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.
Gorgeous Greens in Watercolor | Amy Lewandowski
Aug. 24 – 25 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$152 members | $172 nonmembers (includes specimen fee)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to create a variety of greens in watercolor and apply them to plant specimens
Level: Advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor 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.
Plants often have a wide variety of beautiful greens and it can be challenging to represent these different colors accurately. Learn how to assess the differences in the greens of plants by observing their subtle variations in hue, value and intensity. Practice painting different greens through a series of watercolor mixing exercises and then apply this information to an illustration of a single leaf or of multiple specimens. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
This class has been canceled.
Botanical Field Sketching/Studies | Robin Menard
Sat., Sept. 14 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$72 members | $82 nonmembers
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Botany Hall Auditorium
Objective: To develop observation and drawing skills for botanical illustration
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: 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.
Keep summer time going by heading to your favorite corner of Phipps Conservatory for field sketching. Field sketches are important tools in developing botanical illustrations and provide a great opportunity to hone your drawing and observation skills. Complete several pencil field sketches, accurately documenting plant characteristics such as posture, size, flower and leaf patterns, bark, and roots. Then, return to the classroom and use your notes to develop one sketch into a more refined drawing or painting in the medium of your choice. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Guided Open Studio: General Assistance | Robin Menard
Sunday, Sept. 15 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$15 members | $20 nonmembers (price is per session)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Sept. 15: Robin Menard | General Assistance
Objective: To have improved technique in creating a work of botanical art.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Making time to concentrate on your art can be tough! Join fellow botanical artists at these open studio sessions, and find the inspiration and support to start, continue and finish projects. Work on class work, your portfolio or something totally new. Current Flora students may attend as part of their Flora Project fee. Bring your artwork and materials and enjoy the time to create.
Salsa Still Life | Jeanne Perrier
Sept. 21 – 22 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$144 members | $164 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To complete a still life in colored pencil using the ingredients for your favorite salsa
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, and Colored Pencil 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.
Use your composition and colored pencil skills to complete a still life of primarily vegetables. Bring the ingredients of your favorite salsa, arrange them in an aesthetically pleasing manner and create a drawing from the arrangement. You may include the recipe if you wish. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Floral Morphology | Bonnie Isaac
Sept. 28 – 29 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$150 members | $170 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To understand plant anatomy and function, and quickly and accurately draw a plant’s reproductive and vegetative characteristics.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Study the morphology of a flower, including its parts, evolutionary trends and pollination adaptations. Plus, dissect and draw flowers representing a variety of plant families. 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 Floral Morphology class.
Limning | Christine Hutson
Thursdays: Oct. 3, 10, 24 and 31, Nov. 7 and 21 | 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. [Please note new last date of class]
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To use and build on or improve limning style techniques and create detailed illustrations.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Watercolor I (or equivalent watercolor experience). 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.
Limning, a traditional painting method dating back to the Renaissance, has been used by botanical artists and scientific illustrators for centuries and is still favored by those who need to portray their subjects with great precision. For this technique, tiny brushstrokes are used to build up a highly detailed image. Receive step-by-step instruction on this watercolor technique and practice it using high-quality photos of plants and flowers that you select as references. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | Robin Menard
Saturdays: Oct. 5, 12 and 19 | 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
Another class session is listed below.
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 Botanical Drawing I class.
Botanical Drawing I: Foundations | Robin Menard
Sundays: Oct. 6, 13 and 27 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. New Session Added!
$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
Guided Open Studio:Foreshortening, Shadow/Highlights | Melissa Fabian
Sunday, Oct. 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$15 members | $20 nonmembers (price is per session)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Oct. 13: Melissa Fabian | Foreshortening, Shadow/Highlights
Objective: To have improved technique in creating a work of botanical art.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Making time to concentrate on your art can be tough! Join fellow botanical artists at these open studio sessions, and find the inspiration and support to start, continue and finish projects. Work on class work, your portfolio or something totally new. Current Flora students may attend as part of their Flora Project fee. Bring your artwork and materials and enjoy the time to create.
Developing Foreshortening and Perspective Botanical Drawing Skills | Melissa Fabian
Sundays: Oct. 20 and 27 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$145 members | $165 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to create depth within a botanical specimen using several foreshortening techniques.
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing 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.
Create three-dimensional plant specimens in your drawings using foreshortening techniques, including blocking, points of reference, various grid configurations, overlap and more. Plus, learn how to use highlights and shadows to create depth in a limited area. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Colored Pencil II: Applications | Amy Lindenberger
Saturdays: Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 and 9 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$230 members | $260 nonmembers (includes specimen fee)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to take a methodical approach to botanical illustration with colored pencils, building on experience gained in Colored Pencil I
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Botanical Drawing I and II, Colored Pencil 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.
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
Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard
Saturdays: Nov. 2, 16 and 23 | 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. 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.
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
Autumn Gourds in Watercolor | Amy Lewandowski
Nov. 2 – 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$150 members | $170 nonmembers (includes specimen fee)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to use masking fluid and watercolor washes to enhance the painting of a seasonal gourd
Level: Advanced
Prerequisite: 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.
Use masking fluid techniques and a variety of watercolor washes to enhance the illustration of a colorful autumn gourd. Create glowing layers of autumn color to a single or multiple gourd composition through a series of demonstrations, individual help and group discussion. Gourds will be provided but you may also bring gourds of special interest. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Guided Open Studio: Botanical Textures | Melissa Fabian
Sunday, Nov. 10 | 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$15 members | $20 nonmembers (price is per session)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Nov. 10: Melissa Fabian | Botanical Textures
Objective: To have improved technique in creating a work of botanical art.
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I
Making time to concentrate on your art can be tough! Join fellow botanical artists at these open studio sessions, and find the inspiration and support to start, continue and finish projects. Work on class work, your portfolio or something totally new. Current Flora students may attend as part of their Flora Project fee. Bring your artwork and materials and enjoy the time to create.
Conifer Drawing Workshop | Melissa Fabian
Sat., Nov. 16 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$85 members | $105 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to identify and accurately draw conifers.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: 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. 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.
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
This class has been canceled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about any future Conifer Drawing classes.
Pen and Ink II, III and IV | Melissa Fabian
Sundays: Nov. 17 and 24 and Dec. 8 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: Pen and Ink II students will have improved stroke making and wash skills with the introduction of color through various tools and inks. Pen and Ink III and IV students will advance their skills through an individual plan determined by the student and instructor.
Level: Pen and Ink II: Intermediate; Pen and Ink III and IV: Advanced
Prerequisite: Pen and Ink I, Pen and Ink II or III. 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.
Pen and Ink II: Add another dimension to your pen and ink work through color. Various tools and inks will be provided to develop additional reference sheets to add to your black and white references. Create various plant studies and a completed botanical art piece. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate core course
Pen and Ink III , IV: Focus on your personal interest and develop a plan to complete an advanced botanical art piece. Botanical Art and Illustration elective
Grisaille with Colored Pencil | Jeanne Perrier
Nov. 23 – 24 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$145 members | $165 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To become more proficient in grisaille, a process by which toning is completed first, then color is added
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Prerequisite: Colored Pencil 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.
The art of grisaille is a process by which the toning of a drawing is completed first and then the color is added. This improves the form of subject, reduces use of colors and helps you to complete your illustration more quickly. Small objects will be completed in class. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
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
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
Phipps Flora Project 2019: An Alphabet of Native Plants in Southwestern Pennsylvania | Robin Menard
Student orientation: Sun., March 31 | 10 a.m. – noon
Botanical lecture: Sun., March 31 | 1 – 3 p.m.
Hunt Institute visit: Sun., June 9 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Guided open studios: Sundays: July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 15, Oct. 13 and Nov. 10, 2019
$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. 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 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 class.
Drawing Birds for Botanical Illustrations | Melissa Fabian
Sundays: July 7 and 28, Aug. 18 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to incorporate birds into a botanical art piece.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisites: None
Enhance your botanical art work with drawings of beautiful and essential birds in this introductory class. Combine plants and birds from early botanical works to contemporary ones and use various drawing techniques to take on the challenge of depicting a “moving” object. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
Botanical Drawing II: Volume, Texture and Details | Robin Menard
Saturdays: Aug. 3, 10 and 17 | 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$220 members | $250 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: 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
Colored Pencil Florals on Black Paper | Amy Lindenberger
Sat. Aug. 10 and 17 | 9:30 – 4 p.m.
$150 members | $170 nonmembers (includes specimen fee)
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to create colored pencil botanical drawings on a black paper background
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Colored Pencil I (or equivalent experience). 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.
Colored pencil drawings are traditionally applied to white or light, neutral-colored papers. But some subjects — such as night-blooming flowers — can be much more effective against very dark backgrounds, and those backgrounds can be difficult (and labor-intensive!) to achieve with colored pencil. Discuss colored pencil opacity and explore key techniques for using colored pencil on black and very dark-colored surfaces to keep colors true and luminous. Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate elective
