Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

INTRODUCTION TO
Botanical Drawing I

This class is designed to provide foundational drawing skills and inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Any age can learn to draw. Marks on paper are all a drawing is. Marks can be made on paper by anyone. Despite this, not everyone takes the time to learn how to draw. It isn’t easy to develop drawing skills without spending a lot of time drawing. This class provides time, motivation and inspiration for you to draw. Learn to think like an artist, get curious, ask questions, and play— all while learning how to draw. We start with an overview of botanical art and learn about the benefits drawing provides for the brain and our physiology. Drawing habits and dealing with the inner critic are also discussed. Using pencil marks on paper, participants explore sketchbook work, basic line qualities, light on forms, and transforming reality into three-dimensional illusions. Sketching, contour drawing, negative space, and measured drawing are also covered. Experimentation, questions, and observations are encouraged in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

This is a beginner’s class. All are welcome to enroll. See class supply list below.

Fees: Member $243, Non-Member $291

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.

REGISTER MEMBER $243

REGISTER NON-MEMBER $291

Dates:
Saturday, March 29, 2025 - Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time:
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Event Details

GES: BI, 20, required*

*This class is required for the new Botanical Illustration Certificate program and provides 20 hours of credit. All are welcome in this beginning class.

Prerequisites: None

Class Environment: encourages experimentation, group discussions, and inquisitiveness
Homework: 5+ hours a week (varies with participant)
Note: Due to limited class time, each participant must realize that additional drawing time outside of the classroom is necessary to acquire the skills taught.
Participants pursuing the Garden’s Botanical Art certificate are expected to complete all projects and make-up any absences before continuing their drawing studies.

This class takes place over 4 Saturdays:

  • March 29
  • April 5
  • April 12
  • April 26 (skips April 19)

View and print the Supply List for Students.

Stephey BakerABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Stephey Baker is an artist specializing in pen and ink, watercolor, color theory, and graphic design for the professional artist community. Her lifelong connection to nature led her to botanical illustration, with a special interest in pollinating insects and the plants that nurture them. Stephey obtained her botanical illustration certificate at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. She believes in cultivating a curious spirit and finds joy in teaching others how to easily connect to their artistic side. Stephey lives in Church Hill with her rescued cats and dogs and tends to an urban garden full of life. In her favorite dreams, she can talk to Bumble Bees. Learn more at markedbythemuse.com

 

Claudette BakerClaudette Baker comes from a long lineage of artists and has lived her life as a student and teacher of various artistic practices. She taught art to children, served as a guest artist at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, and is a graduate of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s botanical illustration program. Claudette’s favorite medium is pencil, both color and graphite. She is a free spirit who accepts all with open arms. As a teacher, she encourages students to learn the basics as the first step in their journey to find their own style and voice. You can follow her on Instagram @claudette_baker.

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