We offer flexible schedules that include weekday mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekend classes. For more information or to enroll, call 480-481-8146. Fees for each class are $215 for members and $270 for non-members (*unless otherwise noted). Materials lists and additional course information is provided following registration. Download a registration form here.
This is a foundation class that introduces students to the basics of drawing. Students will learn the vocabulary of drawing, develop observation skills, complete a sequence of exercises using graphite as the primary medium, and will be introduced to the technical properties of drawing materials. This class will get you past staring at that blank sheet of paper to start drawing. Instructor Lynn Reves.
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In this continuation of Botanical Drawing I, students will refine their observational drawing skills through careful observation of plant structures and will learn to accurately draw botanical forms using pencil as the primary medium. Emphasis will be placed on line, form, light and shade, and simple perspective. Instructor Jim Astholz.
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Understand color through a series of exercises in color pencil designed to familiarize you with this complex subject. The history of color and color wheels, color vocabulary, color harmony, colors in nature, and clear and neutral colors will be studied. Using a limited palette, students will create a color wheel and several charts that can be used for future reference. Instructor Dr. Judith Kula.
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Explore the medium of watercolor and learn techniques used in traditional English botanical painting. Students will learn by copying paintings by P. J. Redoute, using flat wash, gradated wash and dry brush techniques. The history of botanical art will be reviewed. Instructor Gigi Wilson.
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Building on skills and concepts introduced in Botanical Watercolor I, this class will focus on realistic expression of form, structure, texture and color using dry brush watercolor techniques. Students will work from simple plant forms including cacti and other succulents. Instructor Lynn Reves.
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Colored pencils are an excellent material for botanical art because they neat, easy to control, and useful for fine detail. Students will learn about the variety of pencils available and basic techniques. A series of color charts and a simple botanical subject will be completed. Instructor Elliott Everson.
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Building on the techniques learned in Colored Pencil I, students will complete an accurate botanical drawing using this medium. Emphasis will be placed on color accuracy, creating smooth value transitions, and realistic representation of form. Instructor Elliott Everson.
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Learn traditional pen and ink techniques to create realistic plant illustrations. Master various line and tone techniques, such as stippling and hatching. Experiment with ink washes and their application in botanical illustration. Instructor Deborah Ravin.
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Pressed and dried plants (herbarium specimens) have lost all three-dimensional qualities. Learn how to approach drawing from an herbarium specimen to create a lifelike interpretation. Students will learn how to use a microscope and will complete a finished tone pencil drawing of a plant specimen that will be used to complete a botanical plate in Scientific Illustration III. Prerequisite: Scientific Illustration I: Pen and Ink. Instructor Wendy Hodgson.
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Everything you have wanted to know about watercolor, pen and ink, graphite and color pencils used at the Desert Botanical Garden Botanical Art and Illustration School. This information-packed class offers hands-on experiences with many brands and types of art materials. You also will learn where and how to find all the right supplies at the best prices, both in town and on-line. Instructor Elaine Hultgren. Limit 20.
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Ever wanted to dabble in botanical art but not sure if it is for you? Here is your chance to explore the Garden’s Botanical Art Program in this introductory course. Students will begin learning basic techniques for drawing plants, examining a variety of Sonoran Desert flowers, leaves and fruit. An introduction to special watercolor techniques and colored pencil detail will follow drawing. Learn about the process of illustrating a botanical subject from start to finish. A brief look at the history of botanical art, and fun, interactive lessons in botany are included in this sampler. Instructor Elaine Hultgren.
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