Classes & Workshops
The Contemporary Naturalism Guild of Art
Workshops, Mini-Courses, Art & Conversation, and Masterclasses
enrolling now!
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contemporarynaturalismguildofart.com
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Teaching classical art techniques with a modern expression to honor
the personal connection to Nature
Naturalism is a late 19th- and early 20th-century movement that was inspired by the 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 connection to Nature through careful observation and depiction of natural science subjects and habitats in a contemporary style.
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UPCOMING CLASSES:​
Fleisher Art Memorial
Philadelphia, PA
Starting a Botanical Sketchbook
5 Tuesdays
April 2 - April 30, 2024
1 pm - 3 pm ONLINE
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.
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REGISTER HERE:
https://reg137.imperisoft.com/Fleisher/ProgramDetail/3535313135/Registration.aspx
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​Botanical Watercolor: Spring Observations
5 Tuesdays
April 2 - April 30, 2024
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm ONLINE
Watercolor has historically been the most used medium for creating botanical art and here is your chance to learn how it's done! By using a combination of washes and dry brush techniques, join us as we explore spring subject matter each week in this fun online class. Working with a limited palette to start, we’ll explore color theory, drybrush layering, and detailing to create contemporary botanical art. Some drawing experience would be helpful.
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REGISTER HERE:
https://reg137.imperisoft.com/Fleisher/ProgramDetail/3535313135/Registration.aspx
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Mt Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE​
Wildflowers
Learning to Draw Wildflower
Wildflowers in Color
Refined Botanical Drawing
12 Thursdays
April 4 - June 27
no class on June 6
10 am - 1 pm ON SITE
Mt. Cuba’s unique collections of native plants are a natural fit for the art of botanical drawing. Using specimens from Mt. Cuba’s gardens, learn how to draw flowers, foliage, and stems realistically in this entry-level program. Start with the elements of line, shape, and form, and progress to developing your drawing style. Begin with Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers or dive into the upper-level courses if you already have the basics.
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REGISTER HERE:
https://mtcubacenter.org/event/spring-botanical-art-series-3/
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Workshop: Developing a Fall Foliage & Fungi Sketchbook
Thursday, September 5, 2024
10 am – 3 pm ON SITE
Observations of the natural world are the first step in creating a successful painting. Documenting objects and specimens in the field lets you gather ideas, gain inspiration, and discover how nature arranges its landscapes. This two-day workshop brings you through Mt. Cuba’s grounds in search of habitats with fungi foliage, and other materials to draw or paint in a sketchbook. Please bring your lunch. A detailed list of required materials is provided with registration.
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Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Jenkins Arboretum
& Gardens
Devon, PA
Designing a Spring Sketchbook
Sunday, April 14, 2024
1 – 3:30 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? Explore basic botanical art techniques and review different approaches to making a sketchbook. Take a walk around the garden, then reconvene to share observations and work. A great way to start that sketchbook you have always wanted to create. All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary.
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REGISTER HERE:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/776361045787
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Botanical Observations: Autumn Objects of Field and Forest
4 Tuesdays
October 8 - 29, 2024
6:30 – 8:30 PM ONLINE
Let’s take a closer look at the natural elements that make up our autumn outdoor world! Capture the unique shapes and textures of botanical wonders, all while growing your artistic skills. Join Margaret Saylor virtually to draw (or paint) a new specimen each week. Learn about that week’s botanical theme, as well as how these subjects fit into the broader realm of contemporary botanical art.
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All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A recommended materials list is available for review prior to registration.
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Starting a Botanical Sketchbook
Saturday, November 9
10:00 AM – 3:30 PM ON SITE
Margaret Saylor, Botanical Artist and Illustrator
Whether you’re a beginner artist or looking to add to your portfolio, learn how to start your own botanical sketchbook and sharpen your observation skills during this insightful class. Study intriguing materials from our gardens—seed pods, bark, cones, and more—and use basic drawing techniques to create lifelike and botanically accurate sketches.
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All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A recommended materials list is available for review prior to registration. Bring your lunch.
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Morris Arboretum & Gardens
Philadelphia, PA
Introduction to Botanical Art
6 Wednesdays
April 3 - May 8, 2024
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 (or paint) a new specimen each week. Not only will we learn about that week’s botanical theme, but we will see how these subjects fit into the broader realm of contemporary botanical art. Margaret Saylor is the editor/designer of ASBA’s The Botanical Artist journal. She earned a certificate in botanical art and illustration, with distinction, from the NYBG
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary. A Zoom link and recommended materials list will be emailed to all participants.
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REGISTER HERE:
https://www.morrisarboretum.org/
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Wayne Art Center
Wayne, PA
Botanical Art in Drybrush Watercolor
Saturday, April 20, 2024
10 am - 4pm ON SITE
Painting in a drybrush watercolor method is akin to drawing with paint. We’ll observe and draw a simple botanical subject, transfer it to hot-pressed watercolor paper, and work our way through the technique of applying paint in tiny, colorful strokes. Capture all the details on a botanical subject of your choice.
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REGISTER HERE:
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