Description

Botanical Illustration Intensive Workshop on Kaua’i (Hawaii)

at The National Tropical Botanical Garden

Instructors: Pam Thompson and Sam McWilliams

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: October 14 – 25, 2024

Week 1: Monday – Friday, Oct. 14 – 18, 10am – 4pm

(Beginners are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1)

Week 2: Monday – Friday, Oct. 21 – 25, 10am – 4pm

We recommend attending for as many days as possible; the more you immerse yourself, the deeper the learning experience.

Workshop Description:

Bask in the beauty of Hawaii AND improve your observational drawings! From the picturesque Lawaii valley to the mesmerizing ocean views, endless inspiration awaits. Which fascinating tropical plants will you draw?

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 (dream team – Pam & Sam!)
–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)

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.)
–Instructors are available in the classroom 10-4pm, and do daily demonstrations and trips to the garden with NTBG staff.
-We have a large indoor/outdoor classroom for our use, with time to draw outside in the garden as well.
–Practice the fundamentals of botanical drawing using graphite pencil, colored pencils and watercolor. (Find our list of recommended supplies here.)
–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.
-On off-days, students are free to explore the island, relax at the beach, or continue to draw at home.

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.

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.)

One week workshop: $800
Two week workshop: $1600

Beginners are strongly encouraged to start on Week 1, but we are flexible – just come join us when you can! Experienced students are welcome to come for either week (or both!). 

We recommend attending for as many days as possible; the more you immerse yourself, the deeper the learning experience.

NTBG members at the Individual ($90/year) level or higher will receive a 10% Discount by request. Email info@drawbotanical.com to get the discount code.

Fee does not include travel, lodging, or meals.

Art Supplies:

PLEASE NOTE: We will not be bringing many art supplies to sell, so please consider ORDERING YOUR SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME and shipping them to NTBG. (Mailing address will be sent in your registration email.)

We recommend this kit with everything you’ll need. Or, if you’re a returning student, consider ordering some of your favorite colored pencils or paper so you don’t run out. We may have a small amount of colored pencils and watercolor pencils available for sale.

See our list of recommended supplies.

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! 

If you’d like to share housing or a rental car with other attendees, there will be a private spreadsheet sent in your registration email.

Click here for more information about housing options.

We can’t wait to say Aloha!

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.