Botanical Studies in Ink & Watercolor:
Observational Illustration from Life
Portland, Oregon
🌿🎨
In this focused studio retreat, artists will explore plants as dynamic subjects for fine-art drawing and painting. Beginning with observational pencil sketches, you’ll refine form and structure through ink, then develop mood, contrast, and surface texture with watercolor. Drawing from fresh botanicals and the Oregon Art Center’s urban garden, this workshop emphasizes composition, color harmony, and expressive interpretation over strict realism.
You’ll leave with a finished botanical study, a stronger understanding of plants as dynamic drawing subjects, and practical skills you can carry into future sketchbook and studio work.
What you will learn
In this full-day studio workshop, you will:
1. Develop a thoughtful compositional sketch through close observation of live botanical specimens and the surrounding garden.
2. Explore organic, expressive mark-making as you translate form, structure, and texture into ink.
3. Build depth and atmosphere with watercolor, using intentional layering and color mixing to create contrast and visual richness.
4. Refine and contextualize your work with optional annotations—such as plant names, dates, or personal notes—integrated as part of the composition.
Details
Please bring your own art supplies. See here for the art supply list.
Bring a water bottle and sack lunch.
Part of this workshop is outdoors, so please dress appropriately (hat, sunscreen, good shoes, etc).
This workshop is appropriate for beginner through intermediate skill levels in drawing, sketching, or watercolor.
Registration
Cost is $111 for Oregon Art Center members ($130 nonmember)
Registration will open soon, please sign up for my workshop email list to get notified when tickets are available.