Feb 2025 Kauai, Hawaii Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop
Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop on Kaua’i, Hawai’i
at The National Tropical Botanical Garden
Instructors: Pam Thompson, Sam McWilliams, and Wendy Hollender
Classes will be held at:
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Education Headquarters
3530 Papalina Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-7324
www.ntbg.org
Workshop Dates: February 3 – 21, 2025
Week 1: Monday – Friday, Feb 3 – 7, 10am – 4pm
(Beginners are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1, but are welcome all weeks.)
Week 2: Monday – Friday, Feb 10 – 14, 10am – 4pm
Week 3: Monday – Friday, Feb 17 – 21, 10am – 4pm
We recommend attending for as many days as possible; the more you immerse yourself, the deeper the learning experience.
Workshop Description:
Draw amidst the serene beauty and endless inspiration of the McBryde Garden at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) on Kaua’i. This stunning location provides an ideal backdrop for our gathering of plant enthusiasts, eager to explore their artistic side.
Surrounded by a myriad of captivating plants, we’ll also have access to a team of knowledgeable botanists ready to enrich our experience with their expertise. It’s a rare chance to cultivate our skills, unwind, and enjoy ourselves in this picturesque environment. Which fascinating tropical plants will you draw?
An average day might look like…
-Wake up to birdsongs crowing roosters and a gorgeous view of pink clouds appearing as the sun rises over the ridge of the Lawa’i Valley. Eat breakfast, perhaps try Sam’s favorite – oatmeal with papaya and macadamia nuts, squeeze of lime, touch of local Hawaiian Salt.
-Walk to the classroom amidst the morning songs of Finches, Myna Birds, and Java Sparrows. Say hello to all the plants on your way and see what they’re up to. (They may be good subjects to draw…)
-Greetings upon arrival to the classroom around 10am. Set yourself up and warm up your drawing muscles.
-Watch an instructor drawing demonstration of foundational basics (light source, perspective, toning, etc.)
-Visit the garden with instructors and NTBG Botanists to select your subject.
–Practice botanical drawing from wherever you prefer (at a table inside or outside the classroom, or in the garden) using graphite pencil, colored pencils, and watercolor. (Find our list of recommended supplies here.)
-When you have questions about your work, ask instructors available in the classroom all day (10am-4pm).
-Enjoy your lunch overlooking the ocean. (If you’re lucky, you can see whitecaps and whales, perhaps a passing rain storm, often rainbows.)
-Visit the Rare Book Room with instructors and… Learn More