Workshop
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP:
Botanical Illustration is the art of depicting the form, color, and details of plant species. Studying nature’s forms and colors is a great way to learn about drawing and color to make beautiful realistic color in drawings. Traditionally a technique that was done in watercolor, Wendy Hollender has developed a method of teaching using a combination of colored pencil and watercolor pencils. Colored pencil isn’t just a medium to use, it is also a learning tool. It allows you to teach drawing skills and teach about color at the same time. Understanding form and structure is crucial to this technique.
Students will learn how to use a grisaille technique for undertones in a neutral color and then how to layer color on top to create depth, using watercolor pencils in combination with dry colored pencils. This technique is very immediate and materials are simple, allowing the artist to work easily in multiple locations and it is especially useful for work in the field.
Botanical Drawing starts with an understanding of using a single light source toning technique. Students will become familiar with this basic technique and practice on simple forms. Once an understanding of using this light source combined with toning form in a gradual consistent rendering, color layering will be introduced.
Drawing at actual scale, students will be introduced to basic perspective and measuring to create precise drawings. Color matching and blending will show students how to create natures subtle color variations. These techniques are relaxing and meditative and give students an opportunity to be intimate with nature and see close up the beauty, complexity and repetition of nature’s structures and patterns. Students will progress to more complex forms such as flowers, fall leaves and pine cones, combining watercolor pencils and colored pencils. All levels from beginner to advanced is fine as everyone works at their own level with plenty of guidance from Wendy.
Suitable for all levels, no experience necessary! Ages 19+
Friday – Sunday, November 18 – 20, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$333 ($330 tuition + $3 lab fee)
SUPPLY LIST
Before registering for a class and/or workshop, please review our Covid Policy.
In an effort to maintain our non-toxic environment, the Woodstock School of Art does not permit the use of turpentine or mineral spirits in the painting studios. Additionally, Learn more.
Those with special needs and/or requests may email the registrar.
Please note that for workshops lasting all day there is a one-hour break from twelve noon to one PM. Students are invited to bring lunch and eat at the school or may go to any of the local dining establishments. The school does not provide lunch or refreshments.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Wendy Hollender is a botanical artist, illustrator, author, and instructor. Hollender’s illustrations have been published in The New York Times, “O” The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Sunset Magazine, The Observer (UK) and in an advertising campaign for the National Peanut Board. Her work was included in the 13th International Exhibition at Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, and in exhibitions at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, and the Smithsonian National Museum for Natural History. The US Botanic Garden had a show of Wendy’s work on roots called Illustrating Hidden Treasures in the fall of 2015. Wendy’s newest book from Penguin Random House came out in 2020. THE JOY OF BOTANICAL DRAWING which was given an award as the 3rd best book on colored pencil of all time by The Book Authority. She illustrated BOTANICAL DRAWING IN COLOR: A Basic Guide To Mastering Realistic Form And Naturalistic Color and BOTANICAL DRAWING, A BEGINNER’S GUIDE. She is the illustrator and co-published of the popular local book: Foraging & Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook by Dina Falconi which has won two gold medals to date.
