Botanical Art & Illustration

Program Details

Come join us for an open studio experience designed to practice and refine the art of botanical illustration. Under the guidance of instructor Cristina Baltayian, participants will explore colored pencil, graphite, pen and ink, and watercolor, working on a variety of papers, vellum, and other surfaces. The class emphasizes close plant observation, drawing and composition, color theory and color matching, and the unique techniques of each medium. This supportive, exploratory studio setting is ideal for building skills, deepening practice, and experimenting with materials.

Tuesdays 10am-2pm (4-week sessions)

 January Session: January 6, January 13, January 20, January 27 

February Session: February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24 

Class Details:
-Class is held in the Oak Room, directly under the Peacock Cafe.
-If you are a new student, please contact the instructor about the supply list so she can help tailor materials to your existing supplies and personal interests. Cristina Baltayian: cbaltayian@yahoo.com or education@arboretum.org

Suggested Supply List:
– Graphite Pencils, B, 2H, 4H
-Spiral bound sketch pad, 10×14 or larger
-Tracing paper pad, 10×14 or larger
-OTT portable light, with True Color or Daylight Bulb
-Kneaded Eraser
-Retractable mechanical eraser
-Pencil Sharpener
-Exacto Knife
-Scissors
-Magnifying Glass
-Artist Tape
Suggested Book:
– Botanical Illustration Course with The Eden Project Rosie Martin and Meriel Thursten

About The Instructor:
Cristina Baltayian has been a botanical artist for 25 years. She has a Botanical Illustration course certificate from Cornell University.  She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, and the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California.