Whether you draw for identification, documentation, appreciation, expression, or a combination of all these, the practice of nature illustration gives us so many interesting gifts. This is a class for artists and naturalists who would like to build drawing skills and see and understand plants better. Each day we will address a different group of plants, their parts and lives, and particular challenges for the artist. While primarily a drawing class, as that is essential, we’ll also cover the practical use of color media to enhance our drawings.

Drawing plants is a skill learned mostly by practice, but helped along by examples, demonstrations, guidance, and good company. Over this three-day course, we’ll spend about half our time in the field, keeping a plant sketchbook, and working together as a community of learners to share and discover with one another. We’ll also make use of the indoor classroom to practice and present. We’ll have expert assistance from botanist and ecologist Jerry Jenkins. Some drawing experience is helpful but not required.