Field Sketching Classes 5/15, 5/16, 5/18

Explore your artistic side in the Arboretum gardens through Field Sketching Classes led by local artist and instructor Cynthia Armstrong. Each class will cover a slightly different topic- choose your favorite or come for them all!

Class fee: $15

Online Registration: arboretum.connect.ucsc.edu/sketching

Class descriptions:

What’s that? | May 15
In this workshop students will explore drawing as a tool to learn about the amazing plants in residence in the Arboretum. Learning to observe carefully, while sketching plant structures and habitats, greatly add to one’s appreciation of nature. Plant drawing basics will be demonstrated with plenty of individual assistance by instructor, Cynthia Armstrong. Materials needed: Sketch journal - any size, graphite pencil (HB, or B), eraser. Dress for the weather, bring camp chair, hat, sunscreen, water.

Getting Artsy in the Garden | May 16
This workshop will focus on exuberant artistic expression featuring the stars of the garden - flowers. While tightly detailed and carefully rendered illustrations of plants have a long and respected history in botanical art, learning to let loose with line and color is well within the grasp of anyone with or without artistic experience. A combination of media (graphite, ink, watercolors) will be used to introduce varied approaches to capturing plants and flowers on paper. Materials needed: sketch journal with paper suitable for wet and dry media, watercolor kit or aquarelle pencils, brushes, pencil and eraser, water bottle, water cups, camp chair, hat, sunscreen.

Succulents in Situ | May 18
Even though succulents are literally prehistoric, having sprung up some 5 to 10 million years ago, they are at the height of their historical popularity. And it’s definitely not hard to see why: they’re hardy, ultra-versatile and come in nearly every size, shape, and color you could imagine. This art workshop will allow us to celebrate that amazing diversity in a variety of media, from simple sketching to color washes. We will learn fun facts about these venerable plants while enjoying a bit of creative fun. Materials needed: sketch journal with paper suitable for wet and dry media, watercolor kit or aquarelle pencils, brushes, pencil and eraser, water bottle, water cups, camp chair, hat, sunscreen.