Classes & Workshops
Small-group botanical drawing and painting classes offered online and at regional art centers and gardens. Learn classic techniques, build steady skills, and spend focused time with plants and fungi as your subjects.
Upcoming sessions are listed below by venue; follow each link to register directly with the host organization.
HISTORIC YELLOW SPRINGS • CHESTER SPRINGS, PA
Medicinal Botanicals: Drawing from History
Saturday, February 21, 2026 · 10:00 AM–3:00 PM · On site
Celebrate Historic Yellow Springs’ role in the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in this botanical drawing workshop. Working from high‑resolution scans of historic plates, you’ll begin a personal sketchbook or art journal based on medicinal plants documented in historic sources.
wayne art center • wayne, PA
Botanical Stillness: Winter Branches, Seed Pods, and Leaves in Graphite
Saturday, February 28, 2026 · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM · On site
Observe winter branches, seed pods, and dried leaves and learn graphite techniques for structure, texture, and value. This in‑person workshop includes demonstrations, individual feedback, and focused drawing time for all levels.
wayne art center • wayne, PA
Awakening Botanicals: A Springtime Field Journal
Saturday, March 21, 2026 · 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · On site
Create a spring field sketchbook focused on early growth—ferns, spring ephemerals, sprouting bulbs, and buds. Through pencil, ink, and watercolor exercises, you’ll build observation skills and record form, color, and texture in real time.
MT CUBA CENTER • hockessin, DE
Spring Botanical Art Series
Twelve Thursdays · 10:00 AM–1:00 PM · On site
Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers
April 2–23, 2026
Begin botanical drawing with line, shape, and form while working from Mt. Cuba’s native plant collections. This entry‑level series helps you develop a personal drawing style and confidence with spring wildflower subjects.
Wildflowers in Color
April 30–May 21, 2026
Move into color with spring wildflowers using colored pencil or watercolor. You’ll focus on accurate structure and a clear, natural palette inspired by the gardens.
Refined Botanical Drawing
May 28–June 25, 2026
Build on your skills with more complex compositions and refined botanical drawings, emphasizing detail, value, and composition using live specimens.
Register for four week class sessions, or all 12.
JENKINS ARBORETUM & GARDENS • DEVON, PA
Spring Sketching: Flowers and Foliage
Saturday, April 11, 2026 · 1:00–4:00 PM · On site
Draw inspiration from Jenkins! Explore how to document spring plants as they emerge, bud, and bloom. Learning not just to look, but to see your subject is crucial to drawing. Sharpen your skills during this insightful class. Dive into the spring season in the gardens and in the classroom as you work alongside a botanical artist and share your work. Explore graphite, Micron pen, and watercolor as mediums with a small, manageable sketchbook. All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary.
MORRIS ARBORETUM & GARDENS • PHILADELPHIA, PA
Botanical Illustration Afternoon Retreat
Saturday, April 11, 2026 · 1:00–4:00 PM · On site
Spend an afternoon at Morris Arboretum exploring plant illustration at your own pace with guidance and demonstrations. This retreat suits all levels and offers time to practice technique, ask questions, and develop your personal illustration style.
LONGWOOD GARDENS • KENNETT SQUARE, PA
Open Studio
Four Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 · 1:00–4:00 PM · On site
Bring works in progress or begin new botanical pieces in a guided studio environment. Each session includes brief demonstrations, individual feedback, and time to explore materials and subjects from the gardens.
LONGWOOD GARDENS • KENNETT SQUARE, PA
Botanical Art for Beginners
Saturday, June 13, 2026 · 9:00 AM–3:00 PM · On site
Get started with botanical drawing and painting while working from fresh plant material. We’ll cover foundational drawing skills and simple watercolor techniques so you can complete your first finished botanical study.