Class Schedule
2010/2011
Classes meet once a week for six weeks unless otherwise noted. Class size is limited to 15 people. materials listS MAY BE DOWNLOADED BY CLICKING ON “materials list” below the class description. classes meet at the bakken museum unless otherwise noted.
ALEXANDER (SASHA)VIAZMENSKY - Illustrating Fungi
We are pleased to announce the return of Alexander Viazmensky to the Minnesota School of Botanical Art. His work is in important collections throughout the world including the Hunt Institute of Botanical Documentation, the Lindley Library, the Shirley Sherwood Collection, the Komarov Botanical Institute in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Farlow Library at Harvard University, and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. His singular style of portraying fungi has made him a favorite among collectors throughout the world. He comes to the United States from St. Petersburg, Russia.
November 4, 5, 6
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fee: $425 if registration received by October 1
$475 if registration received after October 1
Illustration by Alexander Viazmensky
ELAINE SEARLE- BRITISH BOTANICAL PAINTING
APRIL 13, 14, 15, 2011
Elaine Searle’s work has been included in the Highgrove Florilegium, created under the Prince of Wale’s Charitable Foundation. Two of her works were exhibited at the 12th International Exhibition of the Hunt Institute of Documentation. In January 2008 she was awarded a Silver Gilt medal by the Royal Horticulture Society for an exhibit of eight watercolours of succulents. Elaine comes to us from Holt, in the north of England.
Watch for further details here on this April 2011 Master Class Workshop.
Illustrations by Elaine Searle
MASTER CLASS: ALEXANDER VIAZMENSKY
November 4, 5, 6, 2010
MASTER CLASS: Elaine Searle
April 14, 15, 16, 2011
SESSION 1: September 13 - October 21, 2010
Minnesota Mushrooms & Fungi
Fall is the prime season for the ephemeral Minnesota mushrooms. Learn about the many varieties of mushrooms and fungus that grow in Minnesota. We’ll examine the physical characteristics to incorporate in order to have your work be scientifically accurate. This is a watercolor class. Some watercolor experience helpful.
Mondays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by August 23
$235 if registration received after August 23
Illustration by Paticia Schmidt
2010/2011 School Year
Class Schedule
Drawing I
Learn fundamental skills for botanical drawing. This class covers the basics of drawing skills for the absolute beginner. Skills that will be developed include where and how to start, learning to observe, how to shade and how to use your pencils. This class will get you past staring at that blank paper and start drawing.
Mondays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Tim Voigts
Fee: $215 if registration received by August 23
$235 if registration received after August 23
Illustration by Norma Nelson
Watercolor I
Learn essential techniques used in traditional English botanical watercolor painting. Brushes, papers and paints will be explained. Students will chose a painting by P. J. Redoute to transfer and paint a copy of. Learn how to properly load a brush with color for flat washes, graded washes and dry brush. The history of botanical art will be discussed. No experience necessary.
Mondays, September 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11, 18
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Karen Bell Brugger
Fee: $215 if registration received by August 23
$235 if registration received after August 23
llustration by Virginia Bragga
Autumn Flowers 3-Day Saturday Intensive
Autumn flowers in deep golds, fiery reds, and brilliant purples and blues will be the subjects for this class. Asters, mums, and zinnias abound at this time of year. This watercolor class will focus on form, texture and color.
Saturdays, October 2, 9, 16
9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: MaryAnne O’Malley
Fee: $215 if registration received by August 23
$235 if registration received after August 23
Illustration by Judy Spiegel
Introduction to Botanical Watercolor - Silverwood
Watercolor is the medium of choice for botanical paintings because of its translucent qualities. In this class you will learn specific techniques used to create detailed botanical paintings. We will work with a limited palette, learning how to mix a wide variety of colors. No experience is necessary.
Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6, 20, 27, 2010
6:00- 8:30 pm
Location: Silverwood
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by August 23
$235 if registration received after August 23
Note: All registrations for Silverwood classes must be made directly through Silverwood. Call 763-559-6700.
Illustration by Connie Magoffin
SESSION 2: November 1 - December 16, 2010
Watercolor II
Put into practice the principals you learned in Watercolor I. Working with simple plant subjects, students will be shown step-by-step demonstrations in making a contour drawing and then a realistic watercolor painting. This class will focus on expression of form, structure, and color. Additional emphasis will be placed on flat wash, graded wash, glazing, wet-in-wet and dry brush watercolor techniques.
Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 19, December 6
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Kathy Creger
Fee: $215 if registration received by October 11
$235 if registration received after October 11
Illustration by Patricia Wittman
Drawing II
Learn to accurately draw botanical forms. Using pencil as the primary medium, emphasis will be laced on drawing to scale, creating texture and surface details. You will create a final drawing project suitable for your portfolio.
Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 19, December 6
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Tim Voigts
Fee: $215 if registration received by October 11
$235 if registration received after October 11
Illustration by Sandra Stowell
Color Pencil I
Color pencils are an excellent material for botanical art and illustration as they are neat, easy to control and useful for fine detail. Learn about the variety of pencils and papers available. Practice basic techniques including different pencil strokes, blending techniques, color mixing, and more. You’ll experiment with textures and will complete a botanical drawing of a simple subject.
Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22, 19, December 6
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Denise Walser Kolar
Fee: $215 if registration received by October 11
$235 if registration received after October 11
Illustration by Denise Walser Kolar
The History of Botanical Art
Explore the rich history of botanical art from the earliest herbals to the age of exploration and contemporary work. Each week we will focus on a particular period in history and the botanical artists who were working in the context of their time. We’ll examine the technical art methods used, analyzing compositions, mediums and technique. Students will receive a reading list and will be required to write a paper on a botanical artist or period.
Thursdays, November 4, 11, 18 (skip 25), December 2, 9
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by October 11
$235 if registration received after October 11
Illustration by Georg Ehret
Fundamentals of Botanical Drawing - Silverwood
Learn fundamental skills for botanical drawing in pencil. This class covers the basics of drawing skills for the absolute beginner. Skills that will be developed include where and how to start, learning to observe, how to shade and how to use your pencils. This class will get you past staring at that blank paper and start drawing. No experience necessary.
Wednesdays, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (skip Nov. 24) Dec. 1, 8, 15, 2010
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Silverwood
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by October 11
$235 if registration received after October 11
Note: All registrations for Silverwood classes must be made directly through Silverwood. Call 763-559-6700.
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
SESSION 3: January 10 - February 17, 2011
Color Theory
Explore color through a series of exercises that will familiarize you with this complex subject. The history of color and color wheels, color terminology, color harmony, colors in nature, clear and neutral colors and mixing greens, creams and browns will be covered. You will complete a series of worksheets that will be useful for future reference. This class is scheduled only once every two years so don’t miss this opportunity!
Mondays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Botanical Portrait of Emperor Rudolph II
Color Pencil II
Color pencil is an opaque medium that can give you smooth even tones, much like watercolor. It is a medium useful for sketching on location and for making color notes. Building on skills learned in Color Pencil I, students will complete a more complex botanical drawing suitable for your portfolio.
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, (skip July 4), July 11, 18
1:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Denise Walser Kolar
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Illustration by Denise Walser Kolar
Black and White Media
This class received rave reviews last year! Bruce will show examples and demonstrate different black and white mediums. Drawing with graphite will be reviewed and demonstrated during the first session. Students will go through a series of exercises to “loosen” up and then begin the line drawing of the subject they will concentrate on for the other mediums including pen and ink, scratchboard, and carbon dust. Other subjects are enthusiastically encouraged, but ideally the students will have three or four completed drawings in the different media when they complete the class.
Thursdays, January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Bruce Wilson
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Illustration by Bruce Wilson
Painting Orchids 3-Day Saturday Intensive
Orchids are one of the most fascinating flowers to illustrate. Their grace and subtle beauty offer the artist a challenging yet rewarding experience. First draw and then begin painting your specimen in watercolor. Kathy Creger is our resident orchid expert and will also review the morphology of orchids. Live orchids will be available for purchase in the first class for approximately $35 each.
Saturdays, January 15, 22, 29
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Kathy Creger
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Illustration by Kathy Creger
Winter Vegetables - Silverwood
Learn how to create beautiful, luminous watercolor paintings of winter fruits and vegetables. Color mixing, layering color washes, and working from light to dark to create optimum form will be covered. No experience necessary.
Saturdays, Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19, 2011
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: Silverwood
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Note: All registrations for Silverwood classes must be made directly through Silverwood. Call 763-559-6700.
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
SESSION 4: February 28 - April 7, 2011
Drawing Textures and Detail
Sharpen your drawing skills by exploring textures- from smooth to bumpy to fuzzy and beyond. Using graphite pencils, you will work on developing techniques for realistically rendering a variety of botanical surfaces.
Mondays, February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Tim Voigts
Fee: $215 if registration received by February 7
$235 if registration received after February 7
Illustration by Tim Voigts
Composition
Composition is the arrangement of art elements according to principles of organization to achieve a unified whole. Learn the principles and how to use the elements of art through a series of exercises that will help you create beauty in your botanical work. Students will develop a visual language for creating effective compositions - those with unity and beauty - intuitively and with confidence Some watercolor or drawing experience helpful.
Mondays, February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Karen Engelbetson
Fee: $215 if registration received by February 7
$235 if registration received after February 7
Illustration by Karen Engelbretson
Illustrating Botany
This is a must-take class for those who are interested in learning more about plants and what to incorporate in your botanical drawings and paintings. Using Sarah Simblet’s book Botany for the Artist as a reference, we will observe and draw a variety of plant parts from flower to root. and twig to bark Each week we will focus on a different plant structure and the function it serves.
Mondays, February 28, March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by February 7
$235 if registration received after February 7
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
Fresh Fruit!
Fruits are interesting sub jects to paint. Their vibrant colors and glowing quality are perfect for the medium of watercolor. Using a variety of subjects from the common pear to tropical fruits like mango you will learn how to layer colors to create the illusion of luminosity.
Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, April 7
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: MaryAnne O’Malley
Fee: $215 if registration received by February 7
$235 if registration received after February 7
Illustration by MaryAnne O’Malley
SESSION 5: April 18 - May 26, 2011
Cacti, Succulents and Euphorbias
Cacti, succulents and euphorbias comprise some of the most fascinating creations of nature. Learn how to illustrate the complexities of these interesting plants. Some watercolor and drawing experience helpful.
Mondays, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Karen Bell Brugger
Fee: $215 if registration received by March 28
$235 if registration received after March 28
Illustration by Debra Greenblatt
Minnesota Native Plants
Learn about the morphology or structure of plants while exploring the indigenous plants of Minnesota. Students will examine a variety of plant materials including the main components: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit. Learn how to dissect and identify floral parts. This class will provide you with an intimate knowledge of plants which will assist you in creating accurate illustrations.
Mondays, April 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Robert Bergad
Fee: $215 if registration received by March 28
$235 if registration received after March 28
Photograph of Robert Bergad
Eloise Butler Wildflower Florilegium - Season 1
Established in 1907, Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is the oldest public wildflower garden in the United States. Approximately 95% of the plants in this garden are indigenous to Minnesota. This class will focus on illustrating plants from this Garden using field sketches and digital images as references. Watch for additional details about this project.
Thursdays, April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by March 28
$235 if registration received after March 28
Hepatica Photograph by Marilyn Garber
Painting Roses 3-Day Saturday Intensive
Throughout history the rose has inspired many botanical artists. Pierre Joseph Redoute created 170 paintings of the roses in Empress Josephine’s garden at Malmaison. We’ll begin by observing and drawing the structure of the plant. Learn how to paint the subtle complexities of the flower in watercolor with a focus on detail.
Saturdays, April 30, May 7, 14
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Denise Walser Kolar
Fee: $215 if registration received by March 28
$235 if registration received after March 28
Photograph by Marilyn Garber
Leaves and Greens- Silverwood
Expand you knowledge about the many shades of nature’s most prominent color - green. This class will increase your observation skills and refine your leaf drawing and watercolor painting technique. You will learn about leaf morphology and the important characteristics that should be included in a botanical painting. Emphasis will be placed on drawing foreshortened turning leaves with accurate veins. Some watercolor experience helpful.
Wednesdays
March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30,April 6
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Silverwood
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by February 7
$235 if registration received after February 7
Note: All registrations for Silverwood classes must be made directly through Silverwood. Call 763-559-6700.
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
Spring Flowers- Silverwood
The promise of spring, tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring-flowering bulbs will be the subject of this class. Students will explore plant morphology as they draw and paint the whole plant from bulb to flower.
Wednesdays
April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2011
6:00 - 8:30 pm
Fee: $215 if registration received by December 20
$235 if registration received after December 20
Note: All registrations for Silverwood classes must be made directly through Silverwood. Call 763-559-6700.
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
SESSION 6: June 6 - July 15, 2011
Ferns and Green
Ferns are one of the most ancient species on earth. Learn about their morphology and illustrate a fern specimen. Expand you knowledge on the many shades of nature’s most prominent color - green.
Mondays, January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: MaryAnne O’Malley
Fee: $215 if registration received by May 16
$235 if registration received after May 16
Illustration by Annie Rosenthal
Farmer’s Market
Bring a plant from the Farmer’s Market and we’ll create a botanical illustration from it. Choose flowers, vegetables, or fruits that are produced locally. Some experience with watercolor is helpful..
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, (skip July 4), July 11, 18
9:30 AM - 12:00 Noon
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Marilyn Garber
Fee: $215 if registration received by May 16
$235 if registration received after May 16
Illustration by Marilyn Garber
Field Sketching
This class meets outside in the beautiful grounds and gardens of the Bakken Museum. Using graphite and fiber-tipped pen, learn how to translate field observations into quick sketches and longer studies. We will sketch trees, flowers, seed heads, small landscapes and other botanical subjects. A field trip to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is planned.
Mondays, June 6, 13, 20, 27, (skip July 4), July 11, 18
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Tim Voigts
Fee: $215 if registration received by May 16
$235 if registration received after May 16
Illustration by Tim Voigts
Finishing Workshop
This class meets outside in the beautiful grounds and gardens of the Bakken Museum. Using graphite and fiber-tipped pen, learn how to translate field observations into quick sketches and longer studies. We will sketch trees, flowers, seed heads, small landscapes and other botanical subjects. A field trip to the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden is planned.
Thursdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30, July 8, 15
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: The Bakken Museum
Instructor: Kathy Creger
Fee: $215 if registration received by May 16
$235 if registration received after May 16
Illustration by Kathy Creger
