Brian Swanson taught a 3-part creative workshop at the Las Vegas Springs Preserve in line work, pastels and watercolor pencil drawing. An all-ages class that all participants were free to discuss and share their ideas with each other. A basic use of the different mediums was given, and a few tips, and they were free to go at their own pace.
“Botanical illustration is the art of depicting the form, colour, and details of plant species, frequently in watercolour paintings. These are often printed with a botanical description in book, magazines, and other media.
The creation of these requires an understanding of plant anatomy, access to specimens and references, and are often composed in consultation with a scientific author.”
Botanical drawing class focusing on elements that make up plants, blossom, seeds and leaf structures. We will be using a limited color palette to bring out features that one would normally not see in the field or around your home.
Botanical: Line Work
Learn to recognize how plants are made up with a visual breakdown of lines and details using pen and ink. Create shading using cross hatching and stippling. Take home a detailed illustration or groups of studies to apply these techniques on your own.
Botanical: Pastel Colors
Using a few applied colors and blending on a colored paper, highlights and shadows of plant can be easily revealed. Take home studies or finished pieces that use the techniques described, and you will be able to recognize these elements in your surroundings.
Botanical: Watercolor Pencils
This class uses both line work and the ability to create watercolor washes with easy to use materials. The simplicity of these pencils let you add details to expressive colors. Take home a painting that you will enjoy or gift to someone.
Watch “The Illustrated Plant”.
Illustrator Brian Swanson had a permanent exhibit “Bug Speak” that had been at the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas for over 5 years, located in their Nature Exchange.