Botanical Art and Illustration
Students enrolled in the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate program will learn how to draw botanical subjects with scientific accuracy, artistry and mastery of technical methods. Using a basic knowledge of plant morphology, participants will develop the skills needed to document plants in intricate detail, including the root system, upper and lower leaf surfaces, flowers, fruits and seed heads. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing art for pleasure and self-satisfaction, and they can choose between two concentrations: watercolor or colored pencil. Beginners, as well as those with art experience, are welcome. Students ay repeat most courses in the program at a 10-percent discount; however, a repeat course cannot apply toward certificate credit.
Receiving Class Credit: For both core and elective classes, students must attend all class sessions and complete and submit all the work required to earn class credit. Class credit is important if a student is pursuing the Basic or Advanced Botanical Art and Illustration certificate. Even if a student is not sure about pursuing the certificate, it is recommended that they earn credit for each class because this is difficult to do retroactively. If a student has to miss class (e.g. health reasons or a death in the family), they must contact the instructor at their earliest convenience to see if it’s possible to still earn class credit.
A note on recordings: The class recordings posted on Google Classroom are meant to aid students in completing their work between classes but are not a substitute for attending class. Students are required to attend all classes and are not allowed to miss class and watch the recordings for credit.
About the Program
Learn more about our certificate requirements, browse work from our students, meet our instructors and more.
For more details about our programs, or to receive personalized class recommendations from our helpful staff, please feel free to contact us at edu@phipps.conservatory.org.
Confirmations will be emailed the day before each class, including a Zoom link. Please check your spam/junk mail folder, and if you have not received the link, email edu@phipps.conservatory.org.
Relevant demos from virtual classes are recorded and made available to all registered participants for one month after the program.
All times are Eastern Time Zone.
Current Classes
Click titles for full details
-
Perpetual Nature Journal | Melissa Fabian | Tuesday, Feb. 1 | 1 - 4 p.m. [New date]
-
Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard | Saturdays: Feb. 19, 26 and March 5 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Sun. March 13 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
-
Detailed Nature Studies in Pen and Ink | visiting artist Sarah Morrish | Saturdays: Feb. 19 and 26 | 9 a.m. – noon EST | This class is now filled.
-
2022 Phipps’ Allegheny Highlands Flora Project: Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens’ Native Plants | Choosing of Native Plants: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 – 7 p.m. | Robin Menard and Stephanie Lind | Student orientation: Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 – 7 p.m. | Robin Menard | Hunt Institute will be closed and emailing images to participants in June 2022 | Open Studios | Sundays: July 10; Aug. 14; Sept. 18; Oct.16; and Nov. 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | This class is now filled.
-
Drawing Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and Tubers | Melissa Fabian | Tues., Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 | 1 – 4 p.m. | After-class meeting: Tues. April 19 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
-
Petals in Watercolor | Amy Lewandowski | Thursdays: March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14 and 21 | 1 – 4 p.m. | After-Class Meeting: Thurs. May 5 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
-
Botanical Drawing III: Volume and Texture | Robin Menard | Saturdays: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Sun., April 10 | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | This class is now filled.
-
Developing Botanical Perspective to Create Depth | Melissa Fabian | Sundays: April 10, 24 and May 1 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Tues. May 10, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
-
Colors of White | Amy Lindenberger | Saturdays: April 23 and May 7, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Tues. May 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
-
Drawing Leafy Edibles | Melissa Fabian | Tues., May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7 | 1 – 4 p.m. | After-class meeting: Tues. June 28 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Classes in Progress
- Watercolor II | Brenda Jordan | Saturday Jan. 15, Sundays Jan. 23 and 30 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Mon. Feb. 7 | 7- 8:30 p.m.
- Mastering Color I - IV | Amy Lindenberger | Saturdays, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 5 and Sunday, April 3 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) (no after class meeting with this class)
- Botanical Drawing I | Robin Menard | Saturday, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
- Colored Pencil II | Amy Lindenberger | Saturday, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) | After-Class Meeting: Tues. Feb. 15 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Detailed Listings
Perpetual Nature Journal | Melissa Fabian
Tuesday, Feb. 1 | 1 - 4 p.m. [New date]
$40 members | $45 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To begin a perpetual nature journal or use a current journal to be part of a perpetual nature journal.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt
Inspired by Lara Call Gastinger’s ASBA Conference presentation, the instructor will share her own nature journaling work. This afternoon workshop will outline the basics for creating a perpetual nature journal. The timing of the class in January works perfectly to start a perpetual nature journal or add to an already existing nature journal that we all seem to have! Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard
Saturdays: Feb. 19, 26 and March 5 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Sun. March 13 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to apply skills gained in Botanical Drawing I to accurately capture various plant forms, details and textures that are unique to the subject
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Continue to develop your observation and drawing skills to accurately render leaves, stems, roots and flowers in varying positions, capturing details and textures unique to the botanical subject. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
Detailed Nature Studies in Pen and Ink | visiting artist Sarah Morrish
Saturdays: Feb. 19 and 26 | 9 a.m. – noon EST
$195 members | $225 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: to be able to sketch natural subjects using a dip pen drawing nib.
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, Pen and Ink I (or equivalent experience)
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Class space is limited – please register early!
When out for a walk or exploring our gardens, there are many interesting subjects we come across and want to sketch and also draw in detail. The instructor will introduce you to sketching natural subjects using a dip pen drawing nib. Sketching with such a nib, without a prior pencil drawing, is a great way to increase your drawing confidence through more spontaneity, using different mark-making techniques.
Then we will move onto creating more detailed illustrations where the instructor takes you through structured drawing techniques alongside using fine line pens to develop form, texture, pattern and color differences.
The first part of each session will be a presentation where time will be set aside for questions and answers. The second half will consist of live demonstrations, where you will be able to ask questions freely as the instructor works on specific subjects. Each session will be a show and tell format so that you can follow along freely without any distractions and you have the option of working on your own artwork between the two sessions. If you would like to share your artwork during the second session, please send a jpeg image to info@illustratingnaturesdetails.com by Feb. 25. No individual feedback can be given between sessions. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
This class is now filled. Please contact slind@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.
2022 Phipps’ Allegheny Highlands Flora Project: Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens’ Native Plants
Choosing of Native Plants: Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 – 7 p.m. | Robin Menard and Stephanie Lind
Student orientation: Thursday, Feb. 24, 6 – 7 p.m. | Robin Menard
Hunt Institute will be closed and emailing images to participants in June 2022
Open Studios | Sundays: July 10; Aug. 14; Sept. 18; Oct.16; and Nov. 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$180 members | $200 nonmembers
Flora programming will remain virtual, on Zoom, at least through the spring and early summer, with the potential to move to in-person programming by late summer or fall.
Objective: To be able to create a botanical illustration from the beginning to end
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Learn how to research and produce a beautiful and accurate painting of a native plant. In this long-term collaborative project, create a watercolor, colored pencil or mixed media painting, a copy of which will be catalogued into the Phipps’ Allegheny Highlands Flora Project for future educational or marketing uses. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective.
Registration is limited to 26 participants due to gallery constraints. There will not be an online gallery option this year.
This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.
Drawing Bulbs, Corms, Rhizomes and Tubers | Melissa Fabian
Tues., Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5 | 1 – 4 p.m.
After-class meeting: Tues. April 19 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To combine observation and drawing skills to depict the four different geophytes: bulbs, corms, rhizomes and tubers.
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, and at least one of the following: Colored Pencil I, Watercolor I, or Pen and Ink I.
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt
The four geophytes are often confused in name and growth characteristics. Understanding the differences each type possesses will help with accurate drawings of the entire plant. Study pages and a final project will be composed. Several mediums will be demonstrated, allowing the students a choice of medium for the study pages and final artwork. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Petals in Watercolor | Amy Lewandowski
Thursdays: March 17, 24, 31 and April 7, 14 and 21 | 1 – 4 p.m.
After-Class Meeting: Thurs. May 5 | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to observe color on a petal and portray its likeness on paper
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisite: Watercolor I (or equivalent experience)
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Explore color matching to illustrate flower petals. Create a page of petals in an assortment of colors using different methods for mixing watercolor pigments along with a variety of wash techniques. The instructor will demonstrate a series of techniques for using watercolor paints on hot-pressed paper and you will have a chance to practice them yourself, supplemented by individual help group discussions. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
_200_150_s_c1.jpg "Botanical Art and Illustration")
Botanical Drawing III: Volume and Texture | Robin Menard
Saturdays: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2 | 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Sun., April 10 | 9:30 – 11 a.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To continue to develop and apply drawing skills to create accurate illustrations using form, perspective and texture
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Building on skills acquired in Botanical Drawing I and II, use a variety of pencils, paper, tone and line to create full botanical portraits, accurately capturing details such as texture, growth patterns, roots, flowers and leaves. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list
Developing Botanical Perspective to Create Depth | Melissa Fabian
Sundays: April 10, 24 and May 1 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Tues. May 10, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To create three-dimensional plants
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Study and draw the various perspective techniques used to create depth. Use foreshortening, shadows and highlights to achieve a highly accurate and convincing botanical drawing, working with guided practice handouts, two-dimensional photographs and three-dimensional botanical specimens. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course; elective for those who began the Botanical Art program before 2022
Colors of White | Amy Lindenberger
Saturdays: April 23 and May 7, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Tues. May 17, 7 – 8:30 p.m.
$145 members | $165 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to create whites that are rich in beautiful nuances
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, Colored Pencil I
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
If you have ever tried to purchase white paint at the hardware store, you’re well aware that white isn’t just “white”; the same is true in nature. White flowers, berries and fungi can be challenging to portray, because the colors they contain are present in such light values and dulled intensities that it can be tempting to just render them in shades of gray or brown, which can rob your composition of some of its beauty and impact. In this class we will employ several strategies with colored pencil and watercolor pencil (or watercolor) to create whites that are rich with beautiful nuances. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Drawing Leafy Edibles | Melissa Fabian
Tues., May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7 | 1 – 4 p.m.
After-class meeting: Tues. June 28 | 1 - 2:30 p.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: With close observation of intricate leaf patterns and the gorgeous colors of nature, students will be able to create new approaches to drawing textures and patterns.
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, and at least one of the following: Colored Pencil I, Watercolor I, or Pen and Ink I.
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Red leaf lettuce, beet tops and kale aren’t just for healthy eating. Viewing various leafy edibles up close creates unique “leafscapes”. Study pages and a final project will be composed. Several mediums will be demonstrated, allowing the students a choice of medium for the study pages and final artwork. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Watercolor II: Applications | Brenda Jordan
Saturday Jan. 15, Sundays Jan. 23 and 30 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Mon. Feb. 7 | 7- 8:30 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to create three dimensional botanical portrayals using and enhancing practices learned in Watercolor I
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, and Watercolor I
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Build upon your knowledge from Watercolor I to learn additional techniques used in transparent watercolor. Practice manipulating watercolor using different brushes and papers, plus discover some new colors and techniques for mixing colors. Apply your new skills to studies of plant forms, including a final project that demonstrates your control of watercolor techniques for an accurate rendering of botanical forms. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate (Watercolor Concentration) core course.
Mastering Color I – V | Amy Lindenberger
Saturday, Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 5 and Sunday, April 3 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks) (no after class meeting with this class)
$240 members | $270 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to use color, perception, hue, value, intensity and temperature for application to personal color renderings
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, and Colored Pencil I
Registration for this class is now closed.
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
These classes are mixed level and are sequential; please register for Mastering Color I if you are new to the series and other levels only as appropriate based on which level(s) you have taken previously.
Mastering Color I: Work at your own pace within a group setting doing color-related exercises only. Please bring any color exercises completed in the Colored Pencil series of classes.
Mastering Color II: Working from a live plant specimen, mix and match colors. The instructor will address the subject of harmonious color schemes and show you ways to successfully apply color schemes in your own individual work.
Mastering Color III: Work from plant specimens and focus on the challenge of mixing interesting neutrals and near neutrals without creating mud. Explore the role opacity plays in color-mixing with colored pencil, and apply the principles of warm and cool colors to add to the depth of your renderings.
Mastering Color IV: Work on techniques to enhance your individual color sense while remaining true to botanical accuracy using both exercises and working from plant specimens.
Mastering Color V: Work on experimental approaches to color usage - particularly in the area of intensity/value combinations - to further enhance your individual color sense and create a mood.
Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Botanical Drawing I | Robin Menard
Saturday, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Sun. Feb. 13, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to accurately draw three-dimensional shapes using line and tone, and employ geometric and aerial perspective in drawing botanical subjects
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None
Registration for this class is now closed.
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Botanical illustration differs from traditional drawing because it captures a subject with scientific accuracy through observation, form and detail. Learn to identify basic shapes in nature and use a step-by-step process to create the illusion of depth through light, shadow and perspective. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
Colored Pencil II | Amy Lindenberger
Saturday, Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (with lunch breaks)
After-Class Meeting: Tues. Feb. 15 | 7 - 8:30 p.m.
$225 members | $255 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom
Objective: To be able to create a botanical painting with colored pencils, building on experience gained in Colored Pencil I
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, Colored Pencil I
*Relevant demos are recorded and made available to pre-registered students within 1 week of each class session. Videos will be viewable for one month from receipt.
Building on the foundation of colored pencil techniques and layering principles established in Colored Pencil I, focus on more advanced layering and blending techniques to create a variety of surface textures, improve your color perception skills and explore more advanced color theory to better understand hue, value, intensity and temperature. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
Registration for this class is now closed.
About the Program
Learn more about our certificate requirements, browse work from our students, meet our instructors and more.
