Botanical Art & Illustration Class
Graphite Drawing by Instructor Suz Galloway
5 session class:
Wednesdays*, June 3-July 8, 2026, 9:30-noon
*No class June 17
$220 member/$320 non-member, includes Arboretum admission for all 5 sessions.
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Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
Introductory
Class Overview:
In this introductory drawing class, botanical artist Suz Galloway will demonstrate the fundamental tools used in graphite drawing, how to create the initial form of your object, and how to make the “marks” we use to create texture.
In this class you will learn:
- Basic contours and forms of leaf shapes and margins (edges)
- How to create texture and surface details
- Skills to draw a variety of objects: nuts, a piece of bark, a head of garlic and a flower of your choice
Supplies - Student is responsible for supplies. Bring the minimum supplies listed to the first class as the instructor will go over each of the items in the second list before you purchase them.
First class: (minimum supplies)
- 2B wood pencil
- 2 Erasers, white vinyl and kneaded
- 12” ruler
- 11" x 14" Bristol smooth finish paper (no plate or vellum finish)
- 11" x 14" pad of newsprint
Second class: (It is not necessary to purchase these before the first class)
- (3) #5 Mechanical pencils
- (Instructor will discuss various refill leads at the first class)
- Assorted solid blending stumps (not twisted Tortillons)
- Papermate Tuff Stuff Eraser Stick
- Tombow MONO zero 2.3 round eraser in holder
- Tracing paper
- Drawing board or clean smooth surface to mount your paper
- Artists low tack tape
- Magnifiying glass
- Cheap soft new paintbrush for removing eraser crumbles and extra graphite
Optional:
- Proportional divider
Instructor:
Suz Galloway has taught American Botanical art for 22 years and is a gallery member of the American Society of Botanical Art and a chapter member of the Southwest Botanical Artist and the local Great River Chapter. She is co-founder of the 100 year project, Flora and Fauna Illustrata, an art conservation program within the Andersen Horticultural Library that documents in scientific accuracy all the plants, animals, birds and insects that live in or pass through the U of M Landscape Arboretum. Her work is also included in the Eloise Butler Wildflower Florilegium.
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). Note: in winter months 3-Mile Drive may be closed, please check before arrival.
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.