The Denver Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art and Illustration is a renowned institution offering a diverse range of courses in botanical illustration. Located in the Freyer – Newman Center, the school provides state-of-the-art facilities, expert instruction, and a rich curriculum for both beginners and advanced artists. With a focus on various mediums including pencil, colored pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, the school offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art and botany.
What Courses Does the School Offer?
The Denver Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art and Illustration offers a comprehensive curriculum that caters to various skill levels and interests:
Foundational Courses
- Drawing in Pencil 1
- No prerequisites
- Introduces basics of plant drawing using graphite pencils
- Duration: Multiple sessions (e.g., Sundays, August 11 & 18, 1-4 p.m.)
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Fee: $180 for members, $216 for non-members
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Colored Pencil 1
- Prerequisite: Drawing in Pencil 1 or equivalent experience
- Teaches colored pencil techniques for botanical illustration
- Duration: Varies, typically multiple sessions
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Fee: $180 for members, $216 for non-members
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Pen and Ink 1
- Prerequisite: Drawing in Pencil 1 or equivalent experience
- Focuses on pen and ink techniques for botanical illustration
- Duration: Varies, typically multiple sessions
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Fee: $180 for members, $216 for non-members
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Watercolor 1
- Prerequisite: Drawing in Pencil 1 or equivalent experience
- Introduces watercolor techniques for botanical illustration
- Duration: Varies, typically multiple sessions
- Fee: $180 for members, $216 for non-members
Advanced Courses
- Advanced courses in each medium (colored pencil, pen and ink, watercolor) are available
- Prerequisites typically include completion of foundational courses in the respective medium
Open Studio Time
- Available for current botanical illustration students
- No instructor present, but space provided for independent work
- Schedule: Select Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Fee: Free with registration
What Types of Workshops and Programs Are Available?
The school offers a variety of workshops and programs to cater to different interests and skill levels:
- Art Exploration Courses
- Open to all, regardless of previous art experience
- Examples include nature journaling, collage, and printmaking
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Some courses count as electives in the Botanical Illustration program
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Botanical Illustration for Beginners
- Overview of history and techniques in botanical illustration
- Hands-on exercises with various mediums
- Schedule: Sundays, August 11 & 18, 1-4 p.m.
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Fee: $180 for members, $216 for non-members
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Special Workshops
- Unique offerings like \”Figure Drawing in Nature\”
- Blend different artistic approaches with botanical themes
- Schedule and fees vary, check the course catalog for details
What Amenities and Facilities Does the School Provide?
The Denver Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art and Illustration, located in the Freyer – Newman Center, offers excellent facilities to support students’ learning and artistic development:
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Classrooms | State-of-the-art with low student-to-instructor ratios |
| Library | Helen Fowler Library with botanical and art-related resources |
| Herbaria | Access for studying plant specimens |
| Art Galleries | Three galleries showcasing various exhibitions |
| Auditorium | Sturm Family Auditorium for lectures and events |
| Coffee Shop | Located within the Freyer – Newman Center |
| Accessibility | Designed to be accessible (specific details not provided) |
| Parking | Available (specific details not provided) |
How Can I Stay Informed About Upcoming Events and Exhibitions?
To stay up-to-date with the latest events and exhibitions at the Denver Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art and Illustration:
- Check the official Denver Botanic Gardens website regularly
- Subscribe to their newsletter for announcements
- Review course catalogs for information on exhibitions and programs
- Look out for announcements on:
- Regular exhibitions related to botanical art
- Lectures and workshops on professional practices
- Creative gatherings and specific artistic techniques
The Denver Botanic Gardens School of Botanical Art and Illustration offers a rich and diverse program for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of art and botany. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your journey in botanical illustration or an experienced artist seeking to refine your skills, the school provides a supportive and inspiring environment to nurture your artistic growth.