Painting Lichen on Branches

Class Overview:

Delve into the fascinating world of lichen in this two-day painting workshop with botanical artist Ronda Dick. We will focus on the lichen growing on trees and discover their intricate textures, freeform shapes and subtle colors. This small-group class will allow plenty of time for practice and instructor guidance.

In this intermediate class you will: 

• Observe lichen and tree branch structures
• Learn to mix muted and earthy colors
• Learn techniques for laying down washes, drybrush and glazing
• Learn how to use negative painting to create positive shapes

A lunch break will be provided. Please bring a lunch, snack and beverage, or limited items are available for purchase at the Bee Center.

Supplies - Student is responsible for bringing their own supplies to include:

Small magnifying glass or lens

Watercolors:  

Bring the palette of paints that you are comfortable using. Try to include a cool and warm of each of the primaries (red, yellow and blue) Should be a professional level paint, not student grade. 

The color palette I will be demonstrating from: 

• Winsor Lemon (WN),
• Quinacridone Gold (DS),
• Permanent Alizarin Crimson (WN),
• Cadmium Red Hue Medium (DS),
• Ultramarine Blue (WN),
• Cerulean Blue (WN),
• Winsor Violet (WN),
• Sap Green (DS)
• Sepia (DS),
• Transparent Brown Oxide (DS),
• Buff Titanium (DS),
• Juane Brilliant No 1 (Holbein).

Brushes:         

• Size 2 or 3 round - must have a good point
• Raphael Series 8404/8408 OR Winsor Newton Series 7
• (May substitute with a Princeton Velvet Touch, Size 2 or 3 Round- synthetic)
• Old brush for mixing (flats work great)

Paper:          

• HOT PRESS  - 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper  OR  300 lb. Fabriano Artistico
• Scrap watercolor paper for testing colors
• Inexpensive paper for practice drawing such as copy paper, newsprint
• Pad of Tracing paper (11" x 14")              

Other:          

• Notebook for notes
• Pencils: 2B, HB, 2H
• Kneaded eraser
• Tombo eraser
• Transfer paper (handmade or bought)
• Small plastic or ceramic palette with mixing wells
• Eye dropper
• Large white porcelain plate to mix colors on (or a few small)
• Artist low tack tape
• Paper towels
• Two small containers for water
• *Foam core to tape watercolor paper to for painting
• *Color wheel (if you have one - you don’t need to buy if you don’t)

Plant Material: 

Please bring some twigs with lichen to class. I will also have some to share.

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.