Geeking Out on Watercolors and Botanical Illustration

PLEASE NOTE: Official signup is through our website: Portland Art Guild

$50/PAG members and $100/Nonmembers
10 am – 2 pm on August 24th and 31st

Illustrating botanical subject matter in watercolor is a time-honored tradition, with its ancient roots (pardon the pun) in illustrating plants to document and explain their medical properties. Fast forward to the Renaissance era, and we see the tradition expand beyond medicinal illustrations to include documenting flora (and fauna) as part of scientific inquiry. During the age of exploration it was used to illustrate what was found in far-flung parts of the globe. And it has never gone away – people are as fascinated today by stunning, detailed, well-rendered botanical subject matter. Indeed, it continues to have commercial value as there are aspects for which illustration is still a better means to document the natural world than photography.

Unlike some watercolor techniques that rely on quickness, many botanical artists work very slowly, relying on skills such as observation, knowledge of rendering 3D form through color theory and shading, taking advantage of the characteristics of watercolors, and working through composition challenges, to create stunningly realistic plant portraits. This workshop will introduce all of these technical elements and share what I’ve learned over the years about how to apply them.

Find your supply list here.