Winter Gems | Amy Lewandowski

Dec. 14 – 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$150 members | $160 nonmembers (specimen fee included)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to observe color and texture in seasonal plants
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I. This pre-requisite is a requirement to enroll in this course. If you feel you have alternate botanical art training that would satisfy these requirements, contact Phipps at slind@phipps.conservatory.org. Phipps will require you to supply samples of your work. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for review.

Illustrate seasonal plants in an assortment of colors using different methods of mixing watercolor pigments along with a variety of wash techniques. Apply these techniques to a composition of multiple small specimens or a single sample of winter flora through a series of demonstrations, individual help and group discussion. A wide assortment of specimens will be provided from Phipps’ annual Gifts and Greens Market. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

This class has been canceled.

Mastering Color I, II, III and IV | Amy Lindenberger

Saturdays: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 7, April 4 (Snow date: Sat., April 18) | 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

$240 members | $270 nonmembers | Specimen fee: $8
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to use color, perception, hue, value, intensity and temperature for application to personal colored pencil renderings
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, and Colored Pencil I

Note: These classes are mixed level and 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. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

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. Practice through exercises and by working from plant specimens.

Pen and Ink I | Melissa Fabian

Sundays: Jan. 5, 19 and 26 (Snow date: Sun., Feb. 2) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to make tonal and semi-schematic drawings with pen and ink
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II

Beginning with the fundamentals of pen and ink techniques, learn how to use different strokes to create a compositional balance of black and white tones. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

Watercolor I: Techniques and Color Theory | Brenda Gail Jordan

Saturdays: Jan. 11, 18 and 25, 2020 (Snow date: Feb. 1) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To gain control of the brush, pigment and paper while learning to combine watercolor paints to create a rich and varied palette
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II. This pre-requisite is a requirement to enroll in this course. If you feel you have alternate botanical art training that would satisfy these requirements, contact Phipps at slind@phipps.conservatory.org. Phipps will require you to supply samples of your work. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for review.

Learn the basics of transparent watercolor as a medium and gain a foundational understanding of the brushes, paper and paints suitable for botanical watercolor. Using a limited palette, explore techniques such as washes and glazes and practice creating a full range of hues, shades and tones. Produce a series of studies that demonstrate the foundational techniques of transparent watercolor and applications of those techniques to rendering plant forms through demonstrations and exercises. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course 

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Watercolor I class.

Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | Robin Menard

Saturdays: Jan. 11, 18 and 25 (Snow date: Sat., Feb. 1) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

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

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

This class is now filled. Please see below for another session of this class.

Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | Robin Menard

Saturdays: Feb. 8, 15 and 22 (Snow date: Sat., Feb. 29) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

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

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

Broadleaf Evergreens | Melissa Fabian

Sun., Feb. 9 (Snow date: Sun., Feb 23) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$72 members | $82 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to identify and accurately draw conifers
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II and at least one of the following: Pen and Ink I, Colored Pencil I, Watercolor I or Foreshortening/Perspective for Botanicals

Explore Mellon Park and identify different types of conifers using a planting map. Then, learn how to portray the conifer of your choice, illustrating the entire tree or a detailed part. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

Colored Pencil I: Techniques | Amy Lindenberger

Saturdays: Feb. 15, 22 and 29 (Snow date: Sat., March 14) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to create a gradual transition of tone and color with colored pencils
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II

Using different techniques, you can make colored pencil tones look like a drawing or a painting, providing you with the versatility to create a wide variety of surface textures. Develop your color perception and become familiar with colored pencil tools, color applications and color theory fundamentals. Learn to layer colors to achieve different hues and densities and master a variety of techniques, including burnishing, impressed line and sgraffito. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

"Down" with Feathers | Melissa Fabian

Sundays: March 1, 8 and 22 (Snow date: Sun., March 29) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to draw a variety of bird plumage
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II

Learn to draw an outstanding feature of birds: the plumage. Study the various types, shapes and functions of a feather, and learn how to depict both soft fluffy down and flight feathers that resemble long, twisted blades. You will have the opportunity to work from feather specimens. Explore graphite and various color washes as a medium for final artwork. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

Illumination Techniques | Christine Hutson

Thursdays: March 12, 19 and 26, April 2, 9 and 16 (Snow date: Thurs., April 23) | 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers | Specialty material fee: $20 (for those students who have not previously taken this class or Kandy Phillips’ class)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to use a variety of illumination techniques
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Watercolor I (or equivalent watercolor experience)

Discover several different styles of medieval book illumination and explore them using modern materials, including watercolors, imitation gold leaf and gold paint. Plus, explore watercolor illumination on black paper. Create illuminated initial letters, as well as other decorative styles and motifs. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard

Saturdays: March 14, 21 and 28 (Snow date: Sat., April 4) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

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

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

Drawing Herbarium Sheets for Personal Reference | Jeanne Perrier

Saturdays: March 14 and April 18 (Snow date: Sat., March 21) | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$145 members | $165 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to draw herbarium sheets for personal references
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II

Spend a day studying a specific plant native to our area and drawing the morphology of it. Then, use the information collected and arrange it in herbarium sheet format, completing this in pen and ink. The final sheet will be a valuable reference for drawing this species in the future. Botanical Art and Illustration elective

Phipps Flora Project (2020): Magnified Native Plant Portraits

Student orientation: Sun., March 15 | 10 a.m. – noon | Robin Menard
Botanical lecture: Sun., March 15 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Jeanne Poremski
Hunt Institute visit: Sun., June 28 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Guided open studios: Sundays: July 12, Aug. 9, Sept. 20 (please note new date since original publication), Oct. 11, Nov. 8

$135 members | $155 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to create a botanical illustration from beginning to end
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, plus either 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 or colored pencil 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

This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this or the next Flora Project.

History of Botanical Art | Weldon Doran

Lecture: Sat., March 28 | 1 – 4 p.m. | Phipps Garden Center
Field trip: Sun., April 5 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation
Student presentations: Sun., April 19 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Phipps Garden Center

$96 members | $116 nonmembers

Objective: To understand how botanical art has developed and changed to serve the needs of different generations and cultures
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None

Explore the history of botanical art from its earliest beginnings in herbals through present-day contemporary works. The class includes a private session at the Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of botanical art and illustration. You will have the opportunity to study some of the rare books and original paintings and drawings by artists such as Pierre-Joseph Rédout, George Ehret and Anne Ophelia Todd Dowden. You will be responsible for writing a research report on a selected botanical artist. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course

Watercolor II: Applications | Brenda Jordan

Saturdays: April 4, 18 and 25 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$228 members | $258 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to create three-dimensional botanical portrayals using and enhancing practices learned in Watercolor I
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II and Watercolor I

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

Nature Journaling on Herr's Island | Jeanne Perrier

Sun., April 26 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

$55 members | $65 nonmembers
Herr’s Island Jennings Prairie

Objective: To be able to capture important traits of native plants through nature journaling
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None

Spend the day on Herr’s Island observing and documenting native and invasive plants. Learn the basics of nature journaling as you take to the trails and practice discovering, documenting and learning. Work completed will serve as references for future drawings or for scientific information. Directions will be provided upon registration. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective

Colored Pencil on Drafting Film Workshop | Heidi Snyder, visiting artist

May 15 – 17 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

$295 members | $335 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park

Objective: To be able to transfer an image onto film using appropriate reference materials and drawing techniques to create the desired effect
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Colored Pencil I (or equivalent experience)

Focus on the endless range of expression possible with unique colored pencil techniques applied to drafting film. Take your botanical art to new heights by experimenting with additional choices of backgrounds and final presentation options. Use several of Heidi’s original pieces with different looks to inspire your work. You are also encouraged to bring your own reference material, including finished or partially finished colored pencil or watercolor drawings to serve as backgrounds for the semi-translucent drafting film.

The overarching botanical theme may include birds, insects or other items as desired. At the end of the workshop, you will know how to choose reference material, transfer an image onto film, choose drawing techniques for desired effects, finish a piece, and mat and frame it. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective