Winter/Spring 2010

BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION

Botanical Illustration is the place where

art and science unite with beautiful results. Certificate Program
 2010 WINTER-SPRING CATALOG
CERTIFICATE IN BOTANICAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION
Botanical art and illustration is the well-established tradition of portraying plants for scientific purposes, recording vanishing
species for historical recollection or rendering the beauty and inspiration we experience in the flora of the world around us.

Denver Botanic Gardens’ Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration program is designed to teach a comprehensive series of
classes in botanical illustration, offering 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 ama-
teur. It culminates in a certificate for some students and offers an ongoing program of botanical classes for others.

Introductory Courses
Students wishing to learn more about botanical illustration
or brush up on their skills before beginning the certificate se-
quence can take introductory courses that are not part of the
certificate requirements: Introduction to Botanical Illustration
and Introduction to Drawing in Pencil.
courses, you must select 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 percent of all classes.

Required Courses
The following 13 courses are required if you wish to receive
a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration. The recom-
mended sequence of courses is listed below. This succession
is appropriate for both the certificate and the non-certificate
student. Classes can also be taken in the order determined
by their prerequisites. Courses consist of exercises, cri-
tiques, demonstrations and homework assignments. A list
of supplies for each course will be sent with your class con-
firmation.
1. Botanical Illustration in Pencil I
2. Botany for the Botanical Illustrator
3. Botanical Illustration in Pencil II
4. Composition for Botanical Illustration
5. Color Layering for Colored Pencil
6. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I
7. Perfecting Perspective
8. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
9. Color Mixing for Artists
10. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I
11. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II
12. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I
13. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II
Elective Courses
Elective courses serve a variety of purposes. They are all
designed to increase the student’s knowledge, ability and
experience in botanical art. In addition to the 13 required
Science and Art Lectures
Selected lectures at Denver Botanic Gardens can qualify for
elective credits. Participation in one lecture gives one elec-
tive credit hour; you can receive a maximum of 15 credit
hours from these lectures. Café Botanique by Mervi Hjelm-
roos-Koski is a free lecture series open to Botanical Art and
Illustration students, Gardens members, the general public,
academia and artists. There is no admission fee and pre-
registration is not required. The Café Botanique schedule is
posted on the Botanical Illustration blog.
Portfolio Review
Upon completion of all course work, you may apply for port-
folio review (held each January and June) by requesting a
transcript from the Registrar and submitting it to the Program
Coordinator when you request your review. Please note: To
receive credit for any course, attendance is required at the
first class and at 80 percent of each course.
The complete portfolio will contain five (5) finished
botanical plates:
1. Graphite
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.
G UEST WO R KS HO P S
Ann Swan: Working In and Out of the Box!
Fine details and bold composition will move your colored pencil work
to a new level! Colored pencil impresario Ann Swan begins with
expert instruction and demonstrations on the fine points of botanical
illustration. Veins, hairs, stamens, tendrils, thorns, water droplets and
more come into focus as you refine techniques to portray the fine
details that can take your illustrations from satisfactory to stunning.
Ann’s relaxed style and individual guidance will help you master new
skills. Move on to composition and learn about traditional and con-
temporary botanical styles. See how Ann interprets elements of ar-
rangement to push the boundaries in her work. Bring it all together to
compose a botanical piece that will showcase all you’ve learned.
Fee: $308 member, $371 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Layering for Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I

• Mon. – Fri., March 22 - 26, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (25 hr)

Instructor: Ann Swan, U.K.

Ann Swan is one of the U.K.’s leading contemporary botanical

artists working in colored pencil. Her work has been shown
at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation and at the
Smithsonian with the Shirley Sherwood Collection, which has
recently toured the world. She has been awarded four Royal
Horticultural Society Gold Medals and has recently been ap-
pointed to the Royal Horticultural Society’s Picture Committee.
Her work now features on six new ranges of china produced
by Jersey Pottery in the U.K. She is an accomplished teacher
Ann Swan, Artichoke
and teaches around the world, most recently in New Zealand,
Italy and Spain, and for the Royal Horticultural Society at their
flagship gardens at Wisley. Her current project is a series
of Heirloom Bulbs for the Southern Bulb Company in Texas.
Ann has just completed a book about her Colored Pencil tech-
niques: ‘Botanical Painting with Coloured Pencils’ to be pub-
lished both in the U.K. and USA in April 2010.

NEW SERIES: EXPLORE THE WORLD

Succulent! Capturing Cacti in Colored Pencil

El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden,
San Miguel de Allende, GTO, Mexico
The beautiful setting and astounding collection of cacti and succu-
lents at El Charco de Ingenio in San Miguel de Allende are your
outdoor classroom. Learn from a garden expert about the botanical
attributes that make succulents unique in the plant world. Draw and
observe cacti and succulents in the gardens using a variety of tech-
niques to record size, form, color and details. Back in the domed
classroom, hone your skills with lessons that target techniques to
portray needles, spines and ridges, as well as the smooth flesh of Susan Rubin, Pediocactus knowltonii
succulents. Practice your color layering skills to achieve the range
of greens and undertones often seen in these plants. Design and ging and food not included. For more detailed information,
develop your field drawings and color studies into a complete por- contact mervihj@botanicgardens.org). Prerequisites: Pencil I,
trait of an individual cactus. Experiment with new techniques and Color Layering for Colored Pencil, Color Pencil I
materials, and learn from demonstrations and individual guidance
as you create a botanical plate with international flair. • Mon. – Fri., March 8 - 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (20 hr)
Fee: $246 member, $296 non-member (transportation, log- Instructor: Susan Rubin
IN T RO DUC T O RY C O U R S E S
Introduction to Drawing
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 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: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites. Note: If you have had some drawing
experience, please go directly to Pencil I.
• Thurs., March 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Weekend Workshop
•Fri. – Sun., Feb. 5 - 7, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
REQUIRED C O U R S ES
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 draw-
ings 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: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Mon., Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
• Mon., May 10, 17, 24, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Composition for Botanical Illustration
The arrangement of lines, shapes and color in artwork is an art
form in itself. The difference between a pleasant picture and
amazing artwork is often found in composition. Using a visual
presentation, this course begins with a study of recognized mas-
ters and contemporary illustrators. Learn to how build botanical
composition by using compositional elements and principles.
Exercises in creating your own sample compositions give in-
sight and expertise to enhance all of your future illustrations.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Thurs., Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
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 portray perspective, texture and
detail. This is the entry course for every program student and
the prerequisite for all courses to follow. You’ll emerge from this
class with the tools you need to draw anything.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites. Note: If you have no previous drawing
experience, consider starting with Introduction to Drawing.
• Tue., Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Weekend Workshop
•Fri. – Sun., Feb. 26 - 28, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Wed., May 5, 12, 19, 26, Jun. 2, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
• Tue., May, 18, 25, Jun. 1, 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 additional techniques for
shading, texture, perspective, depth, composition and style. A good
drawing is the basis of botanical illustration in any medium. Group
instruction and individual attention are tailored to help you complete
a botanical plate in this subtle and striking medium.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Tue., Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Mon., Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
REQUIRED C O U R S ES
Perfecting Perspective
Do you shy away from the complicated plants? Even experienced
illustrators sometimes struggle with foreshortening and simplify
their subjects to eliminate the difficult elements. Learn to see the
correct shape of an ellipse and find the angle of the element
pointing to you, to create the illusion of 3-D depth on a 2-D
surface. You’ll work with botanical subjects that demonstrate each
aspect of perspective and learn techniques for seeing and depict-
ing perspective accurately. Complete a final piece that shows your
new understanding of perspective principles. The class will work
entirely in graphite pencil, as the principles apply to all art media.
Gain confidence in your drafting skills and improve all of your
drawings from this class forward.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Mon., Feb. 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 22, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Weekend Workshop
•Fri. – Sun., May 14 - 16, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
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 illustration medium with modern and versatile techni-
cal pens. Step-by-step instruction, demonstration and practice
will give you the foundation you need to draw any botanical
subject accurately and skillfully.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I.
• Mon., Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
• Tue., Arp. 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
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, textures and complex
botany, and incorporate this information into your black and white
illustrations. Working with both technical pen and quill, learn
advanced techniques to make strokes mimic the fuzz on a fern,
the down of a milkweed pod, 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 perspec-
tive. Pen techniques take on new meaning as you flesh out a final
inked illustration from a plant of your choice.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Pen and Ink I
• Tue., Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
• Tue., Feb. 16, 23, Mar. 2, 9, 16, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Libby Kyer
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-, three-
and four-color mixing will get you to the gorgeous greens and
luscious lilacs you’ve been missing. Learn to gauge shadow
colors for vibrant results. Match 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: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Mon., Jan. 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1, 8, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Mon., Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I
Explore this modern medium! You’ve learned to layer colored pen-
cil, now learn techniques to draw effectively in this medium. Apply
your drawing skills and learn new methods specific to colored pen-
cils. Techniques include layering, building and burnishing in color.
This versatile, portable medium is perfect for sketching on loca-
tion 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: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
and Color Layering for Colored Pencil
• Wed., Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Mon., Mar. 29, Apr. 5, 12, 19, 26, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
REQUIRED C O U R S ES
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
Take your colored pencil skills to the next level. Walk through
the Six Step process to create a preparatory layered drawing.
Learn about grisaille and techniques to create texture, detail
and depth to enhance your subject. Experiment with different
surfaces, blending and shading. Sample special effects you
can achieve with colored pencil on Mylar, colored and dark
grounds. Group instruction and individual attention help you
to become proficient in this versatile medium. Pull all of your
colored pencil skills together to create a finished botanical plate.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I
• Wed., Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, 9 a.m. - noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
• Thurs., Apr. 29, May 6, 13, 20, 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Color Mixing for Artists
The first step to watercolor painting is mixing colors. Learn a sys-
tem for combining colors consistently so you can eliminate frustrat-
ing trial and error. Lots of 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: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Mon., Feb. 15, 22, Mar. 1, 8, 15, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Constance Sayas
• Wed., Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I
Become part of the watercolor botanical tradition. Combine draw-
ing skills and your knowledge of color mixing as you discover the
delight of putting brush to paper and learn the specific techniques of
transparent watercolor. Instruction, demonstration and practical ex-
ercises will guide you through a variety of watercolor techniques: flat
and graded washes, highlights and dry brush 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 to create a
finished plate in Watercolor II.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
and Color Mixing for Artists
• Thurs., Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
• Thurs., Apr. 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II
Watercolor basics got you started—now develop your confidence
and personal style. The emphasis here is on bringing it all together.
Learn and refine additional techniques through instruction, dem-
onstration 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.
You’ll work toward completing a finished plate from a live speci-
men in this most traditional of botanical media.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
• Wed., Feb. 17, 24, Mar. 3, 10, 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
• Wed., Mar. 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 28, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
E L E CTI V E CO U R S E S
Art Materials for the Botanical Illustrator
Take the mystery out of materials. I see 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 to inks, pens, brushes and 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:$37 member, $44 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Sat., Mar. 6, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
• Sat., May 22, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Annie Reiser, Handmade Journal
Handmade Art Journal
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 BI program color mixing 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: $62 member, $74 non-member. All students are welcome,
no prerequisites required.
• Sat., Jan. 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Annie Reiser
Hand Lettering for Garden Diaries and Artwork
Discover the beautiful art of calligraphic lettering! Whether
you are labeling your botanical artwork, taking notes in your
sketchbook or jotting entries into your garden diary, this
wonderful art form adds the final touch. Learn the basics of
calligraphic lettering style, proper form and process, and how
to use it for scientific labeling and other creative uses.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Tue., Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Botanical Models Workshop
It is February and a live penstemon is not a prospect. Simple
and effective, botanical models can bridge the gap between
photographs and reality when a living subject is not available.
Photographs provide necessary information, but can seriously
impact the three-dimensionality of the final image. Learn to
make 3-D models to correctly gauge shadows and form when
you can’t see the plant. It’s fun to do, and very helpful to your
finished art. Working in wire, paper and clay, learn to make
models in just a couple of days!
Fee: $123 member, $149 non-member. All students are welcome,
no prerequisites required.
• Sat. – Sun., Apr. 24 & 25, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Libby Kyer
Drawing Techniques: The Value of Values
The challenge of drawing is to
translate a three-dimensional living
subject into a two- dimensional static
surface, and make it believable! Val-
ues are the variations in tone that
help to create the illusion of form and
space. Learn the difference between
the body value you can see and atmo-
spheric value you must invent for effect.
Working in both graphite and color,
learn to capture value quickly and
accurately using mapping and block-
ing techniques. Demonstrations and
practice will give you skills to improve
and streamline your drawings.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member.
Prerequisite: Pencil I
• Wed., May 12, 19, 26, June 2,
9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Marjorie Leggitt
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Giclée Printing Made Easy
Curious about having prints made but apprehensive about the
time and expense involved? In just one day we’ll introduce
you to the process of Giclée printing. Starting with an over-
view of different printing processes, you will then learn how to
prepare your artwork for prints, the advantages of this method
of printing, and what to do with the prints once you have
them. A professional printer will address the technical side
of the process and bring you up-to-date on costs. Once you
understand the procedure, you can make an educated decision
about what and when to print.
Fee: $62 member, $74 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Fri., June 4, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S

Framing Botanical Art Drawing on Tradition:

Get your work off the drawing board and onto the wall! This one-
day workshop covers the options that will help you to present
your art to its best advantage. Learn the steps to the conservation
techniques that preserve your pieces in an acid-free environment.
We’ll cover all the details of framing materials, styles and embel-
lishments, and you’ll frame a small piece to practice. Whether you
decide to frame it yourself or work with a professional, you’ll be
more confident in your framing decisions.
Fee: $62 member, $74 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Sat., June 5, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Botanical Drawings of Marion Mahony Griffin
Botany and the landscape are intertwined. An 1894 graduate of
MIT, Marion Mahony Griffin was a landscape architect trained by
Frank Lloyd Wright. Her detailed drawings wove natural botani-
cal forms into her architectural renderings. Through intricate and
subtle line drawings in her unique graphic style, she designed
groupings of trees, shrubs and plants. Choose and depict a
variety of native plants that express both accurate botany and
place. Compose a scene with trees, shrubs and plants. Instruction
in composition, perspective and varying line drawing techniques
will guide you to create a finished pencil work in the style of
Marion Mahony Griffin.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I

• Wed., May 5, 12, 19, 26, June 2, 1 – 4 p.m.

Instructor: Karla Beatty
Graphite

Graphite Techniques: Roots and Bulbs

Explore the plant parts you usually cannot see, those hidden
Pen and Ink
beneath the soil surface. Flowering bulbs, vegetables, and even
houseplants reveal intriguing characteristics under the soil. Using a Botanical Roadkill: Fun with Flat Flowers
range of pencils from 6H to 6B, learn how to render the fine hairs, Out of season? Out of state?
smooth and rough textures, and rounded forms of roots and bulbs. Need a plant in January?
Practice continuous tone and sharp details, then put your knowl- Head to the herbarium
edge to work to complete a finished plate in graphite pencil. where a plethora of plant
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I material is waiting to be
drawn! Learn how to work
• Wed., Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 6 – 9 p.m. from those flattened speci-
Instructor: Karla Beatty mens. It’s not as hard as it
looks! After making your
own herbarium specimen
Miniature Masterpieces in Pencil (roadkill), you’ll learn spe-
Up close and tiny! Bring your big cial techniques to draw
ideas and learn to scale them to a the pressed plant so it
small format. Learn about the impor- comes to life on your
tance of miniatures in the history of art. paper. Then it’s just a mat-
Discover the delights and challenges ter of using your existing
of working in diminutive dimensions. pen and ink skills to artis-
Marjorie Leggitt
Working to size for small frames, learn tically create a beautiful
how composition, line, form and preci- botanical plate. Gain confi-
sion are crucial to convey the message dence with new illustration skills and expand your knowledge
Susan Rubin, allium
in miniature. Instructor demonstrations, of the Gardens’ resources as you work with the Conservatory,
class critique, and individual attention will help you focus your own Library and Herbarium.
little jewels of botanical art. Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisite: Pencil I and Pen and Ink I

• Thurs., Apr. 9,16, 23, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. • Thurs., Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb., 4, 11, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Scratchboard: Luminous Illustration in Ink
Start from scratch! Expand your illustration repertoire with a
new tool in your pen and ink toolbox. Learn to achieve exquisite
line control as you master the techniques of pulling line out of
darkness with precision scratching tools. You’ll discover a new
confidence with ink, and an ability to work more quickly by both
adding and removing ink from the clayboard base. The beautiful
dried or dormant “fruits of winter” will provide inspiration for
your finished plate in this inspiring weekend workshop.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
and Pen and Ink I
• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 19 - 21, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Libby Kyer
Colored Pencil
Drawing on Tradition: Inspired by Impressionists
When Monet painted Impression, Sunrise in 1872, he used a
new, synthetic orange pigment in a style that broke the rules
of traditional painting. The Impressionist movement named for
this piece lasted only a few decades, but remains a favorite
genre today. Learn about the ideas behind the movement,
then choose a favorite painting and borrow the composition,
palette and style to create a botanical piece that gives a
nod to Monet, Gaugin and Degas. Using colored pencil and
pastel, explore techniques that break the rules of color
application and traditional botanical illustration.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I
• Wed., Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Monet
Textures in Colored Pencil
Beauty is in the details. Fuzzy, thorny, smooth, matte, shiny,
crinkly or translucent is form on a tiny level. Learn to see
texture in a new way that allows you to create realistic textures
using a variety of colored pencil techniques. Through guided
exercise and practice, assemble a collection of texture
technique studies that you can reference for all future draw-
ings. As the interpretation of the surface of your specimen
becomes more intuitive, new methods for producing that texture
will make painting them in colored pencil rewarding and fun.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Layering for Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I
• Thurs., Feb., 25, March 4, 11, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Libby Kyer
Botanical Traditions: Plants to Dye For
Flowers, stems, roots, leaves and
fruits: all parts of plants contrib-
ute to dye colors. Since ancient
times, plants have been used to
dye fiber. Learn about how dyes
are and the astounding range of
color from plant sources. Choose
a dye plant and research its color
potential. Learn new techniques
for trompe l’oeil effects. Compose
and create a finished plate in
colored pencil that portrays the
plant as well as an example of its
potential dye colors.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-mem-
ber. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color
Layering for Colored Pencil and
Colored Pencil I Susan Rubin
• Thurs., May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Water Media
Botanical Traditions:
The Herbs of Nicholas Culpeper
Nicholas Culpepper, the famous Elizabethan herbalist, made herb
growing very fashionable in the 17th Century. Culpeper spent the
greater part of his life in the English outdoors cataloguing hundreds
of beautiful plants that also hold medicinal properties. Culpeper’s
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Herbal remains a resource for today’s practitioners of herbal medi-
cine. Working in watercolor, create a portrait of an herb plant and its
medicinal uses to create a botanical collage with a story to tell. In this
Studio class, instruction will focus on composition and refining tech-
niques. For members of the RMSBA, this is an opportunity to create
work for the upcoming juried exhibit, “Culpeper’s Medicinal Herbs.”
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Water Color I
• Fri., Jan. 15, 22, 29, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Painting Tulips in Watercolor
Simple and elegant, tulips have
captured the attention of botanical
artists in every era. Learn about the his-
tory of the tulip from its origins in the
Middle East and Central Asia to the
“Age of Tulips” in Turkey to the fren-
zy of “Tulipomania” in 17th century
Holland. Tulips are still compelling
today, with numerous varieties and
colors to inspire any artist. Learn to
create the long, smooth washes need-
ed for tulip leaves, the beautiful arch
and clean edges of the stem, and the
Constance Sayas
luscious color of waxy tulip petals. In
this technique class, instruction and
demonstration will focus on composition, washes and dry brush
details. Paint a lasting plant portrait of this springtime favorite.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color
Mixing for Artists and Water Color I
• Mon., Feb., 15, 22, March 1, 8, 15, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
The Illuminated Herbal: An Alphabet from A to Z
In medieval Europe, written works
began and ended with monastic
scribes. Their exquisite illumina-
tions stand as a memorial to the
world before the printing press.
Begin in the Helen Fowler library to
view examples of medieval manu-
scripts and research the elements
of medieval illumination. Apply this
knowledge to the skills you learned
Peggy Turchette
in earlier Illumination classes. Work-
ing with both line and water media, design and paint an
ornamental medieval letterform showcasing a miniature painting
of a traditional and/or common herb. Your finished piece may
be part of a Gardens’ project to publish an illuminated medieval
herbal alphabet.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
• Tue., Feb. 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Watercolor Dry Brush Techniques:
Spring Bulbs and Daffodils
The secret to depicting specific de-
tails is the dry brush technique! A
traditional watercolor method, dry
brush means working 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. Create a finished
Karla Beatty, Daffodil Bulb
portrait of your favorite spring bulb.
New skills build confidence and can make your next watercolor
project work for you.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Water Color I
• Wed., Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Drawing on Tradition:
Ornamental Florals of Grasset and Morris
In the Victorian era, a return to nature
brought a focus on floral motifs to decora-
tive design. French artist Eugene Grasset
admired Japanese art, and brought his
love of simplified form to poster designs in
France and America. In Britain, William
Morris lent his architectural training to
the decorative textiles and wallpaper
patterns that defined the Arts and Crafts
movement. Explore the composition and
graphic design styles of these masters of
ornamental design. Learn to use graphic
William Morris,
Woodpecker Tapestry design tools and techniques to create your
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S

own decorative botanical motif in gouache and mixed media. Fairmount Roses – Grand Finale
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Historic Fairmount Ceme-
Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I tery boasts more than 300
roses of at least 59 vari-
• Tue., March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, 9 a.m. – noon eties, many of them from
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen the 1800s. Participate in
the preservation of these
beauties through botanical
White Blossoms illustration. Start by study-
Do white blossoms on white paper leave you in a quanda- ing rose paintings from the
ry? Don’t shy away from a challenge! See how other artists masters of the past such as
have solved this dilemma as you learn techniques to ease the Alfred Parsons and Pierre
execution. Begin with exercises in light, shade and composi- Joseph Redouté. Learn
tion. Demonstrations teach you how to use form and place- how to draw the complex
ment to your advantage. Working in your choice of watercolor petal configurations. Prac-
or colored pencil, you’ll learn how to find the right colors for tice techniques, from wet-
your “white” flowers and create a finished portrait of these on-wet to dry brush, and Constance Sayas, Rosa ‘Linda Campbell’
most delicate of petals. how to use them appropri-
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, ately. Visit Fairmount and advance your skills as you learn to
Color Mixing for Artists, Water Color I OR Color Layering for capture the important aspects of roses where they grow. Take
Colored Pencil and Colored Pencil I your field sketches, notes and a clipping from a specimen to
the classroom to create a finished watercolor painting of these
• Thurs., April 8, 15, 22, 1 – 5 p.m., Thurs. April 29, 1 – 4 p.m. gorgeous blossoms. Try this class for the first time or come
Instructor: Constance Sayas back after last year’s session, as this will be the last session in
the Fairmount series. Your finished work can be included in a
planned publication.
Iris in Transparent Acrylics Fee: $247 member, $297 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Explore a wonderful water medium! Though transparent Color Mixing for Artists and Water Color I
acrylic looks similar to watercolor, different application
techniques produce luminous results. Acquire the skills, using • Mon. – Wed., June 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (20 hr)
a simple color palette to transform acrylic paint into sheer Instructor: Constance Sayas
layers. Spring irises present their own challenges, including
complex form, a short life when cut, and translucent, over-
lapping petals. Step-by-step instruction, demonstration and Field Sketching with Watercolors
exercises will help you to create your own lasting botanical Take your studio skills into the great outdoors. Watercolors
portrait in transparent acrylic. are a traditional medium for sketching outside. Learn to make
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I quick gestural studies of botanical specimens. Set up a small
and Color Mixing for Artists portable palette and gather the gear you need for successful
painting in a garden or field setting. Explore brushstrokes,
• Tue., Apr. 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 1 – 4 p.m. color and values in sketching. Find out how to exploit the
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt transparent qualities of watercolor paint. Begin a watercolor
sketchbook of your favorite plants to enjoy from now on.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I

• Wed., June 16, 23, 30, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Instructor: Karla Beatty
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S

Any Media sect pollinators and learn to “sleep and pin” a specimen for
illustration. Study the basics of insect anatomy and the
Drawing on Tradition: processes of pollination. Use your new knowledge to cre-
Flower Portraits of Maud Purdy ate an illustration of a perfect combination of host plant and
pollinator in your choice of medium.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
entry level color media strongly recommended

• Thurs., June 17, 24, July 1, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt

Maud Purdy
When Maud H. Purdy (1873-1965) became an artist in the late
19th Century, she was considered to be a new type of woman:
self-directed, outspoken and highly skilled. As the chief iris illustra-
tor for the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in the 1920s, she launched a
prolific and significant body of work that would later earn her the
title, “best botany illustrator in America”. Begin with an overview of
Purdy’s work of unusual beauty and learn how it also served science.
You’ll use the microscope to understand the botanical details of your
flower and learn to master micro techniques to study the ovary and
flower development. Careful instruction will prepare you to create an
elegant plate in the medium of your choice, illustrating the exposed
internal structures of your flower in the style of Maud Purdy. This is a
microscopy class and the number of seats is limited to 10.
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
(entry level color medium of your choice is strongly recommended)
• Fri., June 18, 25, July 2, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Digital Tools and Photography
Photo References for Botanical Illustrator
Seasons and geography can interfere with the illustra-
tor’s search for a live plant specimen. Scott Dressel-Martin,
official photographer for Denver Botanic Gardens, will show
you how to capture all the botanical information pertinent to
your plant. As an artist, learn to see your subject at its best.
From a scientific standpoint, photograph the important details
including stem, leaves, blossoms, seeds, attachments, veins,
margins and overall plant form. Whether you prefer film or
digital cameras, Scott will teach you the basics of close-up
photography and how to use your equipment effectively.
Fee: $61 member, $73 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Fri., March 19, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Scott Dressel-Martin

Photoshop for Beginners

Plants Plus Pollinators
Plants + pollinators = more
plants! Fulfilling their biological
imperative to reproduce, plants
often require outside assistance.
Insects, birds and bats come to
the rescue and move pollen from
one plant to another. An expert
on pollination will give you an
idea of the amazing range of
pollinators at work in the Gar-
dens. Observe the pollinators
as they work hard to collect
and disperse pollen. Collect in-
“Send a JPEG image at 300 dpi.” WHAT?? Unravel the lingo
and learn the basics of this versatile and necessary computer
software. Start at the very beginning and learn to navigate
the tool bars; size artwork and files, apply filters, adjust color,
crop, and more! Use simple skills to manipulate photo refer-
ences. Learn the process for producing a digital file to meet
specifications for exhibit entries. Bring your computer, Adobe
Photoshop or Photoshop Elements and an open mind. Leave
with the confidence to handle images on your own.
Fee: $123 member, $149 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Sat. – Sun., March 20 & 21, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Marjorie Leggitt Instructor: Annie Reiser
EL ECTIV E CO U R S E S
Abobe InDesign
Create your own multi-page presentations books, brochures
and posters! Learn to design master layouts, insert pictures
and graphics, and change fonts easily. InDesign collects all
the text, image files and typeface files to print your document
exactly as you imagined it. InDesign can also be used with
other Adobe programs such as Illustrator and Photoshop to de-
sign all aspects of your product. You will need a laptop com-
puter with current Adobe InDesign (CS 3 or CS 4) software
installed (a 30-day trial version is available for free).
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Fri. – Sun., Feb. 12 - 14, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Anna Hjelmroos
REG ISTRATI O N I N FO R MATI O N
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 the Gardens,
1005 York Street
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
4. By Mail: Attention: Registration Coordinator,
909 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
5. Online: www.botanicgardens.org
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Refund requests must be received three business days before
the start of the program. Please note that some programs may
have earlier deadlines: these will be listed in the course de-
scription. The registration fee will be refunded, but with a 10
percent processing fee (up to $10). A refund is issued in the
form of a credit on file to be used towards a future class,
a check or a credit to the credit card used to register. Less
than three business days before the program starts, registra-
tion fees are not transferrable or refundable. There will be no
refund for no-shows.
Adobe Illustrator I
Leave your paintbrush at home, and bring your computer to
learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator—a program necessary to
produce vector artwork. Exercises emphasize the use of Bezier
curves to create shapes using the mouse. Simple and straight-
forward instruction will introduce you to the most utilized
tools and a few of the palettes. As with any new skill, practice
makes perfect, so have fun exploring a world of artistic pos-
sibilities. You will need a laptop computer with current Adobe
Illustrator (CS 3 or CS 4) software installed (a 30-day trial
version is available for free).
Fee: $185 member, $223 non-member. All students are welcome,
with no prerequisites.
• Fri. – Sun., March 12 - 14, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
After Course has Commenced:
As all requirements have been prepared in expectation of your at-
tendance, no refunds are possible. 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 taking the missed classes from the same in-
structor and notifying the instructor 2 weeks before the course starts.
If 60-80 percent of the course is missed because of the family emer-
gency or the inclement weather circumstances, the course can be
re-taken from any instructor in that media if space is available.
These policies apply to all registrations in the Botanical Art and
Illustration Program. Selected courses have additional cancellation
and refund requirements printed with the course description. Den-
ver 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 percent of a course must be attended (at
least 12 hours of a 15-hour course).
C ONTINUING ED U C AT I ON R E GI S TR ATI O N

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Please note: Walk-in registrants will be charged a $10 late registration fee.

Please mail with check or credit card information to

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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