Classes & Workshops
The Contemporary Naturalism Guild of Art
contemporarynaturalismguildofart.com
learn.contemporarynaturalismguildofart.com
Teaching classical art techniques with a modern expression to honor your
personal connection to Nature
Naturalism is a late 19th- and early 20th-century movement that was inspired by adaptation of the principles and methods of natural science, especially the Darwinian view of nature, to literature and art. We aim to share our knowledge of sketching, drawing, and painting the flora and fauna of our 21st century world through online instruction, by teaching classical art techniques with a modern expression. Honor your personal connection to Nature through careful observation and depiction of natural science subjects and habitats in a contemporary style.
Mushrooms & Fungi
A five-part online workshop offering instruction and guidance on sketching, drawing, and painting mushrooms.
NEW SESSION COMING SPRING 2023
https://contemporary-naturalism-guild-of-art.teachable.com/p/workshops
Mentorships Now Available
Our online mentorship program allows you to study independently with the artist of your choice. Private, one-on-one learning.
Second Fridays of the Month
7:45am, 9am, or 10:15am ONLINE
https://contemporary-naturalism-guild-of-art.teachable.com/p/mentorships
Mt Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE
Botanical Art: OPEN STUDIO
Thursday
December 8
ON SITE
Botanical Art: Spring Wildflowers
12 Thursdays
April 30 - June 22 (no class June 8)
10 am - 1 pm ON SITE
Registration coming soon.
Fleisher Art Memorial
Philadelphia, PA
Botanical Art
10 Thursdays
January 12 - March 23, 2023 (no class Feb 16)
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ONLINE
Program Description
Contemporary botanical art is a thriving genre! Explore this captivating world with a deliberate approach to drawing and painting. We’ll focus on botanical art through the ages, take a look at what current artists are creating, and examine basic drawing and painting skills through the lens of botanical art. Learn techniques to accurately draw or paint subjects from the natural world. We’ll start with graphite and move on through to a dry brush watercolor technique. Each class will feature a demonstration, question and answer period, and time to create botanical art.
Register here:
https://reg137.imperisoft.com/Fleisher/ProgramDetail/3531373130/Registration.aspx
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
Devon, PA
Capturing Spring: Developing a Botanical Sketchbook Practice
8 Tuesdays
March 7 - April 25, 2023
6:30 – 8:30 pm ONLINE
Our natural world is brimming with new life and inspiration. Learn to observe, see, document, and record your spring flora by sketching, drawing, and painting in a sketchbook. Each class will focus on one spring specimen and you’ll learn to design a sketchbook spread, fill it with beautiful observations, and botanically-correct drawings. From the inexperienced artist to the seasoned botanical artist, this class offers ideas and challenges for all.
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A recommended materials list is available for review prior to registration.
Registration coming soon.
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Botanical Art Sketchbook
Saturday, January 14, 2023
8am - 12pm ON SITE
Whether you’re a beginner artist or looking to add to your portfolio, learn how to develop a sketchbook practice and sharpen your observation skills during this insightful class.
Using materials from our Gardens, such as seed pods, bark, and cones, explore basic drawing techniques and how to create lifelike and botanically accurate sketches.
Register here:
https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/botanical-art-sketchbook
New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, NY
Finding Beauty in Fungi: Mushrooms and Lichens
Thursday, February 16 2023
6 - 7pm ONLINE
From "mushroom leather" fashion to best-selling books on how mycelial networks create webs of interconnectivity between species, fungi continue to capture the contemporary imagination. Join us to view stunning artwork created by botanical artists Christiane Fashek, Lucy Martin, and Margaret Saylor, who have long focused their artistic lenses on mushrooms and lichens. Each artist will show a curated selection of their work and discuss how they collect, prepare, or photograph specimens for study, how they depict these tiny organisms in such intimate detail, and why they too remain fascinated by fungi. Those interested in submitting work for Unsung Allies, The Fifth NYBG Triennial, will gain invaluable insights from these experts.
Register here:
https://www.enrole.com/nybg/jsp/session.jsp?sessionId=233BIL807O&courseId=232BIL807&categoryId=10093
Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA
Botanical Illustration for Beginners: Spring Observations
6 Mondays
March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ONLINE
Let’s take a closer look at some of the wonderful natural elements that make up our springtime outdoor world! Join Margaret Saylor virtually to draw a new specimen each week. Not only will we learn about that week’s botanical theme, but we’ll see how these subjects fit into the broader realm of contemporary botanical art.
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A zoom link and recommended materials list will be emailed to all participants.
Registration coming soon.