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Winter Botanical Watercolor Workshop
Artist-instructor: Mira O’Brien
Format: Online Live (livestreaming with class recordings and instructor feedback).
January 17 – February 21, 2023
– 6x Tuesdays
– 6-8pm CET Online
(6pm in Berlin, 12pm in New York, 9am in San Francisco, 5pm in London)
Cost: 185 Euros
(includes 19%VAT)
What to Expect:
Learn botanical watercolor techniques from your home and discover the hidden botanical gems of winter. Grey, cold winter is not as vibrant as spring or as perfumed as summer; however when we adjust our mode of perception to the season there is still much to be observed. Some plants are fascinating in their hibernation phase, such as the naked branch of a tree or dried seed pods. Some specimens are transformed upon closer observation, such tree bark through a magnifying glass. For a final flower painting, a trip to the florist is also not completely out of the question.
Get to know fascinating characters from the history of botanical illustration, as well as their techniques. Slide presentations provide insights into Naturalist figures as well as some surprising information about even the most mundane plant specimens.
While instruction will take place through an interactive livestreaming format (Zoom), care will be taken to emphasize the individual sensual experience of drawing from living specimens and working with watercolors.
Watercolor Painting Techniques:
- The livestreaming classes introduce watercolor techniques through live demos and interactive instruction.
- Line drawing with watercolor tea wash.
- Building up layers with washes.
- Adding detail and texture with special watercolor effects.
- Mixing colors and the effects of different pigments.
The painting made in this workshop are inspired by the figure of the Naturalist, who was both artist and scientist. These recordings are just as much about the subjective process of observation as they are about the recording of scientific data. All levels are welcome.
Specimens:
High quality, original photographic references are provided for each class. You may also receive simple instructions to collect you own specimen for some classes (optional). For example, you may be asked to pick up a rust colored leaf from the sidewalk, grab a weed sprouting out from a crevice, purchase a piece of seasonal produce and other actions intended to call attention to instances of nature in our everyday environment.
Botanical Watercolor Workshop Series:
A year long series of Botanical Watercolor Workshops that take place online and follow the changing of the seasons. Join at any point in the year for one or all four modules. Continuing students receive a 10% discount on consecutive modules. What’s up next: Spring Botanical Watercolor Workshop
Our Online Workshop Format:
- Livestreaming classes take place via online video conference (using Zoom). The instructor conducts live demos with step-by-step instruction so that you can work together in real time. You also have the opportunity to ask questions and get feedback during class time.
- We keep class sizes small and the atmosphere is interactive and supportive.
- Finish exercises or practice at your own pace, at home, outside of class time.
- Receive individual feedback on your completed work and exchange comments and questions with the instructor and your fellow workshop participants in an encouraging environment.
- Find supplemental material and watch the progress of other participants by visiting the workshop Dropbox folder in between classes.
- Recordings from each week’s livestreaming session are available in case you miss a class or want to review a demo.
