Missed a live Zoom Drawing Workshop? No problem!

Scroll through this page for all of our past Zoom Workshops that are currently available to purchase.

Once purchased, you can view the recordings by either clicking the link in your email or logging on to our website, clicking “My Supplies,” and scrolling down to “My Videos.”

Benefits of Workshop Recordings

In addition to pre-recorded videos for you to watch as you prepare for class, as well as recordings of each workshop session (with demonstrations on the first day and constructive critiques on the second day), here are the other perks of purchasing a Zoom Workshop Recording:

Real Time “Mistakes”

Nature is imperfect, so our artwork must be too! Our lessons give you the real-time play-by-play so you can see our whole process, not just the highlight reel of how to get it right the first time. We show you how to make “mistakes” and learn from them.

Watch the recording from day two for constructive critiques of live participants’ work and extra live demos. Not only is it interesting to see how each artist interprets the same subject differently, but also you get so much more when you learn from everyone’s “mistakes,” not just your own.

Pause, Play, Rewind, Fast-Forward

With recordings, you can pause, play, rewind, and fast-forward at any time. Whether you want to watch part of a lesson again, pause to switch the laundry, or skip introductions at the beginning, you can do whatever you need to do, whenever you need to do it.

Flexibility

Learn from the comfort of home, or anywhere with internet. Draw along with the lesson and pause when you want, or watch first and draw later. We don’t hand out grades or take attendance. There’s NO pressure, just learning and fun!

Confidence & Polishing Skills

Submit photos (at any stage throughout your process!) and get quality feedback from our instructors that will improve your drawings and boost your confidence.

Though you can’t ask live, we encourage you to watch the recording from day one, try your own drawing, and send photos of your progress along with any questions to info+images@drawbotanical.com to receive personalised feedback aimed at boosting your confidence and elevating your work to the next level.

Fun!

The most important part of the Draw Botanical Technique is to ENJOY the act of creating, so our workshops are always a joy! Our friendly instructors love to draw and love to teach, so they truly delight in demonstrating techniques and answering questions to help improve your artwork.

Questions about your work? We got you!

If questions specific to your work arise, you can send photos to info+images@drawbotanical.com and an instructor will get back to you.

Find all of the art supplies that we recommend here.

Feel free to follow along with any supplies you have (your result may just end up looking a little different). Our lessons are about a combination of fundamental 3D art concepts and colored pencil and watercolor technique, so you can skip the supplies-specific tips and still learn a lot about art basics including perspective, light source, composition, etc. One of the main points we teach is colored pencil and watercolor technique for slow, continuous toning, but as long as you are able to achieve the same blending result with your chosen materials, you can still benefit from our course lessons.

Color Theory

(Recorded January 7 & 11, 2024)

If colorful plants inspire you to learn how to mix any and every shade under the sun, we hope you’ll join our expedition into the fascinating world of color. Dive deep into color theory, color mixing, color blending, and color matching. Bring an assortment of botanical bits in any/every color, and we’ll show you how to match them… Learn more

Start Simple: Techniques for Beginners

Bring your beginners’ mind to your drawing table, and learn the building blocks of Draw Botanical Techniques, from sharp pencils to toning to basic color mixing. This is a great class for anyone who is drawing for the first time, for those taking the Botanical Basics Course, and for you! We will use simple shapes to understand and draw light on basic forms. We will focus on beginning techniques, use household objects to study simple 3-dimensional shapes (ex. sphere, cylinder, cup, funnel, leaf), and draw a tomato together… Learn more

Combining Colored Pencil & Watercolor with Radishes

Join us for a fun lesson in how to combine whimsical watercolor with compelling colored pencil to transform flat drawings into vibrant, three-dimensional wonders. We’ll practice with radishes, the ideal subject to learn the fundamentals of our Draw Botanical techniques and study the art of depth and dimension… Learn more

The Magic of Light Source, Highlights, & Shadows

Create the illusion of 3-dimensional form on a 2-dimensional surface with realistic highlights and shadows that provide beauty and depth to our drawings. We will study the way geometric shapes look when they are lit with proper lighting, and how to transfer that knowledge to forms we find in nature. Understanding light-source is essential for creating 3D form, making this workshop important for beginners. Artists with more experience will hone their skills, as we explore light-source in a focused and in-depth way… Learn more

Measuring & Perspective

The secret to realistic botanical illustrations is accurate measuring from your unique viewpoint! As something tilts away from us, its physical form does not change, but our perception of it does. We’ll study perspective, the most effective way to read a ruler, and how to illustrate the illusion of foreshortening using cross-sections of round fruits… Learn more

Watercolor Techniques

Don’t be afraid of watercolor! In this workshop, we will work slowly through the basics of watercolor. From the amount of water used to the size of the brush, we will work step-by-step and pay close attention to the fundamental techniques involved in botanical painting with watercolor. We will practice watercolor exercises together to improve our core watercolor skills, and practice what we learn on some simple botanical subjects… Learn more

Winter Branches

Every branch is a unique and fascinating world of its own. No matter how many times we draw them, they never fail to amaze us! Learn colored pencil and watercolor techniques for creating 3-dimensional branches, realistic bark textures, multiple branch compositions, and fine details including lichen and moss… Learn more

Texture: Peels & Pulp

How do you turn your geometric sphere into a realistic orange? The answer is texture! Get ready to learn how to use value, contrast, & saturation to describe the waxy bumpy surface & juicy translucent pulp of citrus fruits. We will study how to create the gorgeous highlights that shimmer on the waxy bumpy peels. We will cut our subjects open, and learn how to bring the shiny, sparkly translucent pulp to life. Bring your favorite citrus fruit, and we’ll learn and explore together… Learn more

Texture: Papery Garlic, Onions, etc.

Learn how to let light shine through that papery texture often found on our botanical subjects. From drying out bracts to flaky onion skins, we will demonstrate techniques to create that translucent, thin, papery “feel,” and give you positive, useful feedback on your own artwork… Learn more

Color Theory

(Recorded November 6 & 10, 2022)

Want to know more about the fascinating world of color? Join us for a deep dive into color theory, color mixing, color blending, and color matching. Bring an assortment of botanical bits in any/every color, and we’ll try to match them! We will be using Faber Castell Polychromos colored pencils and Albrecht Durer watercolor pencils, but you can apply the concepts to any supplies with which you’d like to participate. We will reference lessons in Wendy’s book, The Joy of Botanical Drawing… Learn more

Green Leaves: Texture and Color

All botanical artists encounter the inevitable challenge of portraying leaves. How can we draw “fuzzy,” paint “matte,”or shade “shiny”? How can we color match nature’s infinite shades of green? Join this workshop to learn how to combine watercolor and colored pencil to create realistic renderings of different leaf textures and tones so your botanical compositions represent their natural subjects with beauty and accuracy… Learn more

Leafy Leaves

Want to create leaves that leap off the page? We break down the process into simple steps, and have fun doing it! Learn how to draw leaves from different perspectives, and use watercolor and colored pencil to create three-dimensional forms with realistic details… Learn more

Twists, Rolls, & Folds

From twisting vines and curling citrus peels to strappy leaves from alliums and grasses, nature is full of many kinds of twists, folds, and rolls – none of which are easy to draw! First, we will practice how to draw these forms realistically, where to darken our deepest shadows, and what to leave white for our brightest highlights. Then, we will use that knowledge to help us draw our natural subjects. Bring any natural curling, twisting, or folding subjects (and a smile!) to class and we will draw together… Learn more

Hairs, Prickles, Spines, & Thorns

Fine hairs, small prickles, white spines, and sharp thorns are difficult details to portray. Countless botanical subjects have at least one of these pokey parts that present unique challenges for realistic renderings. We will practice different techniques for drawing these subjects with colored pencil and watercolor, including using masking fluid with a dip pen, embossing tools and wax paper… Learn more

Marvelous Mushrooms

Are you enchanted by the whimsical world of mushrooms? Join our exploration into the art of drawing these fascinating fungi. Designed for artists of all skill levels, this workshop offers a playful and friendly environment where creativity flourishes. We’ll guide you through each step of drawing marvelous mushrooms. Here’s what you can expect:

🖌️ Basic Shapes: Start with simple shapes to build the foundation of your mushroom drawings.
🍄 Adding Details: Gradually add charming details like rounded caps, intricate gills, pores, spines, or ridges to bring your mushrooms to life.
✏️ Shading Techniques: Learn how to use shading to create depth and dimension, making your mushrooms look truly enchanting.
🎨 Texture Techniques: Discover methods to depict the unique textures of different mushroom species, from smooth and shiny to rough and ridged… Learn more

Lichen & Moss

Discover how to illustrate the fascinating patterns and intricate textures of lichens and mosses using a combination of colored pencil and watercolor. Gather some branches, bark, or rocks with these curious organisms growing on them, and let’s celebrate their quiet beauty together… Learn more

“The mutuality of moss and water. Isn’t this the way we love, the way love propels our own unfolding? We are shaped by our affinity for love, expanded by its presence and shrunken by its lack.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses

Composition & Focal Point: Tulips

Learn how to create a balanced composition with movement, contrast, unity, depth, and a strong focal point. From roots to petals, we’ll use all parts of these graceful spring beauties to arrange a composition that leads our eyes in a dance around the page… Learn more

Parts of a Flower: Dissections & Discoveries

Peek inside nature’s window, and explore the mysterious world of flowers, undressed. Learn to dissect these delicate blooms to uncover the mesmerizing secrets to how plants reproduce and create fruiting bodies and seedpods. Our mission? To enjoy the art of identifying, magnifying, and sketching their reproductive components.

We will venture into the depths of jewel-like ovaries, dissecting them under magnification to notice patterns similar to the mature fruit that develops. With pencils in hand, we will capture every intricate detail and explore how to organize these awe-inspiring inner treasures into a stunning composition… Learn more

Roses on Kraft Paper

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of these complex flowers with watercolor and colored pencil on Kraft paper – a joy to work on and a forgiving medium, perfect for tackling the intricate details of these stunning blooms. (Read more about why we love Kraft paper here.)

Approach drawing the rose as a lifelong pursuit toward capturing the rose’s elegance; it is something that we practice, over and over again. Whether you’ve been hesitant to try your hand at drawing roses or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll leave this workshop feeling proud of your progress… Learn more

Composite Flowers: Daisies, Zinnias, & Coneflowers

Composite flowers have so much to teach us! All of their petals are perfect for practicing overlaps; their adorable, fuzzy-looking centers are great practice for drawing textures and fibonacci patterns; and their circular form makes foreshortening simple and easy to understand. Watch round circles become ellipses as we draw flowers from different perspectives. Learn about the botany of inflorescences, their fascinating reproductive parts, and how each petal is actually an individual flower connected to a shared stalk! … Learn more

Hello Yellow! Daffodils

Oh yellow, your sunny hue delights us, but drawing you can be a struggle. Join us in celebrating the vibrant hues of spring as we practice working with this tricky color. From clean shades to convincing shadows, we’ll show you how to make those daffodils pop without a hint of muddy mess… Learn more

Daisies: White Flowers on White Paper

Discover the magic of bringing white flowers to life on white paper! Join our experienced instructors on this delightful and creative journey to expose the secrets behind making cheerful daisies pop off the page using a harmonious blend of colored pencil and watercolor.

We will be demonstrating how to draw daisies, but any white flower will do. Try to bring multiple flowers so you can pull one apart to study the structure and draw individual parts.

In this enchanting session, we’ll delve into advanced flower drawing techniques, including:

🎨 Sensitive Line: Learn the art of delicate and expressive lines that capture the essence and free spirit of each flower.
🌸 Petal Perfection: Get hands-on practice in drawing petals with precision and grace.
🔍 Perspective: Achieve flower portraits from various angles, giving your drawings depth and realism.
📏 Accurate Drawing: Hone your skills in accurate representation to make your flowers truly lifelike.
🌈 Subtle Color: Discover how to use gentle hues to create a stunning 3-dimensional effect, making your white flowers stand out on white paper.

Whether you’re an experienced artist looking to refine your skills or a curious beginner eager to explore the world of botanical art, this workshop is perfect for you. Grab your favorite colored pencils and watercolors (here are our favorites), and let’s make some floral magic together… Learn more

Spring Bulbs on Kraft Paper

Jump into spring and explore the wonder of adding bright white highlights to your deep dark shadows on tan Kraft Paper to bring your drawings to life. These spring beauties will be the perfect subjects to practice slow-toning by combining colored pencil and watercolor on mid-tone Kraft Paper… Learn more

Sketching Sweetness: Strawberries

Did you know that each tiny “seed” on a strawberry’s surface is technically its own fruit?! Discover the juicy secrets behind drawing strawberries in this workshop. Let’s capture the mouthwatering magic of strawberries as we learn to draw their delectable details, from glistening highlights to the distinct textures of these sweet treats… Learn more

Winter Jewels – Pomegranates

These big winter berries have so much to teach us, so get ready for a juicy workshop! Practice mixing vivid reds with watercolor and colored pencil. Watch experienced instructors demonstrate techniques for rendering leathery skin and glistening seeds. Share your work throughout the process to receive confidence-boosting compliments, and we will help you overcome challenges that arise while you are drawing… Learn more

Conifers

Captivated by the patterns of pine cones? Cuddle up with some hot cocoa, and capture cute conifers with us! Drawing pine cones is a perfect opportunity to look closely at the intricate spiral patterns found in nature. Learn our techniques for drawing these complex wintery subjects, including their branches with fine, green needles… Learn more

Sensational Seed Pods

Explore the enchanting world of seed pods and learn how to draw these fascinating natural treasures. We will guide you through the process of observing and drawing the intricate details of seedpods. Using colored pencil and watercolor, our experienced instructors will demonstrate techniques to help you:
🌟Capture 3D Form: Learn how to bring your seedpods to life with realistic shapes and volumes.
🌱Render Texture: Master the art of depicting the varied surfaces of seedpods, from smooth and shiny to rough and spiky.
💡Play with Light and Shadow: Understand how to use light and shadow to enhance the depth and dimension of your drawings.
🖌️Focus on Subtle Details: Discover how to highlight the delicate and complex details that make each seed pod unique… Learn more

Colorful Autumn Leaves

Who can resist a vibrant, colorful leaf?! Join us as we use watercolor and colored pencil techniques to draw these “jewels of autumn.” Gather your leafy friends, especially those flaunting fall’s fiery shades of reds, oranges, and yellows… Learn more

Winter Squash, Pumpkins, & Gourds

Fall in love with the fascinating textures and pretty patterns found on decorative gourds. Study the segmented skin and gooey inner seeds of pumpkins. Whether you harvest from your garden, pick from the patch, or grab from the local grocery store, bring your favorite squash, pumpkin, or gourd, and we’ll draw together… Learn more

Wonderful Watermelon

Let’s put the “water” in “watermelon”! With a combination of watercolor and colored pencil, you’ll learn how to achieve the many textures of watermelon – from the green pattern on its smooth outer rind, to the spongy, fibrous, juicy red melon and glossy seeds hidden inside. Summer will be over too soon, but your unique portrait of this sweet, refreshing fruit will last a lifetime!… Learn more

Awesome Autumn Apples

Looking to practice creating beautiful patterns while maintaining 3D form? Apples are as satisfying to draw as they are to eat! You will learn techniques combining colored pencil and watercolor to render a realistic fruit (that will make a delightful snack when you’re done!). We’ll work on a single fruit, as well as lay out a more complex composition with stem, leaves, and cut fruit. If you can, try to source a fruit with stem and leaves attached (but it’s also totally fine to pick up any fresh apple from your local market)… Learn more

Trompe L’oeil: Fool-the-Eye

Fool the eye into seeing real-life three-dimensional objects jump out of their flat paintings with Trompe L’oeil techniques. You’ll learn several “tricks” for composition, color, style, and presentation. With your botanical drawing skills and art supplies, Wendy will teach you how to incorporate these fun techniques on kraft paper and tell a story by… Learn more

Nature Sketchbooking

with Wendy Hollender & Jean McKay

(Recorded March 26 & 28, 2021)

Explore the nature of your own backyard and farther afield and capture its beauty and diversity with quick studies and more detailed paintings. This workshop will provide tips and techniques for sketching outdoors with pencil, pen, and watercolor, and help you gain confidence working directly from nature. Free from the expectation of “creating a masterpiece,” working in a nature sketchbook will give you the freedom to experiment, practice, and record your experiences. We will include ways to add text to your sketchbook. Whether you are looking for renewed inspiration, seeking to nurture your creative spark, or hoping to build your artistic skills, this class will set you on a journey of discovery that is much more than an illustrated record of what you see. Sketch after sketch, year after year, you’ll cultivate a sense of wonder and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the world around you. Instruction will be tailored to various skill levels… Learn more

Lettering

Want to add lettering to your botanical illustrations? In this workshop, we’ll help you build some foundational lettering skills, and we’ll talk about ways to apply hand-lettering to your drawings… Learn more

Zoom Workshops Archive