Description
Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop on Kaua’i, Hawai’i
at The National Tropical Botanical Garden
Instructors: Vern Fannin, Sam McWilliams, & Kobi Yasutake
Classes will be held at:
National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG)
Education Headquarters
3530 Papalina Rd
Kalaheo, HI 96741
(808) 332-7324
www.ntbg.org
Workshop Dates: February 15 – March 5, 2027
Week 1: Monday – Friday, Feb. 15 – 19, 10am – 4pm
(Beginners are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1, but are welcome all weeks.)
Week 2: Monday – Friday, Feb. 22 – 26, 10am – 4pm
Week 3: Monday – Friday, March 1 – 5, 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 Lāwaʻi Gardens 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 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 – papaya and macadamia nuts, squeeze of lime, with a 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 later…)
–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 full 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 an NTBG Herbarium specialist, and discuss Hawaiian plants, culture, and history.
-Further instructor demonstrations of techniques for specific details (color matching, texture, burnishing, etc.)
–Finish for the day around 4pm
-On off-hours and weekends, explore the island, relax at the beach, go for a sunset swim, or continue to draw at home… then do it again the next day!
Why Join Us?
–No prior drawing experience needed – just bring your passion!
–Personalized instruction tailored to every skill level
–Daily drawing demonstrations from friendly, experienced instructors
–Tour the vibrant gardens with NTBG botanists and staff
–Select interesting subjects from the wide variety of tropical plants growing at NTBG to observe and draw
–Create your own detailed botanical drawings and sketchbook study pages of flowering plants, fruits, and seedpods
–Learn about plant structures and their importance through dissection and comparison
–Discover the treasures of NTBG’s extensive library collection of historical botanical illustrations (spanning four centuries!) to understand tradition and techniques still in use today
-Opportunities to arrange large compositions (OPTIONAL, for those with more experience)
Prerequisites are NOT required for this workshop, but if you want to gain confidence and build some foundational skills before attending, we recommend the Botanical Basics online program, practicing from one of Wendy Hollender’s books, and/or taking a Zoom workshop with us. For a look at all of our free and paid resources, see this Learn to Draw page.
What to Expect
-Instructional classes will be conducted for 5 days each week from 10 am 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.
–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.
Workshop Fees:
Please click the drop-down menu next to each week and select Yes or No. (If you only select Yes for the week(s) you’d like to come, you will not be able to add the workshop to your cart until you select No for the week(s) you would not like to participate.)
Three week workshop: $2,991
Two week workshop: $1,994
One week workshop: $997
Week 1 + 2 + 3 – Everyone welcome. Choose this option if you are coming for all 3 weeks.
Week 1 + 2 – Choose this option if you are a beginner and would like to attend for two weeks.
Week 2 + 3 – Choose this option if you are an experienced student and would like to attend for two weeks. (no first time Draw Botanical students please)
Week 1 – Choose this option if you are a beginner and only want to attend for one week.
Week 2 / Week 3 – Choose this option if you are an experienced student and only want to attend for one week (no first time Draw Botanical students please)
Fee does NOT include travel, lodging, or meals.
NTBG members will receive a 10% Discount by request. Email info@drawbotanical.com to get the discount code.
Solo Table Upgrade
Most of the tables in the classroom have enough space for two participants, but there are four special seats where you can have the whole table all to yourself. Use the extra space to your advantage! Spread out supplies without worrying about cramping someone else’s style. Erase as vigorously as necessary without shaking the table for your neighbor.
Enjoy a whole week of bonus breathing room for $495. There are only 4 solo tables available each week, so save your spot before someone else snags it.
Note: If you would like to use a solo table for more than one week, please purchase one seat for each week you’ll be there.
Week 1 Upgrade Here
Week 2 Upgrade Here
Week 3 Upgrade Here
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
Housing:
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
Meet the Instructors
Vern Fannin
Vern (Veronica) Fannin is a designer, illustrator, and creative arts specialist from Tallahassee, Florida. She lives in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York and loves to hike, paddle, and play in the wild forest.
Thanks to the generosity and approachable lessons of Wendy Hollender, Vern fell in love with botanical drawing and the investigation of the plant world. She worked closely with Wendy to expand Draw Botanical’s educational endeavors and has been a Draw Botanical instructor for many years… Learn more
• BA Humanities/Studio Art – New College of Florida
• MFA Interior Design – Florida State University
• Member, National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium of Artists
• Author and illustrator, A is for Asparagoose: A Plant + Animal ABC
• Signage and Art, Hoot Music Festival
Learn more about Vern Fannin
View Vern’s Illustration Portfolio
earthartmagic.love
vernfannin.com
patreon.com/cw/earthartmagic
Sam McWilliams
Sam McWilliams is a visual artist, botanical art instructor, tattooer, ocean paddler, and part-time farmer. Born in San Francisco, she holds a BFA of High Distinction in painting and drawing from California College of the Arts, and certification in organic farming/gardening and Soto Zen lay ordination from Green Gulch Farm and Zen Center in Marin. For many years she worked to integrate gardens, education and arts in San Francisco public schools. Sam teaches drawing workshops in-person and online with Draw Botanical and San Francisco Zen Center, and is a member of the Florilegium Artists of the National Tropical Botanical Garden on Kauai. She resides with her wife in Vancouver BC, Canada, where she also enjoys birding and nature walks.
Sam recently completed twenty plant illustrations for Kauai’s Limahuli Garden new signage and guide book. She has been teaching Wendy Hollender’s Draw Botanical methods in person and on-line consistently since 2019, while adding additional thoughtful and supportive teaching skills from her extensive art and instruction experience. She just returned from teaching two Draw Botanical workshops in Andalusia, marking her fifth time teaching in Spain.
Learn more about Sam McWilliams
View Sam’s Draw Botanical Portfolio
sammcwilliams.com
Instagram: @sammcwilliams
Kobi Yasutake
Kobi Yasutake is a tattoo artist and illustrator born and raised on the beautiful island of Kauai. He has twelve years of professional experience as a tattoo artist, using precision to bring intricate designs to life. Over the past two years, he has cultivated a deep passion for botanical art through classes at the National Tropical Botanical Garden, where he developed a particular interest in the rich diversity of native Hawaiian flora. Combining his experience of line work with his dedication to preserving Hawaiʻi’s natural heritage, Kobi aspires to use his art to contribute to plant conservation efforts. He is a valued member of the National Tropical Botanical Garden Florilegium of Artists, where he loves to collaborate with renowned artists in an effort to highlight the beauty and importance of Hawaiʻi’s native plants.
Learn more about Kobi Yasutake
kobiyasutake.com
Instagram: @kobiyasutake
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.wa
