Phipps Flora Project: CSL Green Roof

Students who engage in this year-long project will learn how to research and produce a watercolor or colored pencil rendition of a native plant from start to finish. The focus of this year’s project is the plants on the green roof of Phipps new Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) – which is a native landscape inspired by permaculture principles. Original work will be hung at Phipps Garden Center, and a copy will be catalogued for future educational or marketing uses.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is an elective in the Botanical Art & Illustration certificate program.

Rose Studies in Watercolor

This class has been canceled.

During this 5 session course, students will explore ways to illustrate the finer details of the rose plant using watercolor. Roses have always been the best loved garden flower! However, because of the complexity of their nature, a devotee may hesitate to tackle painting them. The advantages of Carol’s new technique of employing small cosmetic sponges, soft graphite pencils, and creative erasing bring to life the attitude of the rose and its essential structure and characteristics. Not only can these small, artistic studies be framed, but they serve as a vehicle to enhance our understanding as we render them in watercolor.

Two field trips are included in this class. The first trip will be to Renziehausen Park in McKeesport, where 1800 roses on three acres provide an endless variety of subjects. Our second field trip will be a special visit to the Hunt, where curator Lugene Bruno will delight us with her favorite paintings of roses from past and present artists.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is an elective course in the Botanical Art & Illustration certificate program.

Limning: Pollinators

Limning is a traditional painting method that dates back to the Renaissance, and has been used by botanical artists and scientific illustrators for centuries. Tiny brushstrokes are used to build up a highly detailed image, and are still favored by some illustrators who need to portray their subjects with great precision. Limning can be incorporated into larger paintings to bring crisp detail to small areas, or it can be employed by itself to create an entire painting. It is also a very useful “drybrush” method that is perfect for sensitive substrates such as vellum or fine art papers. Chris will be teaching this watercolor technique step by step, providing photos of pollinators (butterflies or moths) as reference material.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is an elective course in the Botanical Art & Illustration program.

Watercolor I: Techniques and Color Theory

Students will learn a systematic approach to painting plants in the classical botanical tradition.  Participants will review materials selection and gain an understanding of which brushes, paper and paint will best serve their needs.  In addition, the class will explore controlled brush techniques while testing the interaction of a limited palette of only six primary colors.  Through a series of demonstrations and exercises, students will refine their brush skills and create a full range of complex hues by overlaying thin glazes of primary colors.  As the class progresses, students will apply newly acquired brush and color understanding to paint basic plant forms.  Knowledge gained in this class will serve as the foundation for controlled, consistent watercolor application.  Please bring a bag lunch.

This class is now filled. Please contact us to be placed on the waiting list.
 

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is a core course in the Watercolor concentration of the Botanical Art & Illustration certificate program.

Rich Colors of Botanicals and Their Pollinators

Render the brilliant colors found in stories of your garden! This workshop teaches students to use watercolor and colored pencil to capture the vibrant summer flowers, leaves and pollinators in their backyard. Students will begin with an exploration of plant structures, to understand the anatomy of color, then will learn how that color is enhanced and brought onto the page. Pollinators may be butterflies or bees. The instructor will introduce a process that progresses systematic sketching to learn and organize information into layered watercolor, ending with the addition of colored pencil to enhance and contrast the subject. Students are encouraged to research and bring references of a desired pollinator and flora to class.

To register, call the Garden Center at (412) 441-4442 ext. 3925 or download our registration form.

This is an elective course in the Botanical Art & Illustration certificate program.