Botanical Illustration Series

Discover the beauty of plants through the timeless art of botanical illustration. Designed for beginners, this four-part series introduces the fundamentals of observing, sketching and accurately depicting botanical subjects. Participants will learn basic drawing techniques, composition and methods for capturing the distinctive details of flowers, leaves, stems and seeds. Along the way, instructor Amy Welch will introduce the history of botanical illustration and foundational concepts in botany, helping students deepen their understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Dates and Times This four-part series meets from 9 a.m. – noon on the following Fridays: Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6 Nov. 13 Register All Upcoming Dates Supplies Participants should bring: Drawing pencils: HB, 2H and 2B White plastic eraser and kneaded eraser Micron pens in sizes 005 and 01 starter packs containing multiple sizes are also available Hot-press watercolor paper in an 8 x 10, 9 x 12 or 11 x 14-inch pad Sketchbook or copy paper for drawing Watercolor brushes in sizes 2 and 6, plus a liner brush Paper towels or tissues Ruler Hot-press, 100% cotton watercolor paper is traditionally used for botanical illustration because it allows for fine detail. Fabriano Artistico Extra White and Arches are excellent options, but Hahnemühle and other brands—or less-expensive cotton-blend papers—are perfectly suitable for this introductory class. Cold-press paper may also be used. A basic watercolor set will eventually be helpful but is not needed for the first class. Watercolor paints and recommended options will be discussed during the first session, so there is no need to purchase them in advance. Optional Supplies Magnifying glass or magnifying readers Phone or tablet for taking reference photos Painter’s tape or artist’s tape Mixed-media sketchbook suitable for watercolor, gouache or colored pencils Stable water containers, such as mason jars Dividers Students who prefer to work in graphite, colored pencil or gouache are also welcome to do so. The instructor will bring gouache and colored pencils to a later class for participants to try. This class is open to beginner and intermediate artists, ages 15 and up. Youth under 18 must attend with a registered adult chaperone. No experience required—just come ready to create! Pricing $180 per personMembers receive a discount. Join today! Space is limited and registration is required. For further questions about registering for our programs, please call 512.232.0177 or email [email protected]. Amy Welch Instructor Amy Welch is an Austin-based botanical artist and retired physician associate whose work focuses primarily on native plants. She is a graduate of the Society of Botanical Artists’ Diploma Course and a member of the Lone Star Botanical Artists Circle of the American Society of Botanical Artists. Her work has appeared in multiple exhibitions throughout Texas and the Upper Midwest. Her most recent pieces can be seen in the Wildflower Center’s Gallery, where she is also a regular volunteer.