Description

Autumn Armor: How to Draw Botanical Subjects with Spikes

An Online Workshop for All Artists Using Colored Pencil & Watercolor

Sunday, November 15, 2026: 2pm – 6pm ET

Thursday, November 19, 2026: 6pm – 7:30pm ET

✏️ Instructors: Pam Thompson & Sam McWilliams
✅ Level: All levels
🌱 Botanical Subject(s): Anything spiky/spiny. Ideas include:

•Treenuts/Pods like sweetgum, chestnuts, buckeyes. beech nuts.
•Garden/Weed Pods like Thistles, Datura, Sea Holly, Wild Cucumber.
•Tropical/Grocery Store Finds like Rambutans, Durian, Kiowano.

Workshop Description

Chestnuts, thistles, sweetgum balls and other spiky autumn treasures make wonderfully interesting drawing subjects. We’ll explore how to capture spikes, spines, hooks and other wonderfully complicated textures without getting lost in every tiny detail.

We’ll begin by looking at the simple three-dimensional forms beneath all those prickly surfaces, then learn how the direction, length and foreshortening of the spikes help describe the form. We’ll use watercolor, colored pencil, and a few extra tools to build dimension, texture, and detail while keeping our subjects looking natural and three-dimensional.

Why Join?

Our Zoom workshops are not just about learning, but also about community, encouragement, and growing our skills together. Here’s what you can expect:
✨ Live Step-by-Step Demos – Follow along with clear, friendly guidance from our seasoned instructors.
🌱 A Supportive Space – Ask questions, share your progress, and learn alongside fellow art-lovers in an encouraging environment.
🖼️ Personalized Feedback – Hear thoughtful, constructive critiques from experienced educators to help you grow with confidence.
🎥 Recordings – Sent a few hours after each live session, so you can rewatch and refine anytime. (No expiration!)

How the Workshop Flows

Designed to fit your life, whether you join live or learn on your own schedule:
• Pre-Class Practice (optional): Warm up with pre-recorded videos before Day 1.
• Class Day 1 (4 hrs, Sunday): Step-by-step demos, foundational techniques, and live Q&A.
• Inter-Class Practice (Mon–Thu): Rewatch the recording and practice at your own pace.
• Class Day 2 (1.5 hrs, Thursday): Share your work, get personalized feedback, and catch extra demos as needed.
• Post-Class Practice: Revisit the recordings anytime. You can still send photos to info+images@drawbotanical.com for feedback whenever you’re ready.

Recommended Art Supplies:

NOTE: IN ADDITION TO OUR USUAL SUPPLIES  there are some additional supplies you may want to have on hand for this workshop. We will be demonstrating how to use embossing tools and masking fluid for spiky textures. Consider acquiring these supplies to follow along with our techniques:
• Kemper Double Ball Stylus Embossing Tool – Small
• Kemper Double Ball Stylus Embossing Tool – Large
• Schminke Aqua Masking Fluid, 19 ml Bottle
• Speedball Hunt Globe Bowl Pointed Dip Pen #513 Extra Fine Nib
• Speedball Straight Pen Holder
• More Robust Hot Press Paper: This could be a good opportunity to try out some more robust paper in addition to our usual Stonehenge Aqua Hotpress. The Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press will still work for this workshop, but you may have more success with masking fluid with a more robust hotpress paper. Some good ones to try are 140 lb hot press watercolor paper in the following brands: Arches, Saunders Waterford, Hahnemuhle The Collection, or Fabriano Artistico. If you want to use the same paper as Pam, she will be using Saunders Waterford Hot Press paper.

See the full supply list here. Don’t have everything? Follow along with what you’ve got! Your results may look a little different, but you’ll still learn the fundamentals: perspective, light, composition, and more. Our core technique is slow, continuous toning with colored pencil and watercolor, but if your materials can achieve a similar blend, you’re all set to dive in. 🎨

📬 IMPORTANT: Add info@drawbotanical.com to your contacts. All workshop details (Zoom links, videos, slideshows) will land in your inbox!

After purchasing, you’ll receive a Registration Details email. Don’t see it after a few hours? Check your spam/junk folder, or email info@drawbotanical.com and we’ll help you out.

Cancellation Policy: Due to the virtual nature of this product, we cannot issue a refund. You will still receive all recordings from the workshop, and you can watch them at your convenience.

By purchasing this workshop, you agree to the following Media Release: I hereby give permission to Draw Botanical LLC to use photographs, videos, and/or audio recordings in which my picture or image appears for all purposes and in all media and formats now known or later created including, without limitation, all promotional materials. I hereby waive any right that I may have to inspect or approve the finished product or products or advertising or printed matter that may be used in connection with this video, audio or photographs or the use to which it may be applied.
I hereby irrevocably release and discharge Draw Botanical LLC and personnel from all claims, demands, and causes of action that I now have or in the future may have relating to the permitted use of my likeness.
I agree that Draw Botanical LLC will be the sole owner of all rights in the above-mentioned recordings. (Note: I maintain all rights to the work I create. Draw Botanical maintains all rights to the recorded content.) This release is governed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.