Botany and Bones

Black, White, & Shades of Gray: Botanical Art in the Winter Garden

A perfect project for the New Year! Explore the Garden and focus on developing your drawing skills as we learn to see the Garden in a fresh, new way. Beginning Friday, January 8, 2010, this five week class will explore black and white media as we observe and draw interesting plant structures in the winter garden.  The classes will include:

~basic drawing instruction and practice covering gesture and line, shape and volume, value and the effects of light, pespective and composition,

~media exploration – using graphite, pen & ink, brush & ink, markers, and papers that work best with each,

~field sketching in the Garden – observing buds, branches, shrubs, trees, and more!

~friendly sharing and feedback on both completed drawings and works-in-progress,

~planning and completing more finished artwork, matting and display.  

"Beginners are welcome, both artists and botanists. People with all areas of expertise, at all levels, contribute to the class as a whole." ~ Sue

Dates: Five Fridays January 8, 15, 22, 29, and February 5

Time: 10am-1pm 

*** Please wear clothing appropriate to the outside weather, and if you want, bring a sack lunch.

Cost: $180 for 15 class hours (3 hours/week for 5 weeks)

Place: Bellevue Botanical Garden Visitor Center, 12001 Main St.,  Bellevue, WA 98005-3522

              Directions: www.bellevuebotanical.org

To Register: Call Kathleen, (425) 451-3755, Bellevue Botanical Garden Society



I've been working on a family tree for a friend... and studying how trees grow - their connections to the ground and how they twist as they grow. 

Watercolor, 2008

Relaxed yet vigilant,  Samson stared at me through the holidays and into the new year.  This portrait of a faithful pet is now with his owner, who tried to bring Samson back to life... but the dog's heart had already filled to overflowing and stopped. 

While working on Samson's portrait, my mother's heart also filled to overflowing... and I was able to be with her when it stopped.   No bringing her back to life... even in a portrait... at least not yet.