Botanical Drawing

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.

Saturday – Monday, November 20 – 22, 2022
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Studio 1