Botanical Illustration In Elcharco

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 science unite with beautiful results. El Charco del Ingenio has partnered with the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Botanical Art and 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 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 [email protected]. Illustrations: Marjorie Leggitt and Susan Rubin Calligraphy: Renee Jorgensen

Denver Botanic Gardens’ BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION PROGRAM

El CHARCO 2009-2010

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

BOTANICAL LANDSCAPES Mon., July 26- - Fri., July 30, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Instructor: Karla Beatty

SUCCULENT! CAPTURING CACTI IN COLORED PENCIL Mon., March 8 - Fri., March 12, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Instructor: Susan Rubin

COMPOSING COMPELLING ARTWORK Mon., Sept. 27 - Fri., Oct. 1, 9 a.m. - noon Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt

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.

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

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

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