Botanical Art

Year after year, beginning and experienced artists alike have learned and developed their drawing and painting skills in Longwood’s art courses.Whatever your level, you will enjoy the unique beauty of Longwood’s Gardens and Conservatory as you draw and paint under the close instruction of accomplished art instructors and with the encouragement and mentoring of fellow students. You can learn to draw the simplest flower, master the botanical illustration of a complex cultivar, or paint a colorful scene in the beauty of the Gardens or Conservatory. Choose a course in the medium you prefer, and use Longwood’s extensive selection of plants and flowers as the subjects of your artistry.

Beginning Flower Drawing

with Anna Francis

DATE:  Thursdays, Sept 11 – Oct 9. 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
FEE:  $169 passholder; $179 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  082ADBFM

Have you ever wished you knew how to draw flowers and plants but were afraid to try or didn’t know where to begin? Let Anna Francis do for you what she has done for over 2,000 others – teach you how to render any plant, flower, or object realistically. This is a fun course, designed to introduce the beginner to a variety of drawing exercises and problem solving techniques. Using Longwood’s seasonal plants and flowers as your subjects, you will gain the ability to accurately see the world around you and record it realistically. This course is designed for those with no previous art training, or anyone wishing to renew or improve their rendering skills.
Bring your drawing supplies to the first class, including 2B, 4B, 6B pencils, eraser, and a 14" x 17" sketch pad.

Introduction to Plant Illustration

with Carol Gangemi

DATE:  Mondays, Mar 24 – May 19. 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
FEE:  $209 passholder; $219 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  081ADPIM 
OR  
DATE:  Mondays, Sept 15 – Nov 17. 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM 
FEE:  $209 passholder; $219 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  082ADPIM

Botanical plant illustration instructor Carol Gangemi has brought forty years of experience as an educator and  commercial artist to create this course specifically for the plant illustration beginner. In her discussions, Carol will emphasize color theory, composition, and technique. Learn to draw and paint in watercolor, using a collection of plants and flowers from Longwood’s greenhouses and gardens. Work at your own pace and receive step-by-step instructions to develop skills and learn how to create beautiful botanical renderings. Inclement weather date for fall session: Nov 24, No class Oct 13. Bring a small sketchbook and pencils to the first class. Additional supplies will be discussed at this time.

Plant Illustration Studio

with Carol Gangemi

DATE:  Mondays, Mar 24 – May 19. 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM 
FEE:  $209 passholder; $219 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  081ADISA 
OR  
DATE:  Mondays, Sept 15 – Nov 17. 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
FEE:  $209 passholder; $219 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  082ADISA

Spend an enjoyable afternoon each week using your artistic skills to illustrate plants and flowers from Longwood’s greenhouses and outdoor grounds. Carol uses the studio time to give each artist individual attention. You will receive constructive suggestions and encouragement. Work at your own pace to create your own individual project. You will interact with other talented artists to make the studio a very creative and supportive environment.
Inclement weather date for fall session: Nov 24, No class Oct 13. Come to the first session with all supplies necessary to begin work.

Take BOTH Introduction to Plant Illustration and Plant Illustration Studio for $409!

Beginning Watercolor

with Anna Francis

DATE:  Thursdays, Oct 16 – Nov 20. 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
FEE:  $189 passholder; $199 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room 
CODE:  082ADWCM 

Well-known Anna Francis begins this fun and individualized course with numerous demonstrations of basic watercolor techniques and the proper use of water-color materials. Each week develop more advanced drawing and painting skills. Train your eye and hand to work together, while developing spontaneity, a personal style, and the ability to see the world around you with an artist's eye. Learn problem solving techniques and color theory. If you've ever been frustrated by watercolor, or afraid to give it a try, this course is for you. There are no prerequisites for this class! A materials list will be mailed with your registration confirmation letter.

Capturing Seasonal Landscapes

with Eileen Rosen

DATE:  Sunday, May 18.  1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
FEE:  $44 passholder;  $49 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room & Outdoors
CODE:  081ADL1A 
OR  
DATE:  Saturday, June 28. 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE:  $44 passholder; $49 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room & Outdoors
CODE:  081ADL2A 
OR  
DATE:  Sunday, Oct 19. 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM
FEE:  $44 passholder; $49 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room & Outdoors
CODE:  082ADL3A

New in this catalog is art instructor Eileen Rosen’s step-by-step instruction on how to capture the beauty of  seasonal landscapes. In each of these unique sessions, you will set up your easel outdoors in natural light and use colored pencils to portray a vibrant seasonal landscape in miniature. Whether you make several sketches or work on one piece, the emphasis will be on capturing the broad landscape, rather than on fine detail.
Limited to 12 students. This class is for all levels of experience. In case of inclement weather, students will work in the Conservatory. Please bring a 9" x 12" sketch book and pencil sharpener, a set of (at least 72) Prismacolor colored pencils that are wax based and pre-sharpened (please no watercolor pencils). Easels and chairs will be provided. You may wish to bring a cushion or a small lightweight folding stool, and perhaps use a backpack for ease  of carrying materials. You may wish to bring a camera to photograph the landscape for additional sketching at home.

Interpretations in Colored Pencils

with Eileen Rosen

DATE:  Thursdays, Oct 23 – Nov 13. 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
FEE:  $80 passholder; $89 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room and Conservatory
CODE:  082ADCPE

Colored pencils are a versatile medium to interpret live flowers and plants with rich, glowing, and realistic  results. Join Eileen Rosen in the Longwood Conservatory after hours, for a relaxing class with simple step-by-step instruction on interpreting plants and flowers. Learn how to build up layers of color, to burnish, and use the least obvious colors to get the elusive subtleties of nature. Initially work from simple forms and shapes, and progress to more complex plants and flowers. Eileen will emphasize accurate drawing and form. You need no previous art experience to enjoy this class. Beginners are most welcome as instruction is based on individual needs.
Limited to 12 students. Supplies: a 9" x 12" sketch book and pencil sharpener, a set of (at least 72) Prismacolor colored pencils that are wax based and pre-sharpened (please no watercolor pencils). You may wish to bring a cushion or a small lightweight folding stool, and perhaps use a backpack for ease of carrying materials.