, pencil drawing is a timeless art form.
Expand on the drawing skills you learned in Pencil I as you
reinforce and refine your knowledge of graphite pencil. Learn
additional techniques for shading, texture, perspective, depth
and composition. A good drawing is the basis of botanical
illustration in any medium. Group instruction and individual
attention are tailored to help you complete a botanical plate
in this subtle and striking medium. Fee: $192 member, $245
non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Tue., Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Tue., March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Mon., May 17, 24, 31, June 7, 14, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Perfecting Perspective
Do you shy away from complicated plants? Even experienced il-
lustrators sometimes struggle with foreshortening and simplify their
subjects to eliminate difficult elements. Work with botanical sub-
jects that demonstrate each aspect of perspective and learn tech-
niques 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, but the
principles apply to all art media. Gain confidence in your drafting
skills and improve all of your drawings from this class forward.
Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Tue., Feb. 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., April 1 – 3, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I
Pen and ink is at the heart of
botanical illustration. Expand
your drawing repertoire as
you learn techniques to create
line, form and texture in black
and white. “Expressive line”
and “stipple” become part
of your artistic vocabulary
Marjorie Leggitt
as you practice this traditional medium with modern and
versatile technical pens. Step-by-step instruction, demonstration
and practice will give you the foundation you need to draw
any botanical subject accurately and skillfully. Fee: $192
member, $245 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Tue., Feb. 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
• Tue., May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II
Take your pen and ink skills to a new level of sophistication.
Explore the Gardens’ limitless world of color, texture and complex
botany to incorporate this information into black and white
illustrations. Working with both technical pen and traditional quill,
learn advanced techniques to make strokes mimic the fuzz on a
fern, the down in a milkweed pod, or the mottled colors of a
variegated begonia. Learn how to layer and manipulate lines and
stipples to develop a full range of value, texture and atmospheric
perspective. Pen techniques take on new meaning as you flesh
out a final inked illustration of a plant of your choice. Fee: $192
member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I
• Mon., March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Libby Kyer
Color Layering for Colored Pencil
Colored pencil presents a special challenge: mixing color directly
on your drawing! Learn to use a simple color mixing method,
adapted to the application of colored pencils. Two-, three- and
four-color mixing will get you to the gorgeous greens and luscious
lilacs you’ve been missing. Learn to determine shadow colors for
vibrant results. Practice color matching with a variety of plant material
as you create your own, extensive color workbook to speed color
selection and application for all future colored pencil drawings.
Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Thurs., Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Thurs., March 17, 24, 31, April 7, 14, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., May 13 - 15, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
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REQUIRED C O U R S ES
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I
You’ve learned to layer colored pencil, now learn techniques
to draw effectively in this medium. Apply your drawing skills
and learn new methods specific to colored pencils. Techniques
include layering, building and burnishing in color. This
versatile, portable medium is perfect for sketching on loca-
tion as well as producing studio pieces. Learn through instruc-
tion, demonstration and practice on small studies of botanical
subjects. You’ll be ready to produce a finished plate in
Colored Pencil II. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Prerequisites: Pencil I and Color Layering for Colored Pencil
• Mon., Feb. 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Wed., April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
Take your colored pencil skills
to the next level and become
proficient in this fun, versatile
medium. Work through a step-
by-step process to create a
preparatory layered drawing.
Learn techniques to create
texture, detail and depth
Susan Rubin to enhance your subject.
Experiment with different surfaces and solvents for blending
and shading. Add depth with atmospheric perspective and
learn finishing techniques that will make your drawings pop.
Individual attention will guide you to create a finished botanical
plate. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I
• Mon., Feb. 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Color Mixing for Artists
The first step to watercolor painting is mixing colors. Learn a
system for combining colors consistently to eliminate frustrat-
ing trial and error. Exercises, demonstrations and discussion
will show you how to achieve the broadest possible spectrum.
Learn about paint properties and important information about
choosing pigments. Practice mixing colors to match a variety
of plant material. You’ll gain confidence and skills to improve
all of your color work. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member.
All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Thurs., Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
• Wed. June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Note: Create your own hardbound workbook for this class in
Making a Color Mixing Journal, Feb 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I
Become part of the watercolor botanical tradition. Combine
drawing skills and your knowledge of color mixing as you
discover the delight of putting brush to paper to learn the specific
techniques of transparent watercolor. Instruction, demonstra-
tion 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 how to create soft and hard edges. With
these foundational skills you’ll be ready to create a finished
plate in Watercolor II. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Prerequisites: Pencil I and Color Mixing for Artists
• Wed., March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Constance Sayas
• Mon., June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II
Watercolor basics got you started - now develop your confi-
dence work toward completing a finished plate from a live
specimen in this most traditional of botanical media. The
emphasis here is on bringing it all together. Learn and refine
additional techniques through instruction, demonstration and
practice with special attention given to layering, shading and
building form. Discover brush techniques and colors that en-
hance perspective and depth. Follow painting steps through
completion, from broad washes to final detail. Learn how to
fix mistakes and understand why watercolor is a forgiving
medium. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
• Mon., Feb. 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Mon., April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23, June 6, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Art Materials for the Botanical Illustrator
Take the mystery out of materials. There are ten types of erasers -
which one is right for the job? What is the difference between sable
and synthetic? What’s vellum? This information-packed class will
provide you with detailed information about all of the art materials
used throughout the Botanical Illustration program. From papers to
pencils to inks, pens, brushes and paints, you’ll learn where and
how to find all the right materials and how they are used. Save time
and money by shopping expertly the first time. Fee: $40 member,
$49 non-member. All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Fri., March 26, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Ukrainian Easter Eggs: Pysanky
Beautiful batik with a botanical
flair! We have all admired the
intricate patterns and vivid colors
of Ukranian eggs. Start with an
introduction to the history of the
centuries-old craft of Pysanky and
study botanical motifs with tra-
ditional ornamental patterns. Create your original egg design
combining motifs. Learn about the specialized techniques and
tools for this batik method using aniline dyes with wax resist. A
discussion of dye colors and preparation will have you ready to
create one sampler egg and one with your personal design, just
in time for Easter. Fee: $225 member, $275 non-member. Fee
includes professional toolkit with three different sized traditional
kitsky (drawing tool). All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Fri. – Sun., April 8 – 10, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
Giclée Prints Made Easy
Curious about having prints made but apprehensive about the time
and expense involved? In just one day we’ll introduce you to the
process of Giclée printing. Starting with an overview of different
printing processes, learn how to prepare your artwork for prints,
the advantages of this method of printing, and what to do with the
prints once you have them. A professional printer will address the
technical side of the process and bring you up-to-date on costs.
Once you understand the procedure, you can make an educated
decision about what and when to print. Fee: $65 member, $81
non-member. All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Fri., April 29, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Framing Botanical Art
Get your work off the drawing board and onto the wall! This
one-day workshop covers the options that will help you to
present your art to its best advantage. Learn the steps to the
conservation techniques that preserve your pieces in an acid-free
environment. We’ll cover all the details of framing materials,
styles and embellishments, and you’ll frame a small piece to
practice. Whether you decide to frame it yourself or work
with a professional, you’ll be more confident in your framing
decisions. Fee: $65 member, $81 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Sat., April 30, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
BOOKBINDING
Bookbinding Workshop – Spring Back Ledger Binding
Cameron Garland
Bind a book yourself! Step-by-step, learn how to bind a tradi-
tional hardcover blank book beautifully suited for botanical art or
journaling. The binding style is called spring-back ledger binding
and was patented in 1799 for use as accounting ledgers. It is
extremely sturdy and will lay flat. Start with sections folded from 90#
hot-press watercolor paper and learn to sew them and attach onto
linen tapes. Cut endpapers using marbled paper, shape the boards
and finally cover the spine and corners with leather and fill in with
durable textured book cloth. The result: a handsome book indeed.
All elements of this book are acid-free and archival and can last for
centuries. Fee: $320 member, $373 non-member. The fee includes
goat skin, cloth, paper (Fabriano Artistico, Davey board, marbled
paper, museum board), linen thread for one book and sewing tools.
All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Wed., Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Cameron Garland
• Sat., June 11, 18, 25, July 9, 16, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Cameron Garland
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Color Mixing Journal
Make it beautiful and make it
useful! Learn the craft of Coptic
binding start-to-finish as you make
your own journal for Color Mixing
in Watercolor or for mixing colors
in the field. Create a custom cover
Annie Reiser with your own decorative papers.
Beginning with specially printed watercolor, learn to assemble
paper signatures, align the spine, and stitch your beautifully bound
journal. In just one day, create a lasting color journal for color mixing.
Once you know the binding techniques, you’ll make many books
for so many uses. Fee: $100 member, $125 non-member. The
fee includes paper (Fabriano Artistico, 90 lb hot press watercolor
paper and color mixing templates in cardstock), archival glue,
Davey board for one journal and needles for sewing. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
• Sat., Feb 12, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
BOTANY AND MICROSCOPY
Botany Spotlight: Orchid Flowers
The family Orchidaceae is vast and diverse. In fact there are twice
the number of orchid species than bird species, and four times the
number of mammal species! Instruction and examples will help
you to sort out the specifics of these exotic blooms before you
undertake Orchids in Watercolor. In this 3-hr lab class, use a
microscope to examine details closely and sketch them in pencil.
When you understand more, you’ll draw better. Fee: $40 member,
$49 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Botany
• Tue., Feb. 1, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-koski
Botany Spotlight: Legumes
Peanuts and soybeans and peas, oh my! The extensive Fabaceae
family can be complicated to draw. Learn about the flower struc-
ture and aestivation so you’ll get it right before you undertake Pen
and Ink III: Publications, where you will be illustrating legumes for
a book. In this one-day lab class use a microscope to examine
details closely and sketch them in pencil. When you understand
more, you’ll draw better. Fee: $65 member, $81 non-member.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Botany
• Fri., March 18, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Microscopy: Luscious Lichens
and Mischievous Microfungi
100 years=1cm. Most lichens grow very, very slowly; often less
than a millimeter per year, and some lichens are thought to be
among the oldest living things on Earth. Though microfungi are
not immediately associated with beauty, under the microscope
these remarkable organisms transform into abstract master-
pieces of form, color and texture. Study these fascinating and
complex organisms under magnification and learn to draw
their unusual and often whimsical forms in graphite or color
media of your choice. Learn to work with the microscope to
observe every detail. Fee: $192 member, $245 nonmember.
Prerequisite: Pencil I, entry level color media recommended.
• Tue., April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
DRAWING TECHNIQUES
Drawing on Tradition:
Women’s Painted Furniture II – Painted Pencil Box
Delightful and demure, American Schoolgirl Art elevated
ordinary objects to decorative heirlooms. Study the traditional
floral motifs that characterize the genre. Starting with a plain
wooden pencil box, learn to prepare the surface to accept ink
and paint in your own decorative design. Seal the finished
product to create a useful keepsake. Your pens and pencils
will travel in style! Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Prerequisite: Women’s Painted Furniture
Weekend Workshop
• Fri. – Sun., Jan. 28 - 30, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Drawing Techniques: The Value of Value
The challenge of drawing is to translate a three-dimensional
living subject into a two- dimensional static surface, and make
it believable! Values are the variations in tone that help to
create the illusion of form and space. Learn the difference
between the body value you can see and atmospheric value
you must invent for effect. Working in graphite, learn to
capture value quickly and accurately using mapping and
blocking techniques. Demonstrations and practice will give
you skills to improve and streamline your drawings. Fee: $192
member, $245 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Mon., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
The Value of Value in Color Painting
Values are the variations in tone that help to create the illusion
of spatial form and depth. Learn to see values in color and
apply a range of values to clarify depth and overlap. Working
watercolor, a series of exercises will help you learn to see the
difference between hue and value, select and mix effective
shadow colors, and develop strategies to create optical illusions
created by color and value relationships. Complete a finished
painting to show all of your new skills. Fee: $192 member,
$245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for
Artists, Watercolor I
• Wed., Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Focus on Style
It’s all about YOU! You are a program
graduate or almost there. You’ve
learned techniques in multiple media
and created numerous works accord-
ing to direction. Now it’s time to
define your own style and start a
body of work that best represents your
Susan Rubin own point of view. Start with tools for
self-assessment and an overview of the possibilities. See how
other botanical artists have found clarity, then make small
decisions that add up to a personal statement. Start a new
piece in any medium that will showcase your strengths and
style. Whether you gravitate toward botanical traditional or the
cutting edge, you’ll emerge with a better idea of your unique artistic
direction. . Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites:
All required classes and at least 50 elective hours.
• Mon., March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Thurs., May 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
The Business of Botanical Art
What’s next? Start with a self-assessment of your potential,
personal direction and goals as an artist. Learn the skills and
create the materials you’ll need to market yourself as a profes-
sional. Work step-by-step to organize and build a portfolio
from the artwork you have and design an effective business
card to present yourself professionally. Train your “left-brain”
business manager to work with your “right-brain” artist as you
gain information about contracts, paperwork, legal issues for
artists and archiving your artwork. Visits to a paper store and
a printer provide vital information for launching a professional
future. You’ll develop the know-how to start out in the art world.
Prerequisite: Pencil I. Fee: $192 member, $245 nonmember.
• Thurs., May 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Using Photos Wisely
You need to draw a daffodil, but it’s June and you forgot to take
photos earlier in the spring. What do you do? Learn how to
locate other photographic resources, create your own composite
from multiple images and alter visual information creatively to
come up with a fresh illustration that retains accuracy without in-
fringing copyrights. Produce a plate of your own in your choice of
media using the techniques and information you learn. Fee: $192
member, $245 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I
or Color Mixing for artists and Watercolor I or Color layering for
Colored Pencils and Colored Pencil I.
• Thurs., June 16, 23, 30, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
GRAPHITE
Carbon Dust: Focus on Bones
Push your drawing skills into a new realm. Carbon dust has been
a mainstay medium for medical and scientific illustrators for more
than 75 years. Using a combination of pencil lines and dust
“washes” applied with brushes, this medium produces rich, tonal
renderings with the value range of charcoal and the precision of
watercolor. Learn about the various tools associated with carbon
dust, including carbon pencils, dust, brushes, blenders and fixa-
tive. Bird bones on loan from the DMNS are the focus, and a
museum expert will visit the class to introduce you to bird anatomy
and bone structures. Use methodical layering to create a flawless
continuous tone and complete the finer details with pencil for
a finished carbon-dust rendering. Fee: $192 member, $245
non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
• Thurs., Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S

PEN & INK & PUBLISHING a small format. Working to size for
small frames, learn how composition,
Elegant Hand Lettering line, form and precision are crucial
Learn copperplate or round hand to convey the message in minia-
lettering, the traditional style for ture. Work in pencil or color and
labeling early botanical plates. plan to complete several little gems
Popular in England in the 17th of botanical art. An extra bonus:
and 18th Centuries, this elegant we will provide the frames! Fee:
Renee Jorgensen
lettering complements botanicals Susan Rubin $192 member, $245 non-member.
beautifully. Start with an introduction to the oblique pen and Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil,
flexible quill nibs. Practice basic pen strokes and learn to form Colored Pencil I
each letter in this classic style. Learn label placement and
lettering size to complete your plates with a special flourish. Fee: • Mon., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 6 – 9 p.m.
$192 member, $245 non-member. All students are welcome, Instructor: Susan Rubin
with no prerequisites.

• Tue., Feb. 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 9 a.m. – noon Building Colored Pencil Paintings
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen Three days, one complete colored pencil painting, zero home-
work! You can do it when you learn and use traditional painting
techniques as they apply to colored pencil. Using the skills you
Pen and Ink III: Publication already know and incorporating the atelier system of intense
Advance your pen and ink skills observation, sketching, studies, under-painting and blocking
to a professional level and help in, you will create a lush, fully realized work of art in record
to illustrate Legumes of Arizona: time. Explore the attributes of colored pencil that make them a
An Illustrated Flora. The book will perfect fit for wet or dry applications. The skills you practice
be a synoptic floristic account of will improve all of your colored pencil work. Fee: $192
the family Fabaceae in Arizona. member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color
The flora will include all native, Layering for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I.
naturalized and cultivated taxa.
Learn to work with herbarium spec- Weekend Workshop
imens as well as dissection and • Fri. – Sun., Jan. 14 - 16, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Marjorie Leggitt microscopes of selected species. Instructor: Libby Kyer
Working within publisher guidelines, learn the necessary steps
to execute and prepare pen and ink illustrations for scientific
publications. Quality is key here; only the most expert works Drawing on Tradition:
will be selected for publication. Enjoy this rare opportunity Hoefnagel and the Cabinet of Curiosities
to experience working as a botanical illustrator in the world Immerse yourself in an
of publication. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. era of unprecedented
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I, Pen and Ink II change. The time from
the 15th century to the
• Tue., March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 9 a.m. – noon turn of the 17th Century
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt marked the beginning
of the modern era of
science, a time of great
Annie Reiser
exploration, and ex-
COLORED PENCIL traordinary art and literature. Joris Hoefnagel’s (1542-1601)
illustrations represent the eclectic energy of this creative
Botanical Miniatures historic period. Examine Hoefnagel’s meticulous studies of flora
Discover the delights and challenges of working in diminutive and fauna and use of calligraphic elements. Create a similar
dimensions. Bring your big ideas and learn to scale them to composition and use colored pencil with mixed media to create
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S

your own miniature plate in the style of Hoefnagel. Fee: $192 MIXED MEDIA – ANY MEDIA
member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color
Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I. Drawing on Tradition: Art forms of Ernst Haeckel
In the late 19th Century, German
• Thurs., Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 6 – 9 p.m. biologist, naturalist, philosopher
Instructor: Annie Reiser and artist Ernst Haeckel worked
to promote the Darwin’s theory of
evolution in Europe. He discovered
Drawing on Tradition: numerous new species and doc-
Dutch Flower Painters of the 17th Century umented them in more than a
Beautiful floral still life paintings hundred elaborate etchings.
on rich black backgrounds Learn about Haeckel’s story and
evoke the lush richness of the study his compelling pattern-
Dutch flower painters. Combining oriented style. Learn the steps to
flowers with other natural elements, create your own extensive design
these painters captured alle- using multiple images and elements
gorical tales in the form of plant of your selected subject. Your careful study and composition
portraits with added still life will produce a stylish poster in the medium of your choice.
elements. Learn about the painters Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
and their ideas and methods. Pen and Ink I or Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I or
Demonstrations and individual Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I
guidance will show you special
techniques to translate the genre into your own botanical plate • Wed. Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 1 – 4 p.m.
on a black background in colored pencil. Fee: $192 member, Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
$245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for
Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil
Flower Portraits – Fascinating Perspective
• Mon., March 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 6 – 9 p.m. As blossoms bend and turn, as
Instructor: Susan Rubin petals spiral out to open fully,
shapes and sizes appear to
shift. Yet often, when you draw
Paper Grounds with Velvet Surfaces what you see, it doesn’t look
Colored pencil takes a painterly turn! In a fresh twist on a right. Learn how to accurately
familiar subject, discover the benefits of using colored pencil see and record these visual
on papers with nap and sanded papers to create lush and abstractions. Starting with demon-
velvety effects. Learn about a variety of textured papers and strations and drawing exercises
how to select the the right paper surface for your project. you will practice the techniques
Acquire new pencil application techniques that will help needed to artistically deconstruct
you use the new surface to full advantage, using deep color and reconstruct several challenging
to establish form and fine line to define details. Individual Marjorie Leggitt flower types. Next you will hone
guidance will help you to create a botanical portrait with a your skill at developing a composition that enhances the
distinctly different look. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. subject of your choice. Individual attention and in-class work
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil, time provide the guidance to produce a plate of your own in
Colored Pencil I your choice of media. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Perfecting Perspective, Color Layering
Weekend Workshop for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I or Color Mixing for
• Fri. – Sun., May 20 - 22 Artist and Watercolor I
Instructor: Libby Kyer
• Thurs., March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Drawing on Tradition: Dugald Stermer
The name may not be familiar, but
the images will be! Contemporary
illustrator Dugald Stermer has created
a vast collection of drawings, book
illustrations and editorial work that
combine expressive drawings with
descriptive calligraphy. Learn about
the artist’s working style and prac-
tice his application techniques. Apply
graphic design principles to compose
Dugald Stermer
a unique botanical illustration. Use
graphite, colored inks, and watercolor pencil as you work in
the style of the remarkable Dugald Stermer. Fee: $192 member,
$245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I, Color
layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I alt. Watercolor
Pencil I or Color Mixing for Artists and Water Color I
• Thurs., March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Pencil + Paint = Pleasure!
Do you admire the freshness and
spontaneity of nature journals?
You can create those fluid
sketches in color and line by
using graphite drawing over
watercolor washes. Faster than
watercolor paintings or graduated
Marjorie Leggitt value graphite illustrations, the
final effect is much looser and illustrative than fully rendered
botanical fine art pieces. Begin with fruits and vegetables
to learn the techniques, and then capture more complicated
live flowers and plants. Learn skills to take later with you for
close-ups and landscapes in your nature exploration. Fee: $192
member, $245 nonmember. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing
for Artists and Watercolor I
• Tue., April 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
HOT Botanicals in Mixed Media
Take your botanical illustration skills in a HOT new direction! Start
with a traditional drawing and learn step-by-step skills to create
a stylized, contemporary image that can be applied to anything
from dishes to packaging to fabrics or cards. Review basic design
elements, historical illustration techniques, and dynamic color
combinations. Stretch your creative vision and bolster your confi-
Annie Reiser
dence to go beyond the usual plant portraits. Have fun with all the
botanical media as you create a fresh, modern, HOT botanical!
Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen
and Ink I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I
• Tue., May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
Flowers and Shakespeare
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo
and Juliet), but many other flowers grace the pages of William
Shakespeare’s plays and poems. Learn about the use and meaning
of flora in Elizabethan society and select a flower with meaning
to you. Work in colored pencil to create a lasting portrait of a
flower or herb that incorporates the plant and the phrase with a
collaged or trompe l’oeil background. “When daffodils begin to
peer... Why then comes in the sweet o’ the year (Winter’s Tale).
Enjoy a perfect springtime project. Fee: $192 member, $245
non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored
Pencil, Color Pencil I, Colored pencil II
• Thurs., May 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
WATERCOLOR PENCIL
Watercolor Pencils I
It’s dry, it’s wet, it’s mixed media in a single pencil! Discover the
versatility of watercolor pencils. Start with color studies to explore
the qualities of watercolor pencils as they translate into watercolor.
Experiment with graphite pencil and ink as embellishments, as
you develop and work on sketches from your journal, then put
your new skills to use to create a finished botanical plate in this
fresh and fluid medium. Fee: $192 member, $245 nonmember.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color layering for Colored Pencil
• Wed., March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
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Watercolor Pencil II Roots in Watercolor

More to explore! Build on your new watercolor pencil skills and Taproots, fibrous roots, adventitious
add more techniques to your toolbox. Create a paper swatch roots, root storage systems. Get to
sampler of watercolor pencil with varied paper and media, the base of the subject and learn all
including walnut and colored inks, gouache, and more. Learn about the differences and similarities
how to create backgrounds. Refine your skills and apply new of root systems. Working in water-
ideas to a finished work of your own design. Fee: $192 member, color, learn dry-brush techniques
$245 nonmember. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color layering for that are well-suited to the depiction
Colored Pencil, Watercolor Pencil I of these structures, some delicate
and some sturdy. Practice mixing
• Mon., June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 1 – 4 p.m. browns, grays, and neutral colors.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen Learn how to portray perspective
Karla Beatty
in complicated root masses. Create
your own guide to depicting many types of roots, or choose
WATERCOLOR one subject for a finished root painting. Fee: $192 member,
$245 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for
Tropical Plants in Watercolor Artists, Watercolor I
A taste of the tropics in winter! The con-
servatory offers inspiration for big, bold, • Thurs., Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
bright tropical plant portraits. Venture into Instructor: Karla Beatty
the conservatory to learn about tropical
plant characteristics and create strong
graphic compositions that showcase these Mysterious Yellows in Watercolor
beautiful plants. Practice watercolor tech- Explore and master and the subtle-
Constance Sayas niques to paint glossy leaves and vibrant ties of yellow hues as you paint
colors. Work to complete a finished painting that brings warmth fruits and flowers. Begin with
to winter. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. Prerequisites: examples of how other botanical
Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists, Watercolor I, Watercolor II illustrators have handled this color.
Through demonstration and prac-
• Mon., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. - noon tice, learn to create the best color
Constance Sayas
Instructor: Constance Sayas mixes to convey shading while
keeping yellows bright and clean. Learn how to apply shadow
colors using both glazing and feathering techniques. Practice the
Orchids in Watercolor range of yellows from soft to striking. Work toward completing a
The graceful orchid has been a favorite plate of a beautiful yellow botanical. Fee: $192 member, $245
subject of botanical artists for centuries. non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and
See how other artists have and addressed Watercolor I
the compositional challenges of orchids.
Step by step, you’ll focus on capturing • Wed., March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
orchid characteristics in watercolor. From Instructor: Constance Sayas
washes to dry brush techniques, learn how
painting orchid leaves is a breeze, rendering
their complex flowers requires focus, and Garden Landscapes in Watercolor
Constance Sayas depicting orchid roots in downright fun. Out to the Gardens! Begin in
You’ll be on your way to creating a classic botanical portrait the classroom with an historical
of an elegant orchid. Fee: $192 member, $245 non-member. overview and instruction in ba-
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists, Watercolor I sic techniques for drawing and
painting garden landscapes.
• Wed., Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 6 - 9 p.m. Move outdoors and learn tech-
Instructor: Constance Sayas niques to accurately portray
Karla Beatty
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EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
both distant subjects and close-up botanicals within the scene.
Field sketching techniques will help you to see and simplify
landscape elements and create compositions with dynamic
depth. Watercolor field sketching is so much fun, you may just
want to stay outside! Fee: $192 member, $245 nonmember.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
• Wed., May 4, 11, 18, 25, June 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Champion Trees in Watercolor
Denver is proud of its many Champion Trees - large and varied
specimens that lend the city its beautiful summer canopy. Twenty-
three of these trees are at the Gardens and offer an unparalleled
opportunity for artists. Begin with a tour by a Gardens’ expert who
will identify the champions and discuss their importance. Learn
how to scale and draw entire trees from a distance outdoors,
including the canopy, branches and trunks. Back in the classroom,
create a composition including the silhouette as well as detailed
views of leaves, bark and twigs. Work in watercolor to mix
REG ISTRATI O N I N FO R MATI O N
Five Easy Ways to Enroll
1. By Telephone: 720-865-3580
2. By Fax: 720-865-3685 (24 HOURS)
3. In Person: Visit the Education Office at the Gardens,
1007 York Street
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
4. By Mail: Attention: Registration Coordinator,
909 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
5. Online: www.botanicgardens.org
Visit Botanical Illustration’s blog at
www.botanicalillustration.blogspot.com
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations more than one week prior to a class are subject
to a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations with less than one week
accurate greens, browns and grays and depict deciduous and
coniferous trees. Your finished portrait will be a record of a growing
part of Denver’s history. Fee: $192 member, $245 nonmember.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
• Wed., April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Painting Succulents in Watercolor
Raise the challenge! Learn about the botanical attributes that make
succulents unique in the plant world. Hone your skills with lessons
that target techniques to portray needles, spines and ridges of
cacti and other succulent plants. Practice painting washes to build
form and volume and color mixing to achieve the range of greens
often seen in these plants. Learn from viewing other illustrations of
succulents, plenty of demonstrations and individual guidance as
you create a finished plate.
• Wed., June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
notice are non-refundable. Selected courses have additional
cancellation and refund requirements printed with the course
description. Denver Botanic Gardens regrets that it cannot
make exceptions.
Certificate Credit Requirements
for Individual Courses:
On-site courses:
Attendance is required at the first day of the course. In order
to receive credit, 80 % of a course must be attended (at least
12 hours of a 15-hour course).
Online course with on-site component:
In order to receive credit, the in-class segment of the course
must be attended (at least 10 hours of a 15-hour course) and
final plate/special assignments must be submitted by the due date.
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C ONTINUING ED U C AT I ON R E GI S TR ATI O N

Name

Address

City State Zip

Evening Phone Work Phone

E-Mail

COURSE TITLE DATE COURSE # FEE QTY TOTAL

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $

Denver Botanic Gardens Member ID #

Payment Method Cash Check MasterCard American Express Visa

Card # Exp Date

Signature
PLEASE NOTE: Walk-in registrants will be charged a $10 late registration fee.

Please mail with check or credit card information to

Registrar, Denver Botanic Gardens

909 York Street
Denver, CO 80206

Please see waiver and release form and complete

class information (including our cancellation policy)
on your class acknowledgement form. 10th & York Street www.botanicgardens.org
15