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 may repeat most courses in the program at a 10-percent discount; however, a repeat course cannot apply toward certificate credit.
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.
Winter Gems | Amy Lewandowski
Sat. Dec. 8 and Sun., Dec. 9 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$160 members | $180 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.
In this two-day workshop, illustrate seasonal plants in an assortment of colors using different methods of mixing watercolor pigments along with a variety of wash techniques. Through a series of demonstrations as well as individual help and group discussion, you will be encouraged to apply these techniques to a composition of multiple small specimens or a single sample of winter flora. An assortment of specimens will be provided from Phipps’ annual Gifts and Greens Sale. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | Robin Menard
Sat., Feb. 2, Sun., Feb. 10, and Sat., Feb. 16, 2019 | 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 employing 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
Phipps Flora Project: Weeds and Invasive Plants of Southwestern Pennsylvania | Robin Menard
Student orientation | Sun., March 25 | 10 a.m. – noon
Botanical lecture | Sun., March 25 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Jeanne Poremski
Hunt Institute visit | Sun., June 10 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Guided open studios | Sundays: July 15; Aug. 12; Sept. 23; Oct. 21; and Nov. 11
$135 members | $155 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
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 botanical painting from start to finish. 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 be placed on the waiting list.
Watercolor I: Techniques and Color Theory | Brenda Gail Jordan
Saturdays: Oct. 27, Nov. 10 and 17 | 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 apply those techniques to rendering plant forms. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
Pen and Ink II | Melissa Fabian
Sundays: Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and 18 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to create more complex plant drawings using refined, basic pen and ink-drawing skills and more difficult strokes to create shading
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Pen and Ink 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.
Complete a botanically accurate and aesthetically pleasing botanical pen and ink illustration. Learn the process of creating an illustration — from observing the plant to making an accurate graphite sketch and inking the final illustration. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
