2009 WINTER-SPRING CATALOG

CERTIFICATE IN BOTANICAL ART AND ILLUSTRATION

Botanical art and illustration is the well-established tradition of portraying plants for scientific purposes, recording
vanishing species for historical recollection or rendering the beauty and inspiration we experience in the flora of
the world around us.

Denver Botanic Gardens’ Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration program is designed to teach a
comprehensive series of classes in botanical illustration, offering participants the drawing and painting skills
required to render accurate and useful depictions of the plant world with a focus on detail. This program is for the
dedicated illustrator, as well as the devoted amateur. It culminates in a certificate for some students and offers an
ongoing program of botanical classes for others.
~~~~~~~~~~

Introductory Courses experience in botanical art. In addition to the 13 required

Students wishing to learn more about botanical illustration
or brush up on their skills before beginning the certificate
sequence can take introductory courses that are not part of
the certificate requirements: Introduction to Botanical
Illustration, Art Materials for the Botanical Illustrator and
Introduction to Drawing in Pencil.
courses, you must select 100 elective hours. The number
of elective classes offered in any one year may vary.
Guest instructor workshops may be taken as electives.
Please note: To receive credit for any course, attendance
is required at the first class and at 80 percent of all
classes.

Required Courses Café Botanique – Science and Art Lecture Series

The following 13 courses are required if you wish to
receive a Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration. The
recommended sequence of courses is listed below. This
succession is appropriate for both the certificate and the
non-certificate student. Classes can also be taken in the
order determined by their prerequisites. Courses
consist of exercises, critiques, demonstrations and
homework assignments. A list of supplies for each course
will be sent with your class confirmation.
This free lecture series is open to Botanical Art and
Illustration students, as well as to Gardens members, the
general public, academia and artists.
There is no admission fee and pre-registration is not
required. Participation in one lecture gives one elective
credit hour; you can receive a maximum of 15 credit
hours from these lectures. The program is posted in
Classroom C and on the BI blog, or you can receive
information by phone at 720-865-3580.

1. Botanical Illustration in Pencil I Portfolio Review

2. Botany for the Botanical Illustrator
3. Botanical Illustration in Pencil II Upon completion of all course work, you may apply for
4. Composition for Botanical Illustration portfolio review (held each January and June) by
5. Color Layering for Colored Pencil requesting a transcript from the Registrar and submitting
6. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I it to the Program Coordinator when you request your
7. Perfecting Perspective review. Please note: To receive credit for any course,
8. Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II attendance is required at the first class and at 80 percent
9. Color Mixing for Artists of each course.
10. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I The complete portfolio will contain five (5) finished
11. Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II botanical plates:
12. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I Graphite
13. Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II Colored Pencil
Pen and Ink
Water media
Elective Courses Artist’s choice: This can be a plate in any of the media
Elective courses serve a variety of purposes. They are all taught within the program or a combination of them.
designed to increase the student’s knowledge, ability and

BI-BLOG: www.botanicalillustration.blogspot.com

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 GUEST WORKSHOPS

Gifts from the Earth: The Value of Pencils with

Rhonda Nass
Beautiful artwork is created with value: the degree
of light and dark in a specific subject. Working in
pencil, you'll develop pigment-free values and
master seamless gradations from the lightest lights to
the darkest darks without the usual graphite sheen. A
simple exercise will train each student to draw
incredible detail. The graphite-illustrated Gifts from
the Earth will be our reference book. Each
participant will design a composition and begin an
original work using tricks to draw viewers' eyes to
the focal point. Value training will improve artwork
of any medium and drawing in graphite is so much
fun! Fee: $220 member, $264 non-member.
Prerequisite: Pencil I
Course #09WBI520
Fri. - Sun., Feb. 20 – 22, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (18 hr)
Instructor: Rhonda Nass

Rhonda Nass's art career began with her high

school art teacher's pronouncement, "You'll never be
an artist"--all a stubborn teenager needed to
catapult her through a University of Wisconsin-
Madison art degree to owning (along with her
husband, Rick) an illustration/art studio, which
celebrated its’ 32nd year last month. Artists most
influential in Rhonda's work are Caravaggio, Robert
Bateman, Wayne Thiebaud and Rick Nass. Her
artwork appears in galleries, private and corporate © Rhonda Nass
collections, museums and international publications.

~~~~~~

Archaic Methods and Mediums in Botanical

Illustration with Karen Ackoff

Silverpoint
Silverpoint, or "metalpoint", is a venerable technique
used by the masters. A pointed wire is pulled across
a painted ground, leaving behind a silvery residue
that eventually tarnishes. Tone is created from finely
layered networks of line, creating the illusion of
tone. It lends itself to extremely fine detail not
possible with traditional pencil techniques.
Silverpoint makes a lovely under-drawing for egg
tempera, or can stand on its own.
We’ll begin with a brief history of the technique -
covering grounds and different types of metals used,
© Karen Ackoff
and showing both historical and contemporary
3

examples. Discussion and demonstration will show
you the technique of preparing and laying a ground.
Learn to prepare silver wire for use in a lead-holder
and prepare a surface accepting of silverpoint
drawing. A series of short exercises will develop a
feel for the full tonal range of the technique. You’ll
complete a drawing of a small specimen to get a feel
for this new medium
Egg Tempera: A Contemporary Approach
Egg tempera is a medium with characteristics unlike
modern media. Because it lends itself towards
transparency and is also waterproof, colors may be
layered, allowing them to show through subsequent
applications of color. The surface of an egg tempera
painting has a soft sheen that may actually be
enhanced by gentle buffing. We’ll explore these and
other qualities characteristic to this versatile
medium. Demonstration and discussion will show
you traditional methods of preparing a gessoed panel
and working with powder pigments. A more modern
method employs watercolors, rather than powder
pigments, taking away some of the guesswork for
the beginner. Both traditional and modern methods
permit techniques such as cross-hatching, stippling
and scumbling. You’ll explore and experiment with
these techniques, and will apply them to a small
study.
Fee: $220 member, $264 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI530
Fri. - Sun., Apr. 17 – 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (18 hr)
Instructor: Karen Ackoff

© Karen Ackoff
Karen Ackoff has a B.F.A. in Illustration from Philadelphia College of Art and an M.F.A. in Medical Illustration
from Rochester Institute of Technology. Ms. Ackoff has been a practicing artist for more than 30 years. She began
her career illustrating children's educational textbooks. Longing to combine her love of science and the natural
world, Ms. Ackoff pursued graduate study in medical illustration, focusing on veterinary medicine and the natural
sciences. Ms. Ackoff worked for 10 years as Scientific Illustrator in the Department of Anthropology at the
Smithsonian Institution. She worked on a variety of projects, including the Handbook of North American
Indians—a 20-volume encyclopedia. She presently teaches and coordinates the Graphic Design Program at
Indiana University South Bend

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 INTRODUCTORY COURSES
Art Materials for the Botanical Illustrator
Take the mystery out of materials. I see ten types of
erasers--which one is right for the job? What is the
difference between sable and synthetic? What’s
vellum? This information-packed class will provide
you with detailed information about all of the art
materials used throughout the Botanical Illustration
program. From papers to pencils to inks, pens,
brushes, and paints, you’ll learn where and how to
find all the right materials and how they are used.
Save time and money by shopping expertly the first
time
Fee: $39 member, $44 non-member. All students are
welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI410-1
Sat., Feb. 28, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Course #09WBI410-2
Sat., May 23, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
REQUIRED COURSES
Botany for the Botanical Illustrator
What is the difference between a carpel and a pistil?
Where can I find the stamen? The science of the
subjects you draw determines what you see! Put
away your pencils for this enlightening lab class
designed specifically for students of Botanical
Illustration. Take a close look at plant anatomy and
learn to recognize botanical details that will make
your drawings more accurate and realistic. Learn
plant morphology through detailed instruction and
supporting visuals. All of your botanical art will
improve when you understand the subjects.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI240-1
Tue., Jan.13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Course #09WBI240-2
Mon., Apr. 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski
Composition for Botanical Illustration
The arrangement of lines, shapes and color in
artwork is an art form in itself. The difference
Introduction to Drawing
Are you new to drawing? If you can write with a
pencil, you can draw with one. Step-by-step, acquire
the techniques you need to draw what you see.
Simple exercises train you to observe objectively
and draw accurately. A relaxed pace and
straightforward instruction will open your mind to
your own creative abilities. Build drawing skills to
enter the Botanical Illustration program with
confidence.
Fee: $183 member, $220 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI110-1
Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., March 6 - 8, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Course #09WBI110-2
Tue., March 24, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
between a pleasant picture and amazing artwork is
often found in composition. Using a visual
presentation, this course begins with a study of
recognized masters and contemporary illustrators.
Learn to how build botanical composition by using
compositional elements and principles. Exercises in
creating your own sample compositions gives insight
and expertise to enhance all of your future
illustrations.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI220-1
Thurs., Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Course #09WBI220-2
Wed., May 27, June 3, 10, 17, July 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Botanical Illustration in Pencil I
Learn to draw! Begin with a brief history and an
overview of the specific elements of botanical
illustration. Learn the skills of careful observation
and realistic drawing in graphite pencil, including
line drawing, shading and perspective. Step-by-step,
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added techniques help you portray perspective,
texture and detail. This is the entry course for every
program student and the prerequisite for all courses
to follow. You'll emerge from this class with the
tools you need to draw anything.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites. Note: If you
have no previous drawing experience, consider
starting with Introduction to Drawing.
Course #09WBI200-1
Wed., Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Course #09WBI200-2
Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., March 13, 14, 15, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Course #09WBI200-3
Wed., May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Botanical Illustration in Pencil II
Simple and classic, pencil drawing is a timeless art
form. Expand on the drawing skills you learned in
Pencil I as you reinforce and refine your knowledge
of graphite pencil. Learn additional techniques for
shading, texture, perspective, depth, composition
and style. A good drawing is the basis of botanical
illustration in any medium. Group instruction and
individual attention are tailored to help you complete
a finished botanical plate in this subtle and striking
medium.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI300-1
Thurs., Feb.19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Course #09WBI300-2
Mon., March 23, 30, Apr. 6, 13, 20, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Perfecting Perspective
Do you shy away from the complicated plants? Even
experienced illustrators sometimes struggle with
foreshortening and simplify their subjects to
eliminate the difficult elements. Learn to see the
correct shape of an ellipse and finding the angle of
the element pointing to you, to create 3-D depth on a
2-D surface. You’ll work with botanical subjects that
demonstrate each aspect of perspective and learn
techniques for seeing and depicting perspective
accurately. Complete a simple final piece that shows
your new understanding of perspective principles.
The class will work entirely in graphite pencil, as the
principles apply to all art media. Gain confidence in
your drafting skills and improve all of your drawings
from this class forward.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI630
Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., Apr. 24 - 26. 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink I
Pen and Ink is at the heart of botanical illustration.
Expand your drawing repertoire as you learn
techniques to create line, form and texture in black
and white. ‘Expressive line’ and ‘stipple’ become
part of your artistic vocabulary as you practice this
traditional illustration medium with modern and
versatile technical pens. Step-by-step instruction,
demonstration and practice will give you the
foundation you need to draw any botanical subject
accurately and skillfully.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI250-1
Thurs., Jan. 15, 22, 29, Feb.5, 12, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Course #09WBI250-2
Tue., Apr. 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Botanical Illustration in Pen and Ink II
Take your pen and ink skills to a new level of
sophistication. Explore the garden’s limitless world
of color, textures and complex botany and
incorporate this information into your black and
white illustrations. Working with both technical pen
and quill, learn advanced techniques to make strokes
mimic the fuzz on a fern, the down of a milkweed
pod, the mottled colors of a variegated begonia.
Learn how to layer and manipulate lines and stipples
to develop a full range of value, texture and
atmospheric perspective. Pen techniques take on
new meaning as you flesh out a final inked
illustration from a plant of your choice.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Pen and Ink I
Course #09WBI320-1
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Tue., Feb.17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Course #09WBI320-2
Wed., May 27, June 3, 10, 17, July 1, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Color Layering for Colored Pencil
Colored pencil presents a special challenge--mixing
color directly on your drawing! Learn to use a
simple color mixing method, adapted to the
application of colored pencils. Two-, three- and
four-color mixing will get you to the gorgeous
greens and luscious lilacs you’ve been missing.
Learn to gauge shadow colors for vibrant results.
Match a variety of plant material as you create your
own, extensive color workbook to speed color
selection and application for all future colored pencil
drawings.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI400-1
Mon., Feb.16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Course #09WBI400-2
Mon., June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil I
Explore this modern medium! You’ve learned to
layer colored pencil, now learn techniques to draw
effectively in this medium. Apply your drawing
skills and learn new methods specific to colored
pencils. Techniques include layering, building and
burnishing in color. This versatile, portable medium
is perfect for sketching on location as well as
producing studio pieces. Learn through instruction,
demonstration and practice on small studies of
botanical subjects. You’ll be ready to produce a
finished plate in Colored Pencil II.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Color Layering for Colored Pencil
Course #09WBI230
Mon., Feb.16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
Take your colored pencil basics to the next level.
Walk through the Six Step process to create a
preparatory layered drawing. Learn about grisaille
and techniques to create texture, detail and depth to
enhance your subject. Experiment with different
surfaces, blending and shading. Sample special
effects you can achieve with colored pencil on
Mylar, colored and dark grounds. Group instruction
and individual attention help you to become
proficient in this versatile medium. Pull all of your
colored pencil skills together to create a finished
botanical plate.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Color Layering for Colored Pencil and
Colored Pencil I
Course #09WBI310
Wed., March 25, Apr. 8, 15, 22, 29, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Color Mixing for Artists
The first step to watercolor painting is mixing
colors. Learn a system for combining colors
consistently so you can eliminate frustrating trial and
error. Lots of exercises, demonstrations and
discussion will show you how to achieve the
broadest possible spectrum. Learn about paint
properties and important information about choosing
pigments. Practice mixing colors to match a variety
of plant material. You’ll gain confidence and skills
to improve all of your color work.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. All students
are welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI210-1
Mon., Jan.12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Course #09WBI210-2
Tue., June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor I
Become part of the watercolor botanical tradition.
Combine drawing skills and your knowledge of
color mixing as you discover the delight of putting
brush to paper and learn the specific techniques of
transparent watercolor. Instruction, demonstration
and practical exercises will guide you through a
variety of watercolor techniques: flat and graded
washes, highlights and dry brush detail. Learn to
build washes for depth of tone and shading, and how
to create soft and hard edges. With these
foundational skills you’ll be ready to create a
finished plate in Watercolor II.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Color Mixing for Artists
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Course #09WBI260-1
Tue., Jan.13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty
Course #09WIB260-2
Tue., March 24, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Botanical Illustration in Watercolor II
Watercolor basics got you started—now develop
your confidence and personal style. The emphasis
here is on bringing it all together. Learn and refine
additional techniques through instruction,
ELECTIVE COURSES
Finishing Studio
Are you stuck? Stalled? Stumped? Help is on the
way! Bring your unfinished botanical piece for
advice on how to continue, guidance to help fix
mistakes, and recommendations for unconsidered
issues. Individual attention, demonstrations and
input from other students in a safe, constructive
atmosphere of camaraderie will assure that you
move forward toward completion of your work-in-
progress. You will be glad you chose this class!
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI120
Tue., March 24, 31, Apr. 7, 14, 21, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Techniques
Giclée Printing Made Easy
Curious about having prints made but apprehensive
about the time and expense involved? In just one day
we’ll introduce you to the process of Giclée printing.
Starting with an overview of different printing
processes, you will then learn how to prepare your
artwork for prints, the advantages of this method of
printing, and what to do with the prints once you
have them. A professional printer will address the
technical side of the process and bring you up-to
date on costs. Once you understand the procedure,
you can make an educated decision about what and
when to print. Fee: $61 member, $73 non-member.
All students are welcome, with no prerequisites.
demonstration and practice with special attention
given to layering, shading and building form.
Discover brush techniques and colors that enhance
perspective and depth. Follow painting steps through
completion, from broad washes to final detail. Learn
how to fix mistakes and understand why watercolor
is a forgiving medium. You’ll work toward
completing a finished plate from a live specimen in
this most traditional of botanical media. Fee $183
member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I,
Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI330
Wed., Feb.18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Course #09WBI130
May 29, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Framing Botanical Art
Get your work off the drawing board and onto the
wall! This 1-day workshop covers the options that
will help you to present your art to its best
advantage. Learn the steps to the conservation
techniques that preserve your pieces in an acid-free
environment. We’ll cover all the details of framing
materials, styles and embellishments, and you’ll
frame a small piece to practice. Whether you decide
to frame it yourself or work with a professional,
you’ll be more confident in your framing decisions.
Fee $61 member, $73 non-member. All students are
welcome, with no prerequisites.
Course #09WBI140
May 30, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
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Hand Lettering
Discover the beautiful art of calligraphic lettering!
Whether you are labeling your botanical artwork,
taking notes in your sketchbook or jotting entries
into your garden diary, this wonderful art form adds
the final touch. Learn the basics of calligraphic
lettering style, proper form and process, and how to
use it for scientific labeling and other creative uses.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI150
Wed., Jan.14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
©J. Stevens
Light on Form
Take your drawings from flat to fabulous. The secret
to portraying light and shadow on your subjects lies
in understanding the scientific method of lighting as
it applies to different forms. Beginning with basic
geometric shapes, refine your skills in showing light
and volume on any subject. The class will work
entirely in graphite pencil, as the principles apply to
all other media. As you progress to fruits and
vegetables, leaves, flowers, and ultimately entire
plants with complex combinations of shapes, you
will overcome the obstacles in creating three-
dimensional drawings.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisite:
Pencil I
Course #09WBI160
Thurs., Apr. 23, 30, May 7, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Perfecting Perspective II
Gain a fresh perspective! Begin with studies geared
to underscore your understanding of depth and
atmosphere. Using layered plant material, you’ll step
beyond the basics learned in Perfecting Perspective.
Demonstrations and guided exercises will show you
additional techniques in creating line studies, value
mapping and blocking. Your advanced skills will
prepare you to select a live specimen and work
through the process of completing a botanical plate.
All work will be in graphite pencil, as the principles
apply to all media.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Perfecting Perspective I
Course #09WBI170
Tue., Feb. 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Draw from your Photos
You photographed the Hibiscus in Hawaii . . . you
want to draw those alpine plants and aren’t allowed
to pick them . . . There are times when a live
specimen is simply not an option. Discover how to
work from your own photographs to create a
successful illustration long after the specimen is
gone. Start with instruction on taking effective
photos for reference. Learn techniques to interpret
and alter composition, color and lighting that will
bring life to your work and avoid that literal “drawn
from a photo” look. Use your new skills to create a
lasting plant portrait from your own photograph in
the medium of your choice. Fee $183 member, $220
non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Pencil II and
Level I of a color medium
Course #09WBI180
Wed., Feb. 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 9 a.m. – noon
Watercolor: Dry Brush Techniques
The secret to depicting specific details is the dry
brush technique! Dry brush is the traditional
watercolor method of working with small strokes
and limited use of washes. Improve your brush-
handling skills and develop increased control with
guided exercises. Practice paint layering techniques
to create vibrant color surfaces and sharp, clear
details. This class is sure to build your confidence
and make your next watercolor project work for you.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI190-1
Thurs., Feb.19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 9 a.m. – noon
Instructor: Karla Beatty
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Course #09WBI190-2 beautiful yellow botanical. Fee $183 member, $220
Mon., Apr. 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 6 – 9 p.m. non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing
Instructor: Karla Beatty for Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI360
Thurs., May 14, 21, 28, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas

Digital Techniques

Adobe Illustrator I
Leave your paintbrush at home, and bring your
computer to learn the basics of Adobe Illustrator—a
program necessary to produce vector artwork.
Starting at the very beginning, learn how to “draw”
with your Wacom tablet and stylus. Exercises
emphasize the use of Bezier curves to create shapes
using both the mouse and the pen tool. Simple and
straightforward instruction will introduce you to the
most utilized tools and a few of the palettes. As with
any new skill, practice makes perfect, so learn the
essentials and then progress to Adobe Illustrator II.
You will need a laptop computer with current Adobe
(© Karla Beatty, Daffodil Bulb) Illustrator (CS 3 or CS 4) software installed (a 30-
day trial version is available for free), Wacom
Grays and Browns of Winter in WaterColor “Intuos” tablet, minimum 6”X8”, with all software
It’s the perfect season to perfect your color mixing and hardware installed on your laptop.
skills for the delectable neutrals. Create those elusive
warm brown tones. Mix a range of subtle grays.
Everything you need to mix a full range of browns
and grays is in your color mixing palette. Learn to
analyze neutrals as you put color theory in action.
Take the mystery out of blending and make color
mixing intuitive and precise. You’ll put your new
color sense to work to paint dried winter weeds in a
botanical plate that will remind you of winter’s
delights. Fee $183 member, $220 non-member.
Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and
Watercolor I
Course #09WBI350
Mon., March 23, 30, Apr. 6, 13, 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Karla Beatty

Elusive Yellows in Watercolor

Master and explore the subtleties of yellow hues as
you paint fruits and flowers. Begin with examples of
how other botanical illustrators have handled this
topic. Then through demonstration and practice,
learn to create the best color mixes to convey
shading for form, volume, overlap and shadow while
keeping yellows bright. Learn how to apply shadow
colors using both glazing and feathering techniques.
Practice the range of yellows from soft to striking.
(© Marjorie Leggitt, Terminalia arjuna)
Finish the class by completing a finished plate of a
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Make sure your laptop will support versions
Adobe CS3 or 4. Fee $183 member, $220 non-
member. Prerequisites: Pencil I
Course #09WBI370 Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., March 20 – 22, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Adobe Illustrator II
You’re closer to creating artwork on your computer!
Starting where Adobe Illustrator I left off, explore
new tools and palettes and build more complex
images. We’ll introduce Live Trace, simple
gradations and working text into your images. Time
permitting, a demonstration of 3D modeling will
show you more possibilities with this flexible and
responsive program. You will need a laptop
computer with current Adobe Illustrator (CS 3 or CS
4) software installed (a 30-day trial version is
available for free), Wacom “Intuos” tablet, minimum
6”X8”, with all software and hardware installed on
your laptop. Make sure your laptop will support
versions Adobe CS3 or 4. Fee $183 member, $220
non-member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Adobe
Illustrator I
Course #09WBI380 Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., March 27 – 29, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
Adobe InDesign
Create your own multi-page presentations books,
brochures and posters! Learn to design master
layouts, insert pictures and graphics, and change
fonts easily. InDesign collects all the text, image
files and typeface files to print your document
exactly as you imagined it. InDesign can also be
used with other Adobe programs such as Illustrator
and Photoshop to design all aspects of your product.
You will need a laptop computer with current Adobe
InDesign (CS 3 or CS 4) software installed (a 30-day
trial version is available for free).
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member.
Course #09WBI390
Weekend Workshop
Fri. – Sun., Apr. 3 – 5, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Anna Hjelmroos
Colored Pencil
Colored Pencil: Tropical Plants on Black
A new twist on using colored pencils! Using black
paper creates a vibrant result with varied
possibilities. Examples, discussion, demonstrations
and practice will help you learn the basic skills
you’ll need to work in reverse; grisaille in white,
adding highlights while saving darks, and achieving
pale or brilliant color. The conservatory will be the
inspiration to choose a tropical plant for a finished
plate on black paper.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Pencil II, Color Layering for Colored Pencil
and Colored Pencil I
Course #09WBI430
Tue., Jan.13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
Colored Pencil III: Working on Mylar
Expand your options in colored pencil! Frosted
Mylar film provides a wonderful surface for smooth,
brilliant colored pencil work. Learn the skills
specific to this surface, including pencil application
and layering techniques, how to make the back of
the surface enhance the front, and how to erase (yes,
erase!) colored pencil from Mylar. See how layering
your drawing over other surfaces expands the
possibilities for your finished work. Samples,
demonstrations and individual help will guide you to
a finished piece. Fee $183 member, $220 non-
member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Layering for
Colored Pencil, Colored Pencil I, Colored Pencil I
and Colored Pencil II
Course #09WBI440
Wed., March 25, Apr. 8, 15, 22, 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin
(© Susan Rubin)
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 Water Media
Watercolor: Winter’s Bits of Beauty
“Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it”
(Confucius, 551-479 BC).
Discover the hidden charms of plants in winter.
Explore and expose the extraordinary textures and
tones from ordinary and often overlooked subjects.
Learn to mix the subtle neutral colors often seen in
dried bits such as twigs, bark, seedpods and crinkled
leaves. Refine your dry brush skills, using
techniques appropriate for depicting texture and
detail. Paint intimate studies of winter’s botanical
bits. It’s a perfect fit for those who believe that
beauty is in the details. Fee $183 member, $220 non-
member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for
Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI450
Mon., Jan.12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Gouache
Expand your water media repertoire with gouache—
a medium similar to watercolor. Composed of
opaque pigments thickened with gum arabic,
gouache differs from watercolor in its higher
pigment content, more brilliant light-reflecting
quality, and opacity that allows you to paint over
mistakes. By varying application, gouache can be
transparent or opaque, and you’ll learn to choose the
best approach for your subject. Through
demonstration and practice, discover the methods for
applying gouache to create a finished botanical plate
from a live specimen. Fee $183 member, $220 non-
member. Prerequisites: Pencil I, Color Mixing for
Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI460
Wed., Feb.18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 6 – 9 p.m.
Instructor: Constance Sayas
Transparent Acrylics
Explore a wonderful water medium! Though
transparent acrylic looks similar to watercolor,
different application techniques produce luminous
results. Acquire the skills, using a simple color
palette to transform acrylic paint into sheer layers.
Spring bulbs present their own challenges, including
complex form, a short life when cut, and translucent,
overlapping petals. Step-by-step instruction,
demonstration and exercises will help you to create
your own lasting botanical portrait in transparent
acrylic.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Color Mixing for Artists
Course#09WBI470
Thurs., March 26, Apr. 2, 16, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Marjorie Leggitt
The Treasures of Fairmount’s Rose Garden III
Historic Fairmount Cemetery boasts more than 300
roses of at least 59 varieties, many of them from the
1800s. Participate in the preservation of these
beauties through botanical illustration. Start by
studying rose paintings from the masters of the past
such as Alfred Parsons and Pierre Joseph Redouté.
Learn how to draw the complex petal configurations.
Practice techniques, from wet-on-wet to dry brush,
and how to use them appropriately. Visit Fairmount
and advance your skills as you learn to capture the
important aspects of roses where they grow. Take
your field sketches, notes and a clipping from a
specimen to the classroom to create a finished
watercolor painting of these gorgeous blossoms. Try
this class for the first time or come back after last
year’s session. Your finished work may be included
in a planned publication.
Fee $244 member, $294 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I, Color Mixing for Artists and Watercolor I
Course #09WBI480
Thurs., Fri., June 4 – 5 & 11 – 12, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(20 hrs)
Instructor: Constance Sayas
(© Constance Sayas, detail from Rosa 'Linda Campbell')
Drawing on Tradition
Nature and Flora Illuminated
A modern take on medieval masterwork!
Illumination is the embellishment of a decorated
letter with gold, brilliant color and illustrations of
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nature. Explore this traditional and appealing art
form used to decorate text throughout the Medieval
and Renaissance periods. Bring your drawing skills
and explore new techniques for uniting ornamental
letterforms with botanical illustration. Lecture,
demonstration and guidance help you learn the basic
design tenets and compose your own stylized and
romantic illumination of a favorite letter with
botanical ornamentation.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Pen and Ink I
Course #09WBI490
Tue., Apr. 28, May 5, 12, 19, 26, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Renee Jorgensen
Only 33 plates ever went to print, and the costs left
Thornton destitute. His loss was our gain. Study the
plates in the Helen Fowler Library to learn about
composition and style, then do a decidedly western
take on the Temple of Flora, using regional plants
and the appropriate western landscapes as
background. Advance your skills in composition and
drawing and try landscape as well. You’ll create
your plate in the color medium of your choice for
our own Temple of Flora.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Level II in any color medium.
Course #09WBI510
Mon., June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
Instructor: Susan Rubin

Maud Purdy and the Microscope

When Maud H. Purdy (1873-1965) became an artist
in the late 19th Century, she was considered to be a
new type of woman: self-directed, outspoken and
highly skilled. As the chief iris illustrator for the
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens in the 1920s, she
launched a prolific and significant body of work that
would later earn her the title, “best botany illustrator
in America”. Begin with an overview of Purdy’s
work of unusual beauty and learn how it also served
science. You’ll use the microscope to understand the
botanical details of your flower and learn to master
micro techniques to study the ovary and flower
development. Careful instruction will prepare you to
create an elegant plate in the medium of your choice,
illustrating the exposed internal structures of your
flower in the style of Maud Purdy.
Fee $183 member, $220 non-member. Prerequisites:
Pencil I and Level I in a color medium of your
choice is strongly recommended.
Course #09WBI500
Wed., May 6, 13, 20, 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Instructor: Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski

Temple of Flora meets the Wild West (Robert Thornton, Temple of Flora)
Robert Thornton was a British physician with an
expensive hobby. He sought to commission Philip
Reinagle to complete 70 botanical plates, portraying
exotic plants and their landscapes in opulent detail.
~~~~~~

BI-BLOG: www.botanicalillustration.blogspot.com

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 SIX EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
1. BY TELEPHONE: 720-865-3580
2. BY FAX: 720-865-3685 (24 HOURS)
3. IN PERSON: VISIT THE EDUCATION OFFICE AT THE GARDENS, 1005 YORK STREET, 9 A.M. – 4
P.M., MONDAY – FRIDAY

4. BY MAIL: ATTENTION: REGISTRATION COORDINATOR, 909 YORK STREET, DENVER, CO 80206

5. ONLINE: WWW.BOTANICGARDENS.ORG
6. E-MAIL: REGISTRAR@BOTANICGARDENS.ORG

Refund and Cancellation Policy:

Denver Botanic Gardens will refund 100 percent of the BI-course tuition if the registrar is contacted at
least three working days (Monday-Friday) prior to the class start date.

For cancellations received after the cut-off date, but before the commencement of the course, requests
for refunds are assessed on a case-to-case basis. There will be no refund for no-shows.

After Course has Commenced:

As all requirements have been prepared in expectation of your attendance, no refunds are possible.
Instructors have no authority to grant or promise refunds. In the event of family emergency or because
of inclement weather circumstances, the student can later complete the course by taking the missed
classes from the same instructor and notifying the registrar 2 weeks before the course starts. If 60-80
percent of the course is missed because of the family emergency or the inclement weather
circumstances, the course can be re-taken from any instructor in that media if space is available.

This reservation and cancellation policy applies to all course registrations in the Botanical Art and
Illustration Program at Denver Botanic Gardens that have been confirmed by the registrar.
Denver Botanic Gardens regrets that it cannot make exceptions to this reservation and cancellation
policy for any reason.

Selected courses have additional cancellation and refund requirements printed with the course
description.

Certificate credit requirements for individual courses:

Attendance is required at the first class for all courses. In order to receive credit, 80 percent of a course
must be attended (at least 12 hours of a 15-hour course).

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