Description
Creating a Complex Composition in Hawaii
Advanced Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop
With Renowned Artist & Instructor, Wendy Hollender
Dates: Monday-Friday, March 22-26, 2027
Level: Advanced
(Pre-requisite: Any Draw Botanical workshop or recording)
Location:
National Tropical Botanical Garden
Education Headquarters
3530 Papalina Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-7324
www.ntbg.org
Workshop Description
Plants have so many peculiar parts and look so different throughout their life cycles that one painting can’t possibly portray it all. Small botanical drawings of a single leaf, flower, or fruit are a smart place to start, but when you’re ready for a new challenge, the next step is learning how to arrange your simple illustrations into a complex composition.
Wendy will guide you through the whole process of planning a layout and creating your own complex composition amidst the serene beauty and endless inspiration of the Lāwaʻi Gardens at the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) on Kaua’i. You’ll start by discussing the artistic aspects of composition, exploring the myriad of captivating plants in the gardens, and warming up with thumbnail sketches. Once you pinpoint plants that excite you, knowledgeable botanists will aid in your research to learn more about them.
Perhaps your page will have a single plant in various life stages, or maybe you’ll choose to compare several species in your arrangement… Focus on the facets you find most fascinating. Enjoy this rare chance to cultivate your skills, unwind, and connect with nature in this tropical paradise.
What You’ll Practice
Each day will be a combination of instructor drawing demonstrations, plant exploration in the garden, plenty of personal time to work on your own illustrations, and individual feedback from Wendy throughout the process. In this immersive workshop, you’ll practice:
•Composition Planning: Consider elements such as focal point, balance, movement, proportion, and unity to arrange a pleasing final page.
•Painting & Drawing Techniques: Use Wendy’s signature method of combining colored pencils and watercolors to create realistic depictions of tropical plants.
•Working Directly on Final Paper: Learn to use tracing paper and other tools to complete your illustrations without wasting time or scrap paper.
•Composition Executing: Combine everything you learn into a painting you’ll be proud of.
What to Expect
-Instructional classes will be conducted for 5 days each week from 10am to 4pm on the premises at The National Tropical Botanical Garden. (Students can arrive early and stay late each day, if they would like.)
-We have a large indoor/outdoor classroom for our use, with time to draw outside in the garden as well. Inside the classroom, each participant will have their own table, so you can spread out supplies without worrying about cramping someone else’s style and erase as vigorously as necessary without shaking the table for your neighbor.
–We will not provide meals at this workshop. Please bring your own lunch and snacks to class. A full kitchen is of use to us, attached to our classroom.
Meet the Instructor
Wendy Hollender is a botanical illustrator, author, and instructor, as well as the founder of Draw Botanical. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium Project.
– BFA in Textile Design from the Rhode Island School of Design
– Certified by the New York Botanical Garden in Botanical Art and Illustration
– Featured in the 13th International Exhibition at Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation
– Exhibited by Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, the Smithsonian National Museum for Natural History and the US Botanic Garden
– Author of The Joy of Botanical Drawing, Nature Journaling in a Nutshell, The Practice of Botanical Drawing, Botanical Drawing in Color and the self-published Botanical Drawing, A Beginner’s Guide
– Illustrator of Foraging and Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Food Cookbook by Dina Falconi
– Member of the National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium of Artists
– Wendy’s newest large format art book, The Album of Plant Families: An Illustrated Exploration of Nature’s Beauty & Bounty, was recently released by Abbeville Press in May 2026
Learn more about Wendy Hollender at wendyhollender.com/ or find her on Instagram @wendyhollender
Art Supplies:
PLEASE NOTE: We will not be bringing many art supplies to sell, so please ORDER YOUR SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME.
See our list of Recommended Supplies. You can bring supplies with you, OR you can ship supplies directly to the NTBG at the following address;
SHIP TO: NTBG Ed Center
Attn: Draw Botanical Workshop/YOUR NAME
3530 Papalina Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
Travel & Housing:
Look for flights! Fly to Lihue Airport. Secure a rental car and a place to stay.
There are numerous housing options in nearby Kalaheo and Poipu or other locations in the area. There are condos, hotels, motels, Air BnB’s, and Bed and Breakfasts. Book early!
Click here for more information about housing options
Workshop Fees: $1,997
Fee does NOT include travel, lodging, or meals.
NTBG members will receive a 10% discount by request. Email info@drawbotanical.com to get the coupon code.
Refund Policy:
In the event you cancel over 6 weeks before, a partial refund of 70% will be given if we are able to fill your spot. If we are unable to fill your spot or if you cancel less than 6 weeks before, we cannot issue a refund.
We reserve the right to cancel a workshop at any time. If we cancel a workshop, you will receive a full refund.
