In this intensive mini-course, students are introduced to the methods botanical artists use to render plant specimens accurately and beautifully. Featuring botanical illustrations from the National Museum of Natural History exhibit Losing Paradise: Endangered Plants Here and Around the World (on view through Dec. 12), the instructor introduces students to both the science and the art techniques behind the creation of an illustration.

Working from a flowering plant such as a miniature orchid or another plant with showy flowers and a simple leaf structure, students receive step-by-step instruction in preparing a sketch for a botanical watercolor painting. Composition, the transfer process, shading, foreshortening, and brush techniques are covered. Preparatory scientific methods are introduced, from the basics of scientific names and identification of flower parts to taking advantage of references in print and online.

Students with intermediate drawing skills are welcome to try their hands at botanical illustration. A supply list is mailed prior to the course.

Participants provide their own lunch.

Instructor Doreen Bolnick is one of the guest botanical artists who can be seen at work in the program “The Scientific Illustrator Is In” at the exhibit Losing Paradise.

3 sessions, 6 1⁄2 hours each