Botanical Techniques: Milkweed Seed Pods

Class Overview: 

Fall is full of subtle softness and blazing colors, providing many choices to paint. Join this in-depth workshop with botanical insructor, Kathy Creger to observe the structure and learn the traditional English style techniques from washes to dry brush, from muted to bright colors.

In this class you will:

• Observe and sketch the small details that define your subject.
• Light and photograph the subject for reference and create a detailed contour drawing to transfer onto hot press watercolor paper.
• Use various painting techniques to bring textural detail and depth of color to the subject.

Instructor: 

Kathy Creger, a fine goldsmith, jewelry designer, gardener, and orchid grower, brings her love of color and attention to detail to her botanical illustrations. Kathy has been teaching various botanical watercolor subjects for almost 30 years and still delights in each new challenge. She has contributed drawings and paintings to several orchid publications and books. Her paintings have been exhibited nationally and internationally and she has three pieces in the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden Florilegium Permanent Collection.
 

Supplies/Equipment: 

Each student should bring their own supplies. If you have taken other watercolor classes, please bring what you are comfortable using — materials will be discussed at the first class. There is no need to purchase everything on the preferred list. Some watercolor paints, hot-press watercolor paper, a good brush, and a 10-well plastic palette are the most essential items.

Preferred Botanical Art Materials List:

Watercolors: One tube each, Daniel  Smith brand: Hansa Yellow Light (cool), Cadmium Yellow Deep (warm), Ultramarine Blue (cool), Cerulean Blue (warm) NOT Cerulean Blue Chromium, Permanent Alizarin Crimson (cool), Cadmium Red Medium Hue (warm)
    
Brushes: Round Sable: Size 2 or 3 (size 0 option for very fine work), Winsor Newton series 7 or Raphael series 8404 
Synthetic: Escada or Jack Richeson are options in similar sizes (Interlon series 1025 size 0 to 5/0 for extremely fine details (can be ordered)

Watercolor Paper: 1 sheet 140 lb. Hot Press Arches watercolor paper cut into quarters. Scrap Hot Press watercolor paper for testing colors (can be a 1in. strip cut from above) - REQUIRED

Other:  Small 10 well white plastic pallet with cover for mixing colors- REQUIRED, 6” white dinner plate to mix colors to be discussed when painting begins in the second class. Artists LOW TACK tape, NOT BLUE painters tape. Paper towels or soft white old T shirt squares.