school of botanical art & illustration - Denver Botanic Gardens

WINTER/SPRING 2013 CATALOG OF COURSES 

SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION 

Botanical Illustration is the place where art and science unite with beautiful results.

WINTER/SPRING 2013 CATALOG OF COURSES 

SCHOOL OF BOTANICAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION 

The world-renowned School of Botanical Art and Illustration is ideally located in Denver Botanic Gardens, providing students 

and scholars the opportunity to hone and perfect their skills in this specialized genre. Much has been said about the modern 

need to fuse art and science in order to expand economic development and enlightenment, but few programs are as direct in 

their impact as botanical illustration. The School of Botanical Art and Illustration focuses not only on technique, but also on 

the plants themselves, with courses in botany and microscopy, and lectures from visiting artists. From small, highly interactive 

classes to real-world opportunities for exhibition, sales and publication, the Gardens now has every tool needed to instruct 

and inspire flourishing botanical artists. 

Botanical art and illustration is the well-established tradition of portraying plants for scientific purposes, recording vanishing 

species for historical record or rendering the beauty and inspiration we experience in the flora of the world around us. 

Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art and Illustration is designed to offer a comprehensive series of classes in 

botanical illustration, providing participants the drawing and painting skills required to render accurate and useful depictions 

of the plant world with a focus on detail. This program is for the dedicated illustrator, as well as the devoted amateur. It 

culminates in a certificate for some students and offers an ongoing program of botanical classes for others. 

INTRODUCTORY COURSE 

Students wishing to learn more about botanical illustration 

or to brush up on their skills before beginning the certificate 

sequence can take Introduction to Botanical Illustration, which 

is not part of the certificate requirements. 

REQUIRED COURSES 

The following 15 courses are required if you wish to receive a 

Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration. The recommended 

sequence of courses is listed below. This succession is 

appropriate for both the certificate and the non-certificate 

student. Classes should be taken in the order determined by 

their prerequisites.* Courses consist of exercises, critiques, 

demonstrations and homework assignments. A list of supplies 

for each course will be sent with class confirmation. 

1. Botanical Illustration in Pencil I 

2. Botany for the Botanical Illustrator 

3. Light on Form 

4. Botanical Illustration in Pencil II 

5. Composition for Botanical Illustration 

6. Color Layering for Colored Pencil 

7. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I 

8. Perfecting Perspective 

9. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II 

10. Color Mixing 

11. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I 

12. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II 

13. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I 

14. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II 

15. Portfolio Preparation Course 

*Students are responsible for taking note of required prerequisites 

and determining if they are eligible for the course. Class sizes are 

limited and seats are meant for those with required experience to 

enjoy the experience. 

ELECTIVE COURSES 

Elective courses serve a variety of purposes. They are designed 

to increase the student’s knowledge, ability and experience in 

botanical art. In addition to the 14 required courses, students 

must select no fewer than 100 elective hours. The number 

of elective classes offered in any one year may vary. Guest 

instructor workshops may be taken as electives. 

Please note: To receive credit for any course, attendance is 

required at the first class and at 80% of all classes. 

SCIENCE AND ART LECTURES 

Selected lectures at Denver Botanic Gardens can qualify for 

elective credits. Attendance at one lecture gives one elective 

credit hour; students can receive a maximum of 15 credit hours 

from these lectures. Café Botanique is a lecture series open 

to Botanical Art and Illustration students, Gardens members, 

the general public, academia and artists. Pre-registration is 

required for credit. 

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WINTER/SPRING 2013 CATALOG 

CERTIFICATE IN BOTANICAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION 

NEW - PORTFOLIO REVIEW AND 

CERTIFICATION IN 2013 

Upon completion of all course work, students may express 

their interest in applying for portfolio review and certification 

by requesting a transcript from the program manager and 

submitting an application for the review by March 4, 2013. 

Application Fee: $210 (includes the Portfolio Preparation 

course and individual consultation with the instructor) 

Portfolio Preparation Course is mandatory for graduation. In 

spring 2013 the Portfolio Preparation Course is offered at two 

different times. Candidates must choose one: 

1. March 8 – 9, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

2. March 18, 25, April 1, 6 – 9 p.m. 

The capstone course includes practical details for 

putting a professional portfolio together and also 

covers labeling, presentation (cleanliness), artwork 

selection and digital presentation. Finally, you will make 

your own portfolio case with ribbon ties for your art. 

Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski 

After the Portfolio Preparation Course, the candidates have 

the opportunity for individual consultation with instructors to 

refine the portfolio pieces prior to the final portfolio drop-off 

on September 16, 2013. More detailed information will be 

received at the time of application approval. 

The complete portfolio will contain five (5) finished botanical plates: 

1. Graphite pencil 

2. Colored pencil 

3. Pen and ink 

4. Water media 

5. Artist’s choice: This can be a plate in any of the media 

taught within the program or a combination of them. 

KEY DATES FOR 2013 PORTFOLIO REVIEW: 

Final Portfolio Drop-off: September 16, 2013 

Portfolio Review: October 1, 2013 

GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR 2013 

Graduates: November 17, 1 – 3 p.m. 

GUEST WORKSHOPS 

Veiko Kespersaks is a leading North European calligraphy 

specialist and lettering designer based in London. He has 

gained an international reputation as one of the most skilled 

lettering artists and teachers currently working on the field. 

Kespersaks also wrote all titles, subtitles, names and books 

scripts by hand for the British-American animated motion 

picture The Tale of Despereaux (2008, Universal Studios). 

Veiko Kespersaks holds a BA and MA in calligraphy from 

Roehampton University, London. He is a Fellow of the Society 

of Scribes and Illuminators and a Fellow of The Calligraphy 

and Lettering Arts Society. He also is the lecturer in calligraphy 

at Satakunta University, Kankaanpää, Finland. 

During his visit, we have the opportunity to offer two 

calligraphy courses in italics: 

Italic - The West’s Most Influential Script 

Beginning with analysis of 14th Century scribes Bembo and 

Cataneo, this workshop will focus on understanding the origins 

of the script and its purpose. You will use tracing 

Veiko Kespersaks 

paper and pencils to analyze 

the structure of the script, its 

key characteristics and how it 

was written. We will also study 

skeleton letterforms. Explore 

different inks, pens and paper 

and get advice on how to 

choose the best materials for 

your own work. Find the 

connection between Italic 

letterforms and your own 

handwriting. At the end of this 

workshop you will produce a 

finished example of italic script. Fee: $310 member, $370 

non-member. No prerequisites. 

• Mon. – Wed., Feb. 11 – 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Veiko Kespersaks 

No refunds for registration cancellations after January 7 unless 

your seat can be filled. 

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GUEST WORKSHOPS 

Italic Variations - Making Your Own Script 

Building on an understanding of script structure, this workshop 

will introduce the various changes or variations that can be 

made to the italic script to produce a wide range of effects. 

We will first focus on weight, height, compression and slope. 

Next, we’ll examine variables such as branches and serifs 

along with an exploration of the smallest changes that can 

drastically affect the appearance of letterforms. The emphasis 

will be on creating the maximum amount of differences between 

scripts while retaining defining characteristics. Gaining a deep 

understanding of italic will allow you to go beyond copying 

a script and to use the calligraphy in a far more flexible and 

expressive way. At the end of the workshop you will produce 

a sample booklet of Italic variations and a finished example 

of flourish italic script. Fee: $310 member, $370 non-member. 

Entry level knowledge of Italic hand is required. 

• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 15 - 17, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Veiko Kespersaks 

No refunds for registration cancellations after January 14 unless 


Spectacular Botanicals 

with Jenny Phillips I 

Celebrate the spring with 

Jenny Phillips, one of the most 

influential and accomplished 

contemporary botanical artists 

today. Focus is on seasonal 

subject matter; we supply the 

plants and you bring your 

enthusiasm. Ms. Phillips will 

provide an opportunity to 

explore the skills of botanical 

illustration covering design 

and composition, line, tone 

for depth of field, botanical integrity, and the importance of 

form to make the plant realistic. Fee: $415 member, $465 

non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing, Watercolor 

I (Light on Form and Perspective strongly recommended). 

Demonstrated intermediate skill level in watercolor for those 

Jenny Phillips 

who are not in our program. (Priority is given to students of the 

School of Botanical Illustration at the Gardens.) 

Two three-day sessions are offered; you can only register for 

one session: 

Jenny Phillips I: Mon. – Wed., April 22 - 24, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Jenny Phillips II: Fri. – Sun., April 26 - 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

No refunds for registration cancellations after March 4 unless 


Jenny Phillips is a gold medalist from The Australian National 

Print Awards, The Royal Horticultural Society, London, and 

Celia Rosser Award. Ms. Phillips has focused her drawing, 

watercolor skills and love of gardening on botanical art since 

1971. Her exceptional teaching ability ensures high demand 

all over the world for master classes. She has taught master 

classes in Australia, U.K., Italy, South Africa, Japan and the 

US. Her previous visit to Denver was in 2007. 

Joy of Digital Painting: Photoshop Tips and Tricks 

for Traditional Effects 

Do you ever get angry at Photoshop? Do you ever get confused 

with all the options that Photoshop has to offer? Then this class is 

for you. This three-day workshop for beginners to intermediate 

Photoshop users will help you start using Photoshop as a 

painting tool. You start with your own previously accomplished 

illustration executed with traditional techniques. We’ll scan it 

in class and learn about Photoshop palettes and tools needed 

for digital painting. Learn to use layers and how to create, 

use and edit selections. You’ll learn to like Photoshop while 

recreating your own traditional tools and your own style 

through demonstrations, hands-on experience and individual 

guiding. Fee: $310 member, $370 non-member. Entry level 

skills in Photoshop required. 

WEEKEND WORKSHOP 

• Fri. – Sun., May 17 - 19, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Ikumi Kayama, College Park, MD 

No refunds for registration cancellations after April 8 unless your 

seat can be filled. 

Ikumi Kayama is medical and scientific illustrator of Studio 

Kayama, creating illustration, animation, graphics and Web 

design since 2008. Ms. Kayama holds an MA in medical and 

biological illustration from Johns Hopkins University School of 

Medicine and a BFA in scientific illustration from the University of 

Georgia. Her work has appeared internationally in juried shows, 

exhibits, textbooks, scientific journals, presentations and websites. 

She is also the recipient of numerous awards from a variety of 

organizations, including GNSI, AMI and the Illustrators Club. 

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INTRODUCTORY COURSES 

Introduction to 

Botanical Illustration 

Are you new to drawing? 

If you can write with a 

pencil, you can draw with 

one. Step-by-step, acquire 

the techniques you need to 

draw what you see. Simple 

Renee Jorgensen 

exercises train you to 

observe objectively and draw accurately. A relaxed pace and 

straightforward instruction will open your mind to your own 

creative abilities. Build drawing skills to enter the Botanical 

Illustration Program with confidence. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. No prerequisites. Note: If you have had 

some drawing experience, please go directly to Pencil I. 


• Fri. – Sun., March 1 - 3, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Renee Jorgensen 


Botany for the Botanical Illustrator 

What is the difference between a carpel and a pistil? Where 

can I find the stamen? The science of the subjects you draw 

determines what you see! Put away your pencils for this 

enlightening lab class designed specifically for students of 

botanical illustration. Take a close look at plant anatomy 

and learn to recognize botanical details that will make your 

drawings more accurate and realistic. Learn plant morphology 

through detailed instruction and supporting visuals. All of your 

botanical art will improve when you understand the subjects. 

Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. No prerequisites. 

• Wed., March 27, April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 9 a.m. - Noon 


• Wed., May 29, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Composition for Botanical Illustration 

The arrangement of line, shape and color in artwork is an art 

form in itself. The difference between a pleasant picture and 

amazing artwork is often found in composition. This course 

begins with a study of recognized masters and contemporary 

illustrators. Learn how to use compositional elements and 

principles in your botanical illustration. Exercises to create your 

own thumbnail compositions develop insight and expertise to 

enhance all of your future illustrations. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. No prerequisites. 

• Tue., Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 9 a.m. - Noon 

Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt 

• Wed., May 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Botanical Illustration in 

Pencil I 

Learn to draw! Begin with a brief 

history and an overview of the 

specific elements of botanical 

illustration. Learn the skills of careful 

observation and realistic drawing 

in graphite pencil, including line 

drawing, shading and perspective. 


Step-by-step, added techniques 

help you render accurate perspective, texture and detail. This 

is the entry course for every program student and a prerequisite 

for all required courses to follow. You’ll emerge from this class 

with the tools you need to draw anything. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. No prerequisites. 


• Fri. – Sun., Jan. 25 - 27, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Susan DiMarchi 

• Mon., Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 9 - Noon 




Instructor: Constance Sayas 

• Wed., May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6 – 9 p.m. 

Instructor: Randy Raak 


• Fri. – Sun., June 21 - 23, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Karla Beatty 

Botanical Illustration in Pencil II 

Simple and classic, pencil drawing is a timeless art form. 

Expand on the drawing skills you learned in Pencil I as you 

reinforce and refine your knowledge of graphite pencil. Learn 

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additional techniques for 

shading, texture, perspective, 

depth and composition. A 

good drawing is the basis of 

botanical illustration in any 

medium. Group instruction 

and individual attention are 

tailored to help you complete 

Randy Raak 

a botanical plate in this 

subtle and striking medium. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisite: Pencil I, Light on Form, Botany 

• Wed., Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 9 a.m. - Noon 


• Mon., April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Light on Form 

Take your drawings from flat to 

fabulous. The secret to portraying 

light and shadow on your subjects 

lies in understanding the scientific 

method of lighting as it applies to 

different forms. Beginning with basic 

geometric shapes, refine your skills 

Susan Rubin 

in showing light and volume on any 

subject. The class will work entirely in graphite pencil, but 

the principles apply to all other media. As you progress to 

fruits and vegetables, to leaves and flowers, and to entire 

plants with complex shapes, you will overcome the obstacles 

in creating three-dimensional drawings. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I 

• Mon., Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 1 – 4 p.m. 

Instructor: Susan Rubin 

• Wed., Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. - Noon 


• Thu., Feb. 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 6 – 9 p.m. 


• Tue., May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Perfecting Perspective 

Do you shy away from complicated plants? Even experienced 

illustrators sometimes struggle with foreshortening and simplify 

their subjects to eliminate difficult elements. Work with 

botanical subjects that demonstrate each aspect of perspective 

and learn techniques for seeing and depicting it accurately. 

The class will work entirely in graphite pencil, but the principles 

apply to all art media. Gain confidence in your drafting skills 

and improve all of your drawings from this class forward. Fee: 

$210 member, $265 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I 


• Fri. – Sun., Feb. –1 - 3, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


• Tue., May 7, 14, 21, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


Botanical Illustration in Pen and 

Ink I 

Pen and ink is at the heart of botanical 

illustration. Expand your drawing 

repertoire as you learn techniques to 

create line, form and texture in black and 

white. “Expressive line” and “stipple” 

become part of your artistic vocabulary 

as you practice this traditional medium 

Marjorie Leggitt 

with modern and versatile technical 

pens. Step-by-step instruction, demonstration and practice will 

give you the foundation you need to draw any botanical subject 

accurately and skillfully. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

Prerequisite: Pencil I, Perfecting Perspective strongly recommended 

• Wed., Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 1 – 4 p.m. 


• Tue., March 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Botanical Illustration in Pen and 

Ink II 

Take your pen and ink skills to a new 

level of sophistication. Explore the 

Gardens’ limitless world of color, texture 

and complex botany to incorporate 

this information into black and white 

illustrations. Working with both technical 

pen and traditional quill, learn advanced 


techniques to make strokes mimic the 

fuzz on a fern, the down in a milkweed pod or the mottled colors 

of a variegated begonia. Learn how to layer and manipulate 

lines and stipples to develop a full range of value, texture and 

atmospheric perspective. Pen techniques take on new meaning 

as you flesh out a final inked illustration of a plant of your choice. 

Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, 

Pen and Ink I, Perfecting Perspective, Botany 

• Mon., March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 29, May 6, 1 – 4 p.m. 


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Color Layering for 

Colored Pencil 

Colored pencil presents a 

special challenge: mixing 

color directly on your 

drawing! Learn to use a 

simple color mixing method 

adapted to the application 

of colored pencils. Two-, 

Susan Rubin 

three- and four-color mixing 

will get you to the gorgeous greens and luscious lilacs you’ve 

been missing. Learn to determine shadow colors for vibrant 

results. Practice color matching with a variety of plant material 

as you create your own, extensive color workbook to speed color 

selection and application for all future colored pencil drawings. 

Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. No prerequisites. 


• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 8 - 10, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 



• Fri. – Sun., Apr. 5 - 7, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 



• Fri. – Sun., May 31, June 1 – 2, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I 

You’ve learned to layer colored pencil, now learn techniques 

to draw effectively in this medium. Apply your drawing 

skills and learn new methods specific to colored pencils. 

Techniques include layering, building and burnishing in color. 

This versatile, portable medium is perfect for sketching on 

location as well as producing studio pieces. Learn through 

instruction, demonstration and practice on small studies of 

botanical subjects. You’ll be ready to produce a finished plate 

in Colored Pencil II. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Light on Form alt. Perfecting Perspective, 

Color Layering for Colored Pencil 

• Mon., Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 6 – 9 p.m. 


• Mon., March 25, Apr. 1, 8, 29, May 6, 9 a.m. - Noon 



Colored Pencil II 

Take your colored pencil skills 

to the next level and become 

proficient in this fun, versatile 

medium. Work through a stepby-step 

process to create a 

preparatory layered drawing. 

Learn techniques to create texture, 

detail and depth to enhance your 

subject. Experiment with different 

surfaces and solvents for blending 

Susan DiMarchi 

and shading. Add depth with 

atmospheric perspective and learn finishing techniques that 

will make your drawings pop. Individual attention will guide 

you to create a finished botanical plate. Fee: $200 member, 

$255 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Light on Form, 

Botany, Color Layering for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I 

• Wed., March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, 6 – 9 p.m. 


• Thu., June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Color Mixing 

The first step to watercolor painting is mixing colors. Learn a 

system for combining colors consistently to eliminate frustrating 

trial and error. Exercises, demonstrations and discussion will 

show you how to achieve the broadest possible spectrum. 

Learn about paint properties and important information about 

choosing pigments. Practice mixing colors to match a variety 

of plant material. You’ll gain confidence and skills to improve 

all of your color work. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

No prerequisites. 

• Thu., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 1 – 4 p.m. 


• Thu., March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 – 4 p.m. 


• Mon., June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I 

Become part of the watercolor botanical tradition. Combine 

drawing skills and your knowledge of color mixing as you 

discover the delight of putting brush to paper to learn the 

specific techniques of transparent watercolor. Instruction, 

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demonstration and practical 

exercises will guide you through a 

variety of watercolor techniques: 

flat and graded washes, highlights 

and drybrush detail. Learn to 

build washes for depth of tone 

and shading, and how to create 

soft and hard edges. With these 

foundational skills you’ll be ready 

Constance Sayas 

to create a finished plate in 

Watercolor II. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I and Color Mixing 

• Tue., Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 1 – 4 p.m. 


• Thu., May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1 – 4 p.m. 



Watercolor II 

Watercolor basics got you started, 

now develop your confidence as you 

work toward completing a finished 

plate from a live specimen in this 

most traditional of botanical media. 

The emphasis here is on bringing it all 

together. Learn and refine additional 

techniques through instruction, 


demonstration and practice, with 

special attention given to layering, shading and building form. 

Discover brush techniques and colors that enhance perspective 

and depth. Follow painting steps through completion, from 

broad washes to final detail. Learn how to fix mistakes and 

understand why watercolor is a forgiving medium. Fee: $210 

member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color 

Mixing, Watercolor I, Botany, Light on Form 

• Thu., May 2, 16, 23, 30, June 6, 6 - 9 p.m. 



Art Materials for the Botanical Illustrator 

Take the mystery out of materials. There are ten types of 

erasers - which one is right for the job? What is the difference 

between sable and synthetic? What’s vellum? This information- 

packed class will provide you with detailed information 

about all of the art materials used throughout the Botanical 

Illustration program. From papers to pencils, inks to pens, 

brushes to paints, you’ll learn where and how to find all the 

right materials and how they are used. Save time and money 

by shopping expertly the first time. Fee: $45 member, $55 

non-member. No prerequisites. 

• Fri., April 12, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Improve Your 

Handwriting Skills 

Are you writing with your 

fingers or with your forearm? 

Does your handwriting have 

an easy flow or does it look 

tortured? Learn how to develop 

and improve your handwriting 

skills while exploring simple 


methods to get better in 

your signature. This three-hour workshop may give you the 

confidence to sign and label your next botanical illustration 

without the help of a computer. Fee: $55 member, $65 nonmember. 


• Fri., April 12, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Drawing on Tradition: 

Drypoint Printing 

(Intaglio Print) – 

Maurice Pillard-Verneuil 

Maurice Pillard Verneuil 

(1869 – 1942) was trained 

in the classical tradition of 

fine art and later on became 

deeply involved with the 

Maurice Pillard-Verneuil 

Art Nouveau movement. 

He was strongly influenced by Grasset but developed his 

own personal style for decorative patterns and typography. 

In 1908 he demonstrated the decorative possibilities of 

natural forms in “The Study of the Plant and its Applications 

in Art Industries”, showing how plants themselves could be 

transformed into sophisticated designs for lace, embroidery, 

printed textiles, ironwork, carved wood, stained glass, 

porcelain and wallpaper. Learn about his style and make 

your own interpretation using the printmaking process called 

drypoint or intaglio. Learn to etch like the masters without the 

complexity of traditional copperplate methods using Plexiglas. 

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Walk step by step through the drypoint printing process, 

experimenting first with line then applying drypoint to your 

composition. Finish with techniques for coloring your engraved 

plates using the medium of your choice. This type of etching 

renders elegant, expressive lines varying between light and 

delicate to heavy and bold, to create a uniquely velvety feel. 

Fee: $280 member, $330 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil 

I, Color Mixing, Watercolor I OR Color layering for Colored 

Pencil and Colored Pencil I 

• Sat., April 20, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Hibiscus); Sat. – 

Sun., April 27 - 28, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (KOZO-Fine Art 

Materials, 10 E. Ellsworth Ave, Denver); Sat., May 4, 

9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Hibiscus). (Note: 20 hours) 

Instructors: Annie Reiser and Patricia Branstead 

Botanical Zentangle ® 

Based on the worldwide doodling 

craze called “Zentangle ® ” 

started by Rick Roberts and 

Maria Thomas, we will learn 

and practice repetitive strokes 

that form intricate decorative 

botanical patterns. Learn to relax 

and focus as you express your 

Group tangle from the 2012 Botangle class style through intricate, decorative 

drawings that are simple to render, but look amazing and 

complicated. We will practice strokes consciously and deliberately, 

observe botanicals and mock their natural designs to make our 

own “botangles” or repetitive strokes based on plants. Using 

keen observation and contour drawing techniques combined with 

ability to translate plant forms and textures into patterns you will 

create your own special botangle. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 


• Fri. – Sun., Jan. 11 – 13, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Annie Reiser, CZT 

Advanced Botanical 

Zentangle ® 

This continuation of Botanical 

Zentangle ® aims to polish your 

skills of creating “botangles”: 

translating plant forms and textures 

into Zentangle-like patterns. Skills 

From the 2012 Botangle class 

include drawing more fluid lines, 

better understanding and control of light on form using line and 

shading, and developing botanical Zentangles with a step-out 

method. We will explore “tanglations” (variations of existing 

tangles) and using tangles within other tangles to create new 

ones. You will share your new designs with classmates and we 

will create a small portfolio of 12 completed tangles incorporating 

new designs into familiar ones. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Entry level Zentangle ® . 

• Fri. – Sun., June 14 – 16, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Annie Reiser, CZT 

Ukrainian Easter Eggs: 

Pysanky 

Beautiful batik with a botanical 

flair! Start with an introduction 

to the centuries-old craft of 

Pysanky and study botanical 

motifs in traditional ornamental 

patterns. Create your original 

egg design combining various 

Photo © Annie Reiser 

motifs. Learn about the 

specialized techniques and tools for this batik method using 

aniline dyes with wax resist. A discussion of dye colors and 

preparation will have you ready to create one sampler egg 

and one with your personal design, just in time for Easter. Fee: 

$260 member, $315 non-member. Fee includes professional 

toolkit with three different sized traditional kitsky (drawing 

tool). No prerequisites, though drawing experience helpful. 


• Fri. – Sun., March 22 – 24, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Annie Reiser 

FIELD TRIPS 

Focus on Medieval Illumination. 

You have the opportunity to study a selection of medieval 

manuscripts, mainly fragments, from the Special Collections 

Department of the University of Colorado at Boulder. This 

collection constitutes one of the largest holdings of such 

manuscripts in the western United States. Recommended 

especially for students who are registered for Art of Illumination: 

Belle Heures de Jean de France. Fee: $75 member, $85 nonmember. 

• Thu., February 14, 9:30 a.m. – Noon 

Norlin Library, Special Collections Department, University 

of Colorado, Boulder. 

9


Focus on Anne Ophelia Dowden 

Visit the Special Collections Department at University of 

Colorado at Boulder Libraries and study the contents of the 

seven boxes filled with Anne Ophelia’s original paintings, 

value studies, line drawings and sketches. Mrs. Dowden 

illustrated 21 publications, and both authored and illustrated 

13 books. Many of these will be available for a closer look 

during the visit as well. Recommended especially for students 

who are registered for Drawing on Tradition: The Luminous 

Precision of Anna Ophelia Dowden’s Art. Fee: $75 member, 

$85 non-member. 

• Thu., February 14, 1 – 3:30 p.m. 

Norlin Library (3rd floor ), Special Collections Department, 

University of Colorado, Boulder. 

Focus on Ida Pemberton 

The majority of the 64 botanical watercolors that Ida Hubersky 

Pemberton created during the 1930s and 1940s are preserved 

in the collections of the University of Colorado Natural History 

Museum. During this special tour you have the opportunity to 

study a number of the original watercolors by Ms. Pemberton. 

Recommended especially for students who are registered for 

Drawing on Tradition: Delicate Details of Ida Pemberton’s Art. 

Fee: $75 member, $85 non-member. 

• Fri., May 3, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural 

History, Boulder. 

• Fri. – Sun., May 3 – 5, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


Botanical Landscapes 

Move beyond the studio to focus on landscape and 

perspective. Begin in the classroom with a historical overview 

and instruction in basic techniques for drawing and painting 

landscapes. Move outdoors and use a viewfinder to compose 

intimate landscapes featuring botanical elements. Learn 

to be selective, editing the scene to include elements that 

characterize the landscape and eliminate extraneous objects. 

Additional instruction in linear and atmospheric perspective, 

color, and drawing techniques enables you to portray your 

surroundings in pencil and watercolor. Individual guidance 

will help you create a finished botanical landscape painting. 


entry level skills in watercolor 

• Thu., June 6, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 1 – 4 p.m. 


BOOKBINDING 

Color Mixing Journal 

JOURNALING, FIELD DOCUMENTING 

Field Sketching in the 

Gardens 

Focus on a row of trees 

against a beautiful sky 

of cumulus clouds or 

concentrate on the view of a 

bench tucked under a tree. 


You will work in your journal 

and produce mini landscape drawings as you learn how to 

document and record a landscape. You learn to see and limit 

a landscape so that it is easy to draw. You start with a contour 

drawing, build up 3-value thumbnails and then step-by-step 

proceed to a pen and ink or colored sketch. Enjoy group 

instruction and individual guidance as you learn to portray 

some of the Garden’s many landscapes. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I 

Annie Reiser 

Learn the basics of bookbinding! Step-by-step instructions and 

demonstration will help you craft a journal using the Coptic 

sewn binding technique. This classic binding allows your 

finished book to open flat, making it easier to use when you 

sketch and paint. In this hands-on workshop, you can create a 

journal tailored specifically for the program’s color mixing 

course or leave the pages blank to fill with drawing and 

painting. Add your own style with your choice of cover papers. 

Take home a completed journal and the knowledge to make 

more on your own! Fee: $110 member, $135 non-member. 

The fee includes paper (Fabriano Artistico, 90-lb hot press 

watercolor paper and color mixing templates in cardstock), 

10


archival glue, Davey board for one journal and needles for 

sewing. All students are welcome. No prerequisites. 

• Sat., April 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Instructor: Annie Reiser 

Introducing the Byzantine 

Binding 

Upon the fall of the Byzantine 

Empire (1453 CE), thousands of 

the Byzantine original bindings 

were stripped from their original 

covers. The main characteristics 

Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski 

for the Byzantine binding are linkstitch 

sewing on more than two sewing stations, wooden boards 

attached to the book block and fastenings of the peg and strap. 

During this workshop you will work with poplar or other hard 

wood boards and linen thread and create a beautiful book 

filled with pages of archival paper for notes or future paintings. 

Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Materials fee $85. 

Prerequisites: Previous sewing experience required. 

• Wed., June 12, 19, 26, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


DRAWING TECHNIQUES 

Line, Color, Shape and then What? 

• Tue., Feb. 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Color Layering II: Complementary Colors 

Magic or mud? If your complements aren’t getting compliments, 

it’s time to delve into the effective use of color wheel opposites. 

See how adjacent complements create brilliance and layered 

complements dull and shade. Learn to discern hidden 

complements and put them to work for you. Create a finished 

piece that shows off your mastery of complementary color and 

earns plenty of compliments! Fee: $225 member, $280 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color layering for Colored 

Pencils, Colored Pencil I 

• Wed., Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Color Layering II: 

Analogous Colors 

Neighbors on the color wheel, 

analogous colors provide a pleasing 

palette for botanical illustrations. Learn 

about the various effects of layered 

and adjacent analogous colors and 

how to create interest with harmonious 

blends. Create a collection of small 

works in colored pencil that show off 

your new understanding of how to 

make analogous color enhance all of 

Susan Rubin 

your color work. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for 

Colored Pencils, Colored Pencil I 

• Tue., July 2, 9, 16, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 



Put composition into context – apply the previously learned 

composition skills to your own botanical artwork. You will 

learn to create a fuller composition, push the limits and 

develop less traditional arrangements. You might even choose 

abstracting the botanical subject and your representation in 

the way of O’Keefe or Mackintosh. Learn to plan, build and 

arrange new compositions and refine your thumbnail designs. 

Through expert guidance and new strategies combined with 

individual and group critiques you will approach your goal: a 

final plate with an intriguing composition. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Composition, level 

1 color medium with applicable prerequisites 

Browns and Grays in Watercolor 

It’s the ideal season to perfect your color mixing skills for the 

delectable neutrals. Create those elusive warm brown tones 

and mix a range of subtle grays. Learn to analyze neutrals 

as you put color theory in action. Take the mystery out of 

blending and make color mixing intuitive and precise. You’ll 

put your new color sense to work to paint dried winter weeds 

in a botanical plate that will remind you of winter’s delights. 


Color Mixing, Water Color I, (Perspective and Light on Form 

strongly recommended) 

• Mon., Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 6 – 9 p.m. 


11


Mysterious Yellows in 

Watercolor 

Explore and master and the 

subtleties of yellow hues as 

you paint fruits and flowers. 

Begin with examples of how 

other botanical illustrators 

have handled this color. 


Through demonstration and 

practice, learn to create the best color mixes to convey shading 

while keeping yellows bright and clean. Learn how to apply 

shadow colors using both glazing and feathering techniques. 

Practice the range of yellows from soft to striking. Work 

toward completing a plate of a beautiful yellow botanical. 


I, Color Mixing, Watercolor I, (Perspective and Light on Form 


• Thu., March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Flower Studies: 

Arthur Henry Church 

(Microscopy course) 

The revolutionary drawings 

of Arthur Henry Church are 

some of the finest botanical 

illustrations of the 20 th 

Arthur Henry Church 

Century. Work with the help 

of a microscope and the instructor to understand the botanical 

details of your flower. Learn to master micro techniques, study the 

different stages of the flower development, and create an elegant 

plate in the medium of your choice illustrating the exposed internal 

structures of your flower. Fee: $225 member, $280 non-member. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Botany and the entry level course of the 

medium you like to work in, (Perspective and Light on Form 


• Tue., Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 6 – 9 p.m. 


GRAPHITE 

Miniature Masterpieces in Pencil 

Small and special! Bring your big ideas and learn to scale 

them to a small format. Learn about the importance of 

miniatures in the history of art. Discover the delights and 

challenges of working in diminutive dimensions. Learn how 

Susan Rubin 

composition, line, form and precision 

are crucial conveying the message in 

miniature. Instructor demonstrations, 

class critique and individual attention 

will help you complete several 

stunning miniature works of botanical 

art. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I 

• Mon., Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Carbon Dust 

Push your drawing skills into 

a new realm. Carbon dust has 

been a mainstay medium for 

medical and scientific illustrators 

for more than 75 years. Using 

a combination of pencil lines 

and dust “washes” applied with 

brushes; this medium produces 

rich, tonal renderings with the 

value range of charcoal and the 

precision of watercolor. You’ll 

Karla Beatty 

be introduced to the various 

tools associated with carbon dust, including carbon pencils, 

dust, brushes, blenders and fixative. Choose a subject well 

suited to the technique and learn to use methodical layering to 

create a flawless continuous tone. Complete the finer details 

with pencil for a finished carbon-dust rendering. Fee: $210 

member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, (Pencil II 


• Wed., Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Randy Raak 

Darkest Dark and Lightest 

Light with Polycarbonate 

Pencils on Film 

Beautiful artwork is created 

with value: the degree of light 

and dark in a specific subject. 

Working in “plastic” pencil, 

you’ll develop pigment-free 

values and master seamless 

gradations from the lightest 

lights to the darkest darks 

without the usual graphite 

12


sheen. Drawing with pencils formulated for use on 

translucent drafting film you achieve high degrees of 

shading and contrast in your illustration. Demonstrations 

and guided exercises will train you to draw incredible 

detail. Your advanced skills will prepare you to select a 

live specimen and work through the process to a complete 

botanical plate. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pencil II, (Perspective and Light on Form 


• Thu., March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, 9 a.m. - noon 


Bugs and Pollinators in Carbon Dust 

Dead parts, buried parts, dull parts, backs and bottoms - take 

a second look at the unexpected. This class will challenge the 

illustrator to find beauty in the most ordinary subjects, through 

exploration of composition, scale and view. As an introduction 

you learn about bugs and insects from a museum expert during 

your visit to Denver Museum of Nature and Science. In the 

classroom you might prefer using the microscope to see the 

fine details in your selection of bug, beetle, spider or other 

insect. Focus on smooth, continuous tone, range of values 

and precise details as you pay close attention to composition, 

scale and view. Your final plate in carbon dust might become 

your favorite piece for the approaching juried Denver Botanic 

Gardens/GNSI exhibit. Fee: $225 member, $280 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pencil II, entry level carbon 

dust, (Perspective and Light on Form strongly recommended) 

• Tue., June 4, 11, 18, 25, July 2, 6 – 9 p.m. 


PEN & INK, CALLIGRAPHY AND PUBLISHING 

Elegant Hand Lettering 

Learn copperplate or 

round hand lettering, the 

traditional style for labeling 

early botanical plates. 

Popular in England in the 


17 th and 18 th centuries, 

this elegant lettering 

complements botanicals beautifully. Start with an introduction 

to the oblique pen and flexible quill nibs. Practice basic pen 

strokes and learn to form each letter in this classic style. Learn 

label placement and lettering size to complete your plates 

with a special flourish. Fee: $225 member, $280 non-member. 


• Wed., Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Discover Clayboard 

Pen and ink on clayboard 

surface is one of the most 

adaptable and forgiving 

combinations of pigment 

medium and surface. All fear 

using ink is gone! Discover the 

excitement of clayboard where 

contrasts in textures and values 

produce dramatic and luminous 

Randy Raak 

effects. Choose your favorite 

subject matter and create a composition. Learn the techniques 

to convey form, shading, textures and spatial perspective of 

the elements in your composition. Work toward completing one 

or several final illustrations. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I, Composition, 

Perspective (Light on Form strongly recommended) 

• Thu., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 9 a.m. – Noon 


Brush and Quill - Expressive Ink 

on Mylar ® 

Step away from tradition to try new 

techniques! Trade your technical pen for 

a quill and brush and learn to express 

ink lines in a relaxed and painterly 

fashion. Begin with a look at how 

other artists have used ink expressively. 

Demonstration and practice with the 

new tools and colored inks prepares 

you to start your own drawing. Work 

on twigs, winter branches, dried 

Susan Curnutte 

leaves and seedpods; experiment with 

techniques for successfully depicting line, form and texture. 

Make a mistake? No problem! You can erase ink from Mylar ® 

and try again. Complete a botanical study and enjoy a fresh, 

fun way to approach this time-honored medium. Fee: $225 

member, $280 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and 

Ink I, (Perspective or Light on Form strongly recommended) 

• Tue., Feb., 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 6 – 9 p.m. 


13



Magical style of 

Arthur Rackham 

This advanced expressive ink 

course is focusing on Arthur 

Rackham’s luxurious style. 

Arthur Rackham was born in 

1867 and has been called the 

leading decorative illustrator 

of the Edwardian period. He is 

perhaps the most well-known 

artist who illustrated books 

during that era dubbed the 

Arthur Rackham 

“Golden Age” of illustration 

which spanned the years 1870 - 1930. He illustrated 

numerous books such as “Aesop’s Fables,” “Mother Goose,” 

“A Christmas Carol” and “The Night Before Christmas.” His 

“Wind in the Willows” is as much a children’s classic as is his 

“Peter Pan.” Learn how to create a sophisticated composition 

by using pen & ink and washes, combined with the color of 

your choice. Look beyond the ordinary and create a painting 

that will inspire the imagination and parallel the humor 

and imaginary worlds of this most influential Illustrator. Fee: 

$210 member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, 

Pen and Ink I (Perspective or Light on Form recommended), 

Expressive Ink, Watercolor I or Colored Pencil I with their 

respective prerequisites 

• Thu., May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 9 a.m. – Noon 


COLORED PENCIL 

Winter Blooms in Colored 

Pencil on Mylar ® 

When it’s cold outside, winter 

blooms in Marnie’s Pavilion and the 

Orangery! Expand your options in 

colored pencil. Mylar® film provides 

a perfect surface for smooth, 

brilliant colored pencil work. Learn 

Susan Rubin 

the skills specific to this ground, 

including pencil application and layering techniques, how to 

make the back of the surface enhance the front, and how to 

erase colored pencil from Mylar® for quick corrections and 

special effects. See how layering your drawing over other 

surfaces expands the possibilities for your finished work. 

Beautiful winter blooms provide the inspiration for lush plant 

portraits and fresh techniques. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored 

Pencil, Colored Pencil I, Colored Pencil II (Light on Form and 

Perspective strongly recommended) 

• Wed., Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Colored Pencil on Innovative Surfaces 

Colored pencil takes a painterly turn! In a fresh twist on a 

familiar subject, discover the benefits of using colored pencil 

on papers with nap and on sanded papers to create lush and 

velvety effects. Learn about a variety of textured papers and 

how to select the right paper surface for your project. Acquire 

new pencil application techniques that will help you use the 

new surface to full advantage, using deep color to establish 

form and fine line to define details. Individual guidance will 

help you to create a botanical portrait with a distinctly different 

look. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: 

Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I, 

(Light on Form and Perspective strongly recommended) 


• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 22 – 24, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: Libby Kyer 

Miniature Orchids in 

Colored Pencils 

Take a look at the smallest members 

of the largest plant genus in the 

world with over 22,000 species and 

begin with a tour in the Gardens’ 

orchid collection. Feed your love for 

botanical detail while learning to 

create fine feature even in its tiniest 

Libby Kyer 

form. Learn how to use the paper as 

an aid to make detail understandable and intriguing. Through 

demonstration and practice you learn when the detail is too 

fine to represent at actual size and how to manage it 

effectively in your painting. Work to complete a finished, 

detailed botanical plate in one weekend. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering 

for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I, (Light on Form and 





14


Practical Botanicals in the Arts 

& Crafts Style 

It was William Morris and the Arts 

and Crafts and Aesthetic Movements 

of the early 20th Century that trailblazed 

simplicity, craftsmanship and 

design inspired by nature. Applying 

art to function, the style produced 

Steiner & Co., 1903 

objects that were both useful and 

beautiful, with the artist’s hand always evident. Learn about 

the principles of Arts & Crafts designs marketed through F. 

Steiner & Co, Morris & Co, Liberty of London and others, 

then make it your own. Working with colored pencils, create 

a botanical design with a strong repeat. See how to take the 

final step and have it made into fabric or wallpaper for a 

custom finish on your next project. Fee: $210 member, $265 

nonmember. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pencil II, Color Layering 

for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I 

• Wed., March 27, April 3, 10, 17, May 1, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Fruit Crate Labels 

Botanical advertising design! 

In the first half of the 20 th 

Century, families bought most 

of their produce from local 

farms, and the labels on the 

wooden crates served as 

advertising for the farmers. 

Antique label, artist unknown 

Learn the history of fruit crate 

labels, the elements of design and the color combinations that 

caught the eye. Plan and create your own label in colored 

pencil or mixed media, combining accurate botanicals with 

bold color and catchy design. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 


Pencils, Colored Pencil I (Light on Form and Perspective 


• Tue., May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 – 4 p.m. 


MIXED MEDIA 

Deep Inside the Cone: Tulips and Lilies in Graphite 

and Watercolor 

Challenge your drawing skills and merge them with you 

watercolor expertise. Tulips, lilies and other cone-shaped 

flowers will be analyzed for the best approach to drawing 

strategies. Focus on perspective and composition as you learn 

specific strategies for drawing cup and cone shaped blossoms. 

You will start with a pale pencil under drawing which will 

allow you to tackle a watercolor painting with confidence. 

You’ll achieve continuous tone both in your graphite and 

watercolor washes. Demonstrations and individual help will 

guide you toward a finished work as you discover a set of 

new skills and tricks ready to use in your future illustrations. 


I, Botany, Color Mixing, Water Color I (Light on Form and 


• Mon., Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Gold Leaf Gilding 

Techniques for 

Illumination 

The methods of gilding used 

today are rooted in ancient 

Egypt and were later refined 

during the Renaissance. It 

David Ashley 

is documented that gilding 

with gold leaf was carried 

out around 3000 BCE to 2100 BCE using procedures little 

different from those being used today. In this two-day class, 

we will explore a variety of the traditional and contemporary 

gilding methods. Our main focus will be on acrylic mediums, 

including acrylic gesso, gloss and matte mediums. These nontoxic 

materials produce reliable results, and are probably the 

easiest gilding sizes available. We will also explore other 

options, including Jerry Tressor Gold size, gum ammoniac and 

even a few non-traditional methods. Each student will leave 

our class with a number of different samples, instructional 

handouts, small quantities of various gilding mediums and some 

patent gold leaf for further personal projects or experiments. 

Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Materials fee $30. No 

prerequisites. 


• Fri. – Sun., Jan. 18 - 20, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 

Instructor: David Ashley 

No refunds for registration cancellations unless your seat can 

be filled. 

David Ashley has been a calligrapher, bookbinder and 

letterpress printer in Denver since 1980. He has had the good 

fortune to produce works for such notable people as Pope 

John Paul II, The Dalai Lama of Tibet, Desmond Tutu, Lech 

Walesa and Elie Wiesel. 

15


The Belles Heures of Jean de France 

(1405-1408) 

Art of Illumination: Belle 

Heures of Jean de France 

The “Belles Heures” (1405– 

1408/9) of Jean de Berry, 

a treasure of The Cloisters 

collection, is one of the 

most celebrated and lavishly 

illustrated codices of the 

Middle Ages and it is the only 

manuscript executed in its 

entirety by the famed Limbourg 

brothers who were at the time 

of this work only between 16 

and 19 years of age. The 

luminous scenes depicting the 

legends of the saints, the Hours of the Virgin, and the like, many 

with elaborately designed borders, exemplify the transcendent 

splendor of the Limbourg brothers’ talents. After examining the 

literature and library resources you will be guided to develop a 

miniature illumination in the style of the famous Dutch miniature 

painters. You will work with composition techniques and 

create a border or frame incorporating gold gilding into the 

decorated border pattern. You have the possibility to apply new 

techniques, such as creating a parchment-look with watercolor 

paper or even try the real calfskin parchment. With plenty of 

individual guidance from an expert you’ll create an impressive 

Gothic miniature illumination in the style of the Limbourg 

brothers. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Materials fee 

$50. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pen and Ink I, Color Mixing 

• Thu., Feb., 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 9 a.m. - Noon 


Plants Plus Pollinators 

and pin” a specimen for illustration. Study the basics of insect 

anatomy and the processes of pollination. Use your new 

knowledge to create an illustration of a perfect combination of 

host plant and pollinator in your choice of medium. Fee: $210 

member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, any other 

entry level class with its prerequisites, Botany, Light on Form or 

Perspective strongly recommended. 

• Wed., May 8, 15, 22, 29, June 5, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Drawing on Tradition: Mrs. 

Mary Delaney and Her Circles 

In 1772, Mary Delany of Granville, 

England, at the age of 72, decided to 

create a series of botanical collages, 

made with hand-cut paper, watercolors 

and other materials. In the years 1772- 

1782 she made approximately 1,000 

images, which are among some of 

the finest botanical illustrations of her 

time. Before that she had already 

made herself famous with her exquisite 

Mary Delaney 

embroidery, decorative shell work and 

landscape sketches. While learning about Mrs. Delany’s life and 

work you will experiment with mixed media of paper models, 

colored pencil, watercolor, ink and colored grounds. You will learn 

to cut, color and shape exact and detailed botanical models and 

create your own beautiful paper mosaics. This is a skill which you 

can also use in your future botanical illustration work when you 

are solving the problems of light and form. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for 

Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I 

Weekend workshop 

• Fri. – Sun., May 10 - 12, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


WATERCOLOR PENCIL 


Plants + pollinators = more plants! Fulfilling their biological 

imperative to reproduce, plants often require outside 

assistance. An expert on pollination will give you an idea of 

the amazing range of pollinators at work in the Gardens. 

Observe the pollinators as they work hard to collect and 

disperse pollen. Collect insect pollinators and learn to “sleep 

Watercolor Pencils I 

It’s dry, it’s wet, it’s mixed media 

in a single pencil! Discover the 

versatility of watercolor pencils. 

Start with color studies to explore 

the qualities of watercolor pencils 


as they translate into watercolor. 

Experiment with graphite pencil and ink as embellishments as 

you develop and work on sketches from your journal, then put 

16


your new skills to use to create a finished botanical plate in 

this fresh and fluid medium. Fee: $225 member, $280 nonmember. 


Pencil, Color Mixing 

• Tue., April 30, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Watercolor Pencils II 

More to explore! Build on your new 

watercolor pencil skills and add 

more techniques to your toolbox. 

Create a swatch sampler of 

watercolor pencil with varied paper 

and media, including walnut and 

colored inks, gouache and more. 

Learn how to create backgrounds. 

Refine your skills and apply new 

ideas to a finished work of your 


own design. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color layering for 

Colored Pencil, Color Mixing, Watercolor Pencils I 

• Mon., June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 9 a.m. - Noon 


WATER MEDIA 

One Big Leaf: Coccoloba 

or Cecropia 

Whether the leaf is from Coccoloba 

or Cecropia, this plant part is 

fascinating with curls and twists. It 

can be big and bold with lots of tiny 

details or colored with rich earthy 

tones. You will learn to create a 

unified whole, understand the term 


gestalt as used in art: “The whole 

is greater than the sum of its parts.” After learning how other 

masters have portrayed similar subjects in botanical illustration 

you’ll explore a variety of traditional watercolor techniques 

including wet-on-wet and drybrush. You will be surprised to 

produce a final painting that addresses the complexity of 

the detail while the simplicity of a big leaf is retained. Fee: 


Color Mixing, Watercolor I (Light on Form and Perspective 


• Thu., Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 6 – 9 p.m. 


Gouache 

Expand your water media 

repertoire! Gouache (pronounced 

“gwash”) is similar to watercolor. 

Composed of opaque pigments 

thickened with gum arabic, 

gouache differs from watercolor 

in its higher pigment content, 

more brilliant light-reflecting 

quality and opacity that allows 

you to paint over mistakes. By 

varying application, gouache 


can be transparent or opaque, 

and you’ll learn to choose the best approach for your subject. 

Through demonstration and practice, discover the methods 

for applying gouache to create a finished botanical plate 

from a live specimen. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing, Water Color I (Light on 

Form or Perspective strongly recommended) 

• Tue., March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30, 9 a.m. – Noon 


Drawing on Tradition: The 

Luminous Precision of Anne 

Ophelia Dowden 

Colorado native Anne Ophelia 

Dowden (1907 – 2007) is 

internationally known for her 

meticulous, anatomically accurate 

watercolor illustrations of the 

natural world and was among 

America’s leading botanical artists 

of the 20 th Century. Ms. Dowden 

illustrated 21 publications, and 

Anne Ophelia Dowden 

authored and illustrated 13 books. 

Her last book was “Poisons in our Path: Plants That Harm and 

Heal” (1994). Take inspiration from the art and science by Anne 

Ophelia Dowden when you plan and compose your painting 

from specimens. Learn to strategize the painting process and 

learn to use appropriate watercolor techniques from loose weton-wet 

painting approach to a controlled and refined drybrush 

painting approach. Create your own watercolor plate in keeping 

with the spirit of Anne Ophelia Dowden. Fee: $210 member, 

$265 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing, Water 

Color I (Light on Form and Perspective strongly recommended) 

• Thu., Feb. 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 1 – 4 p.m. 


17


Spring Has Sprung: Daffodils in 

Living Color 

Daffodils boast many colors, shapes and 

sizes. Karen Genoff-Campbell has them all 

in her incredible garden, where you can 

choose your favorites for a colorful spring 

bouquet. Practice your perspective and 

composition skills and study the light and 

form on the simple, but complicated subject 

matter. You will practice atmospheric 


and linear perspective while drawing 

the flowers from front, side and angled views to create an 

accurate skeleton on which to build your composition with 

correct depth and value. With plenty of individual guidance 

you’ll create a final plate in your choice of medium with an 

interesting and unusual composition that will endure. Fee: 


Color Mixing, Watercolor I (Light on Form and Perspective 


• Tue., March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 30, 1 – 4 p.m. 


White Blossoms 

Do white blossoms on white paper 

leave you in a quandary? Don’t 

shy away from a challenge! See 

how other artists have solved this 

dilemma as you learn techniques 

to ease the execution. Begin with 

exercises in light, shade and 

composition. Demonstrations 

teach you how to use form and 


placement to your advantage. 

Working in your choice of 

watercolor or colored pencil, you’ll learn how to find the right 

colors for your “white” flowers and create a finished portrait 

of these most delicate of petals. Fee: $210 member, $265 

non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing, Water 

Color I OR Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored 

Pencil I, (Light on Form or Perspective strongly recommended) 

• Mon., June 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 1 - 4 p.m. 


Drawing on Tradition: Delicate Details of Ida 

Pemberton’s Art 

Ida Hrubesky Pemberton (1890 – 1963) was born in Nebraska 

but lived in Colorado most of her adult life (1924 – 1963). She 

created 64 botanical watercolors during the 1930s and 

1940s, taking inspiration from plants 

she grew and nurtured at her Denver 

home. She is revered among 

botanical artists who applaud her 

work for its beauty and painstaking 

detail: hairs, fibrous roots, pistils and 

stamens! Learn the secret depicting 

these specific details through the 

drybrush technique in the style of Ida 

Pemberton. A traditional watercolor 

method, drybrush means working 

Ida Pemberton 

with small strokes and limited use of 

washes. Improve your brush-handling skills and develop 

increased control with guided exercises. Practice paint layering 

techniques to create vibrant color surfaces and sharp clear 

details. Fee: $210 member, $265 non-member. Prerequisites: 

Pencil I, Color Mixing, Water Color I (Light on Form or 


• Mon., May 6, 13, 20, June 3, 10, 1 – 4 p.m. 


Perfecting Poppies 

The poppy family is a relatively 

small one with about 250 species 

in total, but poppies are among the 

most-loved and cherished plants in 

our gardens. A garden specialist 

will give you a presentation about 

the poppies in Colorado where 

you will learn about their history, 

botany and geographic distribution 


and economic value around the 

world. You will be working from a 

live specimen and will focus on expressive and individual 

composition. You will work toward a final piece indicating your 

keen attention to accurate perspective, excellent composition 

and refinement of the technique. Fee: $210 member, $265 

non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Composition, level I color 

media with its prerequisites, (Light on Form or Perspective 



• Fri. – Sun., June 7 – 9, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 


18


Giovanna Garzoni 


Giovanna Garzoni, 

Renaissance Botanical 

Illustrator 

Giovanna Garzoni (1600 – 

1670) was a botanical artist 

patronized by the Medicis 

in Florence. Her favored 

medium was gouache on 

vellum, creating stunning 

botanical illustrations of 

detailed plants. Learn 

about the Renaissance 

painting techniques and 

examine Garzoni’s beautiful 

botanical works, including plant portraits, fruit, and even still-life 

works. Learn to imitate Garzoni’s techniques by using the modern 

medium of acrylics on a tinted base. Discover how to acrylic paints 

thinned with water can be used in a similar way to watercolor 

paints: they may be transparent like watercolor or opaque like 

gouache. Individual guidance, group demonstrations and critics 

will help you to learn and create a final botanical plate in acrylics 

replicating a Renaissance style. Fee: $210 member, $265 nonmember. 

Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing, Water Color I (Light 

on Form or Perspective strongly recommended) 

• Thu., June 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 6 – 9 p.m. 


REGISTRATION INFORMATION 

FIVE EASY WAYS TO ENROLL 

1. By Telephone: 720-865-3580 

2. By Fax: 720-865-3685 (24 HOURS) 

3. In Person: Visit the Education Office at 

Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street 

9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday 

4. By Mail: Attention: Registrar 

909 York Street, Denver, CO 80206 

5. Online: www.botanicgardens.org 

Visit the Botanical Illustration blog at 

www.botanicalillustration.blogspot.com 

and find us on Facebook. 

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY: 

Cancellations more than one week prior to a class are subject 

to a 15% cancellation fee. Cancellations with less than oneweek 

notice are non-refundable. 

taking the missed single classes from the same instructor and 

notifying the program manager two weeks before the course 

starts. If more than 20% of the course is missed because of 

the family emergency or the inclement weather circumstances, 

the course can be re-taken free during the same year from any 

instructor in that media if space is available. 

These policies apply to all registrations in the School of 

Botanical Art and Illustration program. Selected courses have 

additional cancellation and refund requirements printed with 

the course description. Denver Botanic Gardens regrets that it 

cannot make exceptions. 

CERTIFICATE CREDIT REQUIREMENTS 

FOR INDIVIDUAL COURSES: 

Attendance is required at the first class for all courses. In order 

to receive credit, 80 % of a course must be attended (at least 12 

hours of a 15-hour course). 

AFTER COURSE HAS COMMENCED: 

Instructors have no authority to grant or promise refunds. In the 

event of a family emergency or because of inclement weather 

circumstances, the student can later complete the course by 

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CONTINUING EDUCATION REGISTRATION 

Name 

Address 

City State Zip 

Evening Phone 

Work Phone 

Email 

COURSE TITLE DATE COURSE # FEE QTY TOTAL 

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $ 

Denver Botanic Gardens Member ID # 

Payment Method Cash Check MasterCard American Express Visa 

Card # 

Exp Date 

Signature 

Please mail with check or credit card information to 

Registrar, Denver Botanic Gardens 

909 York Street 

Denver, CO 80206 

Please see waiver and release form, and complete 

class information (including our cancellation policy) 

on your class acknowledgement form. 

10th & York Street www.botanicgardens.org 

20

school of botanical art & illustration - Denver Botanic Gardens

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