Botanical Drawing and Painting: Capturing Nature in Art
Love plants? Have a favourite you want to sketch? This workshop is an introduction to plant illustrations and is ideal for anyone interested in drawing and painting the botanical world.
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Sat 01 Nov
- $145.00 incl. GST
Sessions
Saturday workshop
Sat 01 Nov 09:30 - Sat 01 Nov 16:00At Selwyn College, Auckland.Please note there is NO refund or transfer if you cancel less than 5 working days in advance of a class starting. Our refund policy can be read in full here.
Description
Explore the delicate art of botanical illustration in this hands-on course, where you'll learn to draw and paint plants with accuracy and creativity. Starting with an introduction to the rich history and contemporary development of botanical art, you will gain a deeper understanding of how this art form has evolved and its significance today.
Through close observation of fresh plant specimens, you'll explore basic plant anatomy and learn how to confidently sketch flowers using graphite pencil and ink. After lunch, you'll take your sketches further by transferring them to watercolour paper and applying watercolour techniques to bring your drawings to life with vibrant color.
Course outline
- Learn the history and significance of botanical art and understand its role in both science and aesthetics.
- Identify basic flower parts, such as petals, stems, and leaves, to enhance your observational skills.
- Sketch plants with confidence, using graphite pencil and ink to create detailed, accurate drawings.
- Mix and match colours accurately in watercolour, gaining the skills to achieve realistic hues and shades.
- Master different watercolour techniques, and understand when to use each one for the best results.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this course will help you develop the technical skills and artistic confidence to create beautiful botanical illustrations. By the end, you'll leave with your own botanical artwork, ready to continue exploring the captivating world of plant illustration.
Who should attend?
Botanists, students, anyone keen on gardening, artists looking for a new form of expression.
What to bring
Lunch (we'll supply tea and coffee), apron or art-friendly clothing. All materials and equipment are provided (materials charge of $40 is included within your course fee), however if you have your own watercolour paints and brushes, you are very welcome to bring them.
About your tutor, Lesley
Lesley Alexander is a botanical and natural history artist living in Riverhead, Auckland. Originally from the UK, Lesley has 1st Class BA Hons in Scientific Illustration and worked for various London publishers before moving with her Kiwi husband and three children to New Zealand. Later, she completed the Diploma in Botanical Art run by the Society of Botanical Artists in the UK, gaining a Distinction.
She exhibits regularly both in group exhibitions as well as having successful solo exhibitions.
Lesley teaches botanical drawing and painting in Auckland, facilitates the art group at the Auckland Botanic Garden as well as being a tutor for the ‘Seasons Art’ classes aimed at adult beginners in Orewa and Takapuna.
You can see Lesley's website here: LesleyAlexanderArt.com
Example art from Lesley Alexander:
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