Introduction to Botanical Art in Watercolor

Class Overview: 

Botanical art is a vibrant contemporary art form with ancient traditional roots. It emphasizes accuracy and meticulous technique, and appeals to people who enjoy creating through a structured process.

In this introductory class, each student will choose a classic botanical print to copy in watercolor. Botanical Artist Jane Hancock will lead you through the fundamental techniques of the English method of watercolor painting, including flat washes, graded washes, and dry brush paint strokes. Step-by-step, you will apply, build and blend colors through a controlled painting process.

Classes will include demonstrations, exercises, group tutorials and individual coaching to help you develop your skills.

In this class you will:

• Learn fundamental brush techniques of the English watercolor tradition.
• Mix colors using only 6 pigments.
• Consider color relationships, such as warm and cool, complementarity and values expressed in color.
• Get acquainted with the historical tradition of botanical art.

Instructor: 

Jane Hancock took her first botanical art class on a whim, and gradually became hooked on the challenge and rewards of the art form. She has a background in art history and for many years taught evening art history classes at the University of Minnesota. Visiting art museums is still one of her favorite activities.  She exhibits in local and national exhibits of botanical art. The challenge of rendering plant forms accurately and beautifully is fascinating and endless.

Supplies - Each student is expected to bring their own supplies. 

Preferred Materials List - If you already have watercolors, bring them and we will try to make them work.

Please Note: The Daniel Smith brand colors that have "hue" at the end of their name do not use cadmium, they just match the cadmium colors: https://danielsmith.com/product-updates/whats-special-about-cadmium-with-cadmium-hues/ . 

Watercolors:  Daniel Smith brand

• Lemon Yellow (cool)
• New Gamboge (warm yellow)
• Ultramarine Blue (cool)
• Cerulean Blue – NOT Cerulean Blue Chromium (warm)
• Permanent Alizarin Crimson (cool)
• Cadmium Red Medium Hue (warm)

Brushes:     

• Sable: Winsor Newton Series 7, round,  size 2 or 3
  OR
• Synthetic: Raphael Stradivarius Synthetic Sable, round, size 2 or 3 
  OR

• Synthetic: Princeton Velvet Touch, round, Size 3 or 4  

• An old/inexpensive brush for mixing colors, for example, Princeton Velvet Touch, Flat Shader, Size 10 works well

 Papers: 

•  1 sheet 22" x 30” 140 lb. hot press (not cold press) Arches watercolor paper, cut in quarters
  • (Note: Individually sold sheets are recommended because they have a better surface than hot-press paper sold in pads or blocks).
• Scrap hot-press watercolor papers for testing colors and practicing brush strokes. You can cut strips from extra sheet quarters.
• Tracing paper

Other:        

• A few pencils, such as 2H, HB, 2B
• Clean kneaded eraser and white plastic eraser
• Small white plastic palette with plastic lid for mixing colors, 10 wells.           
• Flat white ceramic palette, such as a small dinner plate or appetizer plate, zip bags to protect palette(s)
• Artist’s low-tack tape
• Paper towels (Viva is best)
• 2 small containers for water (single serve yogurt containers work)