Colored pencil drawing by Instructor Aryn Lill.
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, 9:30 a.m.-noon
$80 member/$100 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and supplies; see list* for optional supplies to bring.
Registration coming soon.
Program location: Farm at the Arb - McVay Learning Lab (in the Bee Center)
Adult 18+
All levels welcome
Instructor: Aryn Lill, Art Instructor, artist who is passionate about helping others on their artistic journey
The growing season has ended, but your enjoyment of flowers doesn’t have to. Capture the beauty of chrysanthemums in this relaxing still life drawing class designed for beginners and developing artists. Working from a live floral arrangement, Instructor Aryn Lill will guide you in the creation of a beautiful masterpiece to take home.
Learn how to observe shape, proportion, texture and light while creating a colored pencil drawing on toned paper. Whether you are new to colored pencils or looking to strengthen your observational drawing skills, this class offers a calm and encouraging environment to explore floral still life art!
In this class you will:
- Focus on simple drawing techniques, layering color and building soft shadows and highlights to bring petals and leaves to life.
- Learn about the unique structure and flowing forms of chrysanthemums, helping you gain confidence in drawing organic subjects.
*Supplies/Equipment: Flowers will be provided. Studio quality colored pencils and paper will be available for use in class. Students are encouraged to bring a colored pencil set from home if they wish; a 36- or 48-pack of Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are recommended.
Instructor:
Aryn Lill is an award-winning fine artist, illustrator and muralist whose public artwork can be found throughout Minnesota. Initially focused on drawing the human form, she later found inspiration in wildlife, dreamy skyscapes and the natural world, which are central themes in her work. Passionate about protecting animals and the environment, Aryn incorporates these values into her art. She earned an A.A. in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles and a B.A. in Studio Arts from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, with a focus on public art and illustration. With nearly twenty years of teaching experience, Aryn has worked with students of all ages and cultural backgrounds, developing an instructional style rooted in classical fine art while encouraging personal expression and process exploration. She founded The Blue Fox, a traveling fine art studio, in 2013, expanding it to offer classes and summer camps across five counties in Minnesota.
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.
Address: Farm at the Arb Entrance Gate
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 Myers Education Center (this route may take an additional 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly).
Main Entry instructions:
You will receive a bar-code ticket for entry to the Arboretum in your email purchase confirmation. Your ticket is valid for entry on the day of your class. Present your ticket 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.