Botanical Art & Illustration Class
Painting by Instructor Ronda Dick
5 Sessions:
Saturdays, Sept. 19-Oct. 24*, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*no class on Oct. 3
$220 member/$320 non-member, includes Arboretum admission for all five sessions.
Not a member? Become an Arboretum Member today to take advantage of Member pricing and much more!
Program location: Farm at the Arb - Honey House (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
All levels
Class Overview:
Join botanical artist Ronda Dick as we explore the beauty and complexity of gourds while developing and strengthening your drawing skills. Botanical drawing is a combination of careful observation and copying what is seen. Since drawing is the “bones” of a good painting, this five-week class is a good place to begin if you’re interested in pursuing botanical art OR if you are interested in improving your drawing skills.
In this class you will:
- Learn how to create gesture with lines and shapes.
- Learn how to use light to create the form of the gourd and its textures.
- Learn how to lay down graphite in layers to attain a variety of values.
Supplies - Student is responsible for bringing their own supplies to include:
- Pencils or lead with pencil holders: 3B, 2B, B, HB, H, 2H, 4H, 6H
- Sharpener
- See through ruler or a divider
- Erasers :
- Kneaded
- Plastic (such as in a Tombo eraser)
- Brush (to brush off any eraser crumbs)
- Artist tape
- Paper:
- Tracing paper (suggest a 11" x 17" pad)
- Inexpensive paper such as printer paper/newsprint for quick exercises
- Drawing paper for final drawing (heavyweight, acid free). I suggest the Strathmore 400 series which comes in two finishes: smooth and vellum
- Note: You will not need this the first week, so if you have questions, hold off buying the drawing paper.
- Plant specimens: a gourd or a number of them. You will not need them for the first class.
Instructor:
Ronda Dick spent many years teaching art to students in the public schools and now enjoys being retired and having the time to work on her own art. She is a botanical artist, working in watercolor, who loves how this art form continually challenges her to learn more about art, nature and science. Her works have been included in a number of ASBA’s International Exhibits, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Florilegium and the Minnesota Arboretum Flora and Fauna Illustra.
We recommend that you enter the Arboretum via the back gate on 82nd St, not the main entrance on Hwy 5. This is the most direct route to access the Farm at the Arb, and avoids potential delays when driving through the Arboretum.
Directions: Farm at the Arb Entrance
If you do wish to enter through the main Arboretum gate on Hwy 5, you can take 3-Mile Drive through the Arboretum and turn right on Peter Moe Drive to get to the Bee Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a gate pass for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your pass is valid for entry on the days of your class. Present your pass to the gate attendant as you enter the Arboretum. You may stay at the Arboretum after class as long as you want during our operating hours.