BROOKSIDE GARDENS SCHOOL of BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION

BOTANY FOR ARTISTS

A core subject designed & presented by Doreen Bolnick (bolnick@cox.net)

WEEKDAY CLASS PROGRAM 2011

Class duration 4 x 3.5 hours.
All classes are held at McCrillis Gardens, Bethesda. (Refer to the school handbook for directions.)

Instruction covers the scientific aspect of botanical art. Part 1: Plant anatomy, plant ecology and identification of both wild
flowers and cultivated plants. Part 2: Preparation of an illustrated page of observational studies that typically initiates the
creative process for producing an accurately illustrated botanical painting. This page, based on a plant chosen by the
student, will include sketches, labeled dissections, color samples, shading samples, reference photos, preparation of a
herbarium sheet and other useful references. Drawing, shading and painting techniques will be briefly reviewed.

MATERIALS: Estimated cost: $20 or less depending on what you already have.
Sketchbook of any type (consider recycled: 8.5 x 11” or 9 x 12”, – about $10.
Pencil for sketching and taking notes - $1.00. Mechanical pencils are convenient (0.3 mm-0.5 mm, at $5 +).
White plastic eraser - $1.00
Magnifier, such as a jewelers’ loupe with at least 10X. Assorted models available on line.
Single blade (safely stored) or lightweight utility knife – for dissections - $1+
Books: I will have the following books available for use in class but you may like to bring a personal copy from each
of two categories:
1. A local wild flower guide such as: A Guide to Wild Flowers: Northeastern and North-Central States, by
Margaret McKenny and Roger Tory Peterson, Houghton Mifflin, 1998.
or, Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide, by Lawrence Newcomb, Little, Brown and Co., 1989.
2. And a plant family guide such as: A Guide to Flowering Plant Families, by Wendy Zomlefer. UNC Press,
1994 (best choice for those who do native wildflowers) or: Flowering Plants of the World, edited by
Heywood et al., Oxford University Press, 2007.
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CLASS 1: Plant Ecology and Anatomy

LESSON OUTLINE: Plant Ecology Slide Presentation
Plant Anatomy
flowers, fruits and seeds
Review of drawing techniques, using examples from different plant families.
Dissections will be used to examine structure.
References
plant families, floras, online resources

Homework: Choose any flowering plant. Look it up in a plant family reference and do a labeled dissection
of a flower. Also look online to see if you can find both photos and ‘illustrations’.

CLASS 2: Wild Flower and Cultivated Plant Identification

LESSON OUTLINE: References
Field guides, Floras, Herbaria, Online resources
Wild Flower Identification
This very enjoyable activity will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Otherwise, specimens will be provided, and students may supplement these with backyard wild plants or,
where permitted, wild plants from roadsides, schoolyards, vacant lots, etc., which we can share.
Cultivated Plant Identification
Homework:
Find an example from at least three different plant families. Taking a flower from each, draw a plan and
cut-away view. Label petals, sepals, gynoecium and stamen. Look up your plant in a flora and in a plant
family reference (in class if more convenient).
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1
 BROOKSIDE GARDENS SCHOOL of BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION

BOTANY FOR ARTISTS

A core subject designed & presented by Doreen Bolnick (bolnick@cox.net)

WEEKDAY CLASS PROGRAM 2011

Class 3: Observational Studies

LESSON OUTLINE: How to record in images and words adequate reference material for creating
botanical art, even without the plant. We will practice with schoolyard weeds.
Detail sketches and notes
Color, shading and texture samples
Reference photos
Herbarium sheet

Homework: You may get a head start on Class 4, below. Select a wild flower or cultivated plant and begin
to work on a field sketch page similar to the example given to you as a handout, also referring to the
checklist handout._______________________________________________________________________

Class 4: Prepare a Field Sketch Page

Practice compiling a sheet of detail sketches and observations for a wild flower or cultivated plant of your
choice, and supplement this with references. An internet connection will be available in class.

ASSIGNMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSESSMENT– CERTIFICATE REGISTRANTS

All students planning to continue with the core subject classes are strongly advised to complete this project.

Detailed instructions will be handed out the first day of class. In summary:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with plant structure and botanical resources.

2. Demonstrate your ability to produce an observational study,
Do at least one drawing of a plant plus at least two extra views of the flowers.
Record bibliographic details from at least two references, including a family reference.
Sketch plant details, make notes, make color, shading and texture samples.
Prepare a herbarium specimen.
Take reference photos.

Submission deadline: Received by July 30, 2011

Post as photocopies or send your scanned images as an email attachment to –
Doreen Bolnick, 9309 Glenbrook Rd, Fairfax, VA 22031, or Email: bolnick@cox.net.
If sending by post please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to receive the instructor’s written
comments.