Botanical Illustration Course

"Drawing in Nature II: Drawing Theory for Better Botanical Illustration"
Preston Montague

  • Saturday, November 1, 2014 – 9:00 am11:00 am
  • Saturday, November 8, 2014 – 9:00 am11:00 am
  • Saturday, November 15, 2014 – 9:00 am11:00 am

Botanical illustration is a powerful tool for understanding and communicating Nature's design. Whether for scientific exploration, self-expression, or both, botanical illustration gives us an opportunity to document those moments in nature that inspire us.

botanical illustration

Drawing in Nature II is an intermediate drawing course that explores botanical illustration through the lens of drawing theory. Artists will be exposed to the "why" behind the "how," encouraging the necessary critical thinking skills for developing independence and personal style. Though designed for students who have completed Drawing in Nature I, anyone with some previous drawing experience will find the course accessible and rewarding.

Drawing in Nature II is composed of three sequential classes. Students are highly recommended (but not required) to participate in all three classes.

botanical illustration

Drawing in Nature I Course Outline

Class I: Stronger Mark-making

Class will begin with a diagnosis of each artist 's skill level so that instruction can be tailored to the individual. Once each student is assessed, time will be spent developing drawing techniques that focus on improving accuracy and attention to detail.

Class 2: Compositional Techniques

Through the study of organizational principles, students will learn how to compose subjects in a way that adds dimension and narrative to their drawings.

Class 3: Color Theory-based Rendering

Students will learn rendering techniques based on color theory that will improve color accuracy as well as reinforce narrative.

Class Requirements


  • Office Depot Sketchbook, Hardcover, 9" × 12", 75 Sheets

  • Ticonderoga Pencils, #2 Medium Soft Lead (6, available in a box of 12)

  • Maped Manual Pencil Sharpener, Aluminum

  • Prismacolor Magic Rub Vinyl Eraser, White

  • Sakura Pigma Micron black pen (2, #01/0.25mm) – new

  • Faber-Castell Polychromos artist colored pencils (24 count) – new

  • 3-in-1 Wood Document And Photo Frame, 8 1/2" × 11", Black

Preston Montague

Preston Montague

Preston Montague is an artist, educator, and landscape designer who developed a passion for the natural world while growing up in the rural foothills of Virginia. Currently, he works in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he focuses on projects that strengthen relationships between people and nature. Preston received his Master's degree in landscape architecture from NC State University and holds bachelor 's degrees in horticulture and fine art. His latest body of work, NATURE, is a series of didactic botanical illustrations designed to promote natural science literacy using art and storytelling. Preston's work can be found at http://www.carolinanaturalist.com.

Cost
$150.00 for members, $180.00 for nonmembers. Please note the registration price is for all three classes and does not include the needed supplies. The supplies from the beginners classes can be used, but please note Preston would like class participants to use Sakura Pigma Micron black pens and Faber-Castell Polychromos artist colored pencils instead of the pens and pencils used in the beginners classes.
Registration
To register, please contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu. Payment is due at the time of registration. The class requires a minimum of six participants to proceed and is limited to eight participants.
Cancellation
Class cancellations can be made through Friday, October 24, 2014. No refunds will be made after October 24. A $15.00 cancellation fee applies.
Location
JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Directions
Need directions? Click here.
Questions
Contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu for more information about this class.