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.
WEDNESDAYS, 6 - 8 PM EST
ONLINE
Sessions will be recorded.
April 5, 19; May 3, 17, 31 (every other week)
http://contemporary-naturalism-guild-of-art.teachable.com
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
GoggleWorks
Reading, PA
Sketchbook in the Garden
Sunday, September 10, 2023
4 - 7 pm ON SITE
Gather in GoggleWorks’ Gardens at Lauer’s Park to illustrate leaves and flowers from our garden space. We will guide through the process to capture the character of the plants and design beautiful sketchbook pages in the process.
You should bring micron pens, a travel watercolor palette, and high-quality sketchbook for mixed media or watercolor i.e. Stillman & Bern Zeta Series/Moleskine.
Register
https://goggleworks.org/event/sketchbook-in-the-garden/
Fleisher Art Memorial
Philadelphia, PA
Botanical Drawing: Summer Specimens
5 Wednesdays
June 21 - July 19, 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 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. We’ll be exploring each of the summer subjects by way of a study sheet, combing graphite, Micron pen, and watercolor (or whatever the student prefers) in order to thoroughly understand our plants. Study sheets can be on a sketch pad, a spread in a sketchbook (most likely what I’ll demonstrate) or even a cut sheet of watercolor paper, one for each class. Some drawing experience helpful but not necessary.
Register here:
https://reg137.imperisoft.com/Fleisher/ProgramDetail/3533313230/Registration.aspx
New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, NY
Mushrooms in Drybrush Watercolor
Saturday, August 26, 2023
11am - 4:30 pm ONLINE
Bring the texture and tones of a mushroom to life on paper using specific watercolor techniques. This workshop will impart the instructor's method of using dry brush watercolor to replicate the colors, form, and texture of this subject. Please note that this technique requires patience, as it entails building up color slowly layer by layer with the use of little water. The demonstration will include color mixing, working light to dark, layering colors, adding fine detail, using dry brush, and glazing. Some painting experience is recommended.
https://www.enrole.com/nybg/jsp/course.jsp?courseId=234BIL159&categoryId=ROOT
Mt Cuba Center
Hockessin, DE
Botanical Art: Spring Wildflowers
12 Thursdays (3 sessions, 4 classes each)
April 30 - June 22 (no class June 8)
10 am - 1 pm ON SITE
Mt. Cuba Center’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 own personal drawing style. Begin with Learning to Draw Spring Wildflowers or dive into the upper-level courses if you already have the basics.
This program takes place in-person (at Mt. Cuba Center) Twelve Thursdays March 30 – June 22, 2023*
Register here:https://tickets.mtcubacenter.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=ga&c=ART#10545
Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Botanical Art on Vellum: Luminescent Color
August 18, 2023
ON SITE
Drawing inspiration from flowers and foliage previously collected from Longwood, create a graphite and watercolor botanical art masterpiece on vellum, a unique material valued for its longevity and luminous color.
Botanical artist Margaret Saylor guides you through the process in this day-long class suited to those new to painting on vellum, as well as those who have worked in this medium before and are looking to expand their skills.
https://longwoodgardens.org/events-performances/events/botanical-art-vellum-luminescent-color
The Mushroom Hunter's Sketchbook
September 9, 2023
ON SITE
Jenkins Arboretum
& Gardens
Devon, PA
From Drawing to Painting:
Botanical Art as a Process
Saturday, September 23, 2023
10 - 3:30 pm ON SITE
Capture a subject in a simple line drawing; then learn to transfer to watercolor paper and create a painting. Move through steps including correcting a drawing; selection of watercolors to build a palette; and painting techniques that suit your style and subject.
Botanical Observations: Designing a Sketchbook of Autumn Subjects
5 Mondays
October 2 - October 30, 2023
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 family of specimens each week. You’ll create a sketchbook page based on the week’s topic. 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. Work in graphite, Micron pen, and/or watercolor.
All levels welcome; some drawing experience helpful but not necessary
Morris Arboretum
Philadelphia, PA
Developing a Botanical Sketchbook
for Fall
6 Tuesdays
September 19 - October 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 autumn 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.