Beginning Botanical Watercolor Class

Instructor: Kathleen McKeehen, Botanical Artist and Instructor
Learn the basics of classical botanical watercolor painting, which will include techniques in measurement, drawing, and understanding how light reveals form, along with practice in color mixing.  The application of controlled washes and dry-brush technique will contribute further, producing an image that is three-dimensional, accurate, and aesthetically appealing–the goal of botanical painting–and equally effective in painting other subjects realistically.  Beginners are welcome, and students with previous instruction can take on new subjects under supervision.  A list of supplies will be provided with registration.

5-part class:  9/28 – 10/26 from 7 – 9:30 pm
Fee: $170 Early Bird Discount; $190 after September 16
Register online: http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg

Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture
University of Washington Botanical Gardens
3501 NE 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105

Landscape Design Series

Design your own landscape guided by Nancy Tom, a licensed, bonded and insured Environmental Horticulturist. See her web site for projects and planting ideas: downtoearthgardens.com.

In six weeks we will learn how to: develop a site analysis, measure, site a house on a plan, draw to scale, design workable hardscaping, consider color and texture, choose plants that are suitable for your soil, microclimate and home, lighting, drainage, trellises and arbor.

This is a six week series, with lectures and time to work in-class.
September 8-27, 7-9:30 pm. Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Fee: $175 Early Bird Discount; $190 after September 1, 2011
Register online: http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg

Isaacson Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture
University of Washington Botanical Gardens
3501 NE 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105

Plein Air Field Sketching

Instructor:  Suzanne Ferris
Everyone can learn from what exists in nature and apply these lessons to their own garden designs, travel sketchbooks or works of art. All skill levels are welcome.

The class will start inside drawing simple cones, cylinders, and spheres and getting used to handling the materials then move outside to discover these same shapes in trees and shrubs. We will be field sketching in sumi and walnut ink as well as soft graphite.  The instructor will demonstrate how to draw abstract shapes rather than specific specimens in the landscape and translate these shapes into a formal composition where “value veils” help create depth on the paper.  We will return to the classroom to discuss one and two point perspective, point of view, and the process of seeing by mark making. A list of supplies will be provided with registration.

Saturday September 24, 10 am – 5 pm
Fee: $75 Early Bird Discount; $85 after September 12
Register online: http://depts.washington.edu/uwbg

Douglas Classroom, Center for Urban Horticulture
University of Washington Botanical Gardens
3501 NE 41st Street
Seattle, WA 98105