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.
5 Wednesdays
September 7, 14, 21, 28 and October 12
6:30 - 8:30pm ONLINE
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
August 12
7:45am, 9am, or 10:15am ONLINE
https://contemporary-naturalism-guild-of-art.teachable.com/p/mentorships
Jenkins Arboretum & Garden
Devon, PA
Botanical Observations: Autumn Objects of Field and Forest
8 Tuesdays
September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 25 and November 1 (no class 10/18)
6:30 – 8:30 pm ONLINE
Let’s take a closer look at some of the wonderful natural elements that make up our autumn outdoor world! Join Margaret Saylor virtually to draw (or paint) 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. Themes will include: flowers, fungi, moss, lichens, leaves, seed pods, gourds, and fir trees.
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A recommended materials list is available for review prior to registration.
Register here:
Designing a Fall Sketchbook
Sunday, October 16, 1 – 3 pm ON SITE
Botanical art draws together art and science. What better way to become familiar with our Pennsylvania plants than by beginning a sketchbook? Join Margaret Saylor to explore basic botanical art techniques, view different approaches to making a sketchbook, and take a walk around the gardens at Jenkins. We’ll reconvene to share observations and our work. A great way to start that sketchbook you have always wanted to create!
All levels welcome. A recommended materials list is available for review prior to registration.
Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/designing-a-fall-sketchbook-tickets-371743172837
Mt Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE
A Sketchbook of Fungi
Friday, September 23, 10am - 3:30pm
ON SITE
September is a great month for foraging for fungi. Starting a sketchbook of mushrooms can be a wonderful way to document your finds, enhance your observational skills, and refine your drawing technique. We’ll discuss how to begin a fall fungi sketchbook. Graphite, archival pens, or watercolor – or all three…it’s up to you. Basic mushroom drawing skills will be shared along with demonstrations of how to create your very own tribute to your mycological finds.
https://mtcubacenter.org/event/a-sketchbook-of-fungi/
Botanical Art: GUIDED STUDIO
5 Thursdays
September 15, 29; October 13, 27; November 3
ONLINE
Botanical Art: OPEN STUDIO
2 Thursdays
December 1 & 8
ON SITE
Fleisher Art Memorial
Philadelphia, PA
Botanical Art: Autumn Observations
10 Mondays
September 12 - November 14
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ONLINE
Let’s take a closer look at some of the wonderful natural elements that make up our summer outdoor world! We’ll draw (or paint) a new specimen each week. Not only will we learn about that botanical object, like a flower, herb, bulb, fruit, vegetable, fungi, or leaf, but we’ll see how these subjects fit into the broader realm of contemporary botanical art. Some drawing experience helpful.
Register here:
https://fleisher.org/take-a-class/class-listings/botanical-drawing-fall-2022/
Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Upperville, VA
Fungi & Mushroom Workshop
Saturday, September 17, 10am - 3pm ON SITE
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is thrilled to invite you to this one-day workshop during which participants will learn about foraging for mushrooms, and learn some techniques to draw or paint these mycological wonders! Participants should bring their own art supplies, and the focus of the class will be sketching and painting in a sketchbook. This course is well suited for experienced or novice artists, and the only prerequisite is an enthusiasm for mushrooms!
This event will take place on the Rokeby Farm portion of OSGF. The event will not include a tour of the formal garden, or main residence. Participants should be prepared for moderate walking across hilly fields and similar uneven terrain. Participants should arrive with proper footwear, sufficient water, and rain/sun protection.
Workshop Overview: The workshop will begin with introductions, and a presentation about foraging and harvesting mushrooms from the instructor, Margaret Saylor. Attendees will then forage and gather mushrooms from specified areas of the OSGF’s Rokeby Farm. After lunch, Saylor will lead two demonstrations; one on how to draw mushrooms, and one on how to paint mushrooms. Participants will be able to work in their sketchbooks, observing, drawing, and painting the mushrooms.
What to bring: Please be sure to pack a lunch to eat picnic style, a water bottle, and please wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothing.
Register here:
Hershey Gardens
Hershey, PA
Botanical Sketching Class
Saturday, October 1, 9am - 12 noon ON SITE
Brookside Gardens
Silver Spring, MD
Fall Subjects in Botanical Art:
Graphite & Watercolor on Vellum
3 day workshop
October 28, 29, 30, 10am - 1pm ONLINE