School of Botanical Art and Illustration

Inspiring people to explore a world where art and plants intertwine creating an atmosphere of shared interest in all things botanical, while nurturing the artist within – all in beautiful garden surrounds. Visit Brookside Gardens to learn more. 

Welcome to Brookside Gardens’ School of Botanical Art & Illustration. We offer a range of courses for beginners to advanced students who have already completed certificate programs. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from experienced artists and network with other students. Enjoy the small class size and the beautiful garden setting for inspiration. Encourage your fellow artists to register with you!

Program Calendar

Registration for the 2019 Spring-Summer programming at Brookside Gardens opens on Monday, February 11.

Register for our botanical art and illustration classes online through ActiveMONTGOMERY or by calling 301-962-1470. If you don’t already have an ActiveMONTGOMERY account, visit the sign in page to create one.

Upcoming Courses

Advanced Composition

Instructor: Susan Fisher

Learn to identify the tools of advanced composition and the ways in which they can be applied to a specific work.  Examine why it’s important to study the subject, the form and the message. This course covers the exploration of many artworks and the ways they were constructed in order to learn how to identify effective tools such line, value, color, etc. and structures that aid in creating a cohesive and visually interesting final piece. Participants will practice foundational exercises, identify problem areas, and develop skills to finish a work without losing the original intent.

Course # 63525

Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, March 24; 10:00am to 3:30pm

Fee: $200, FOBG: $180; Certificate Fee: $80; registration required

Prerequisite: Intermediate courses in botanical art & illustration

Level: Intermediate to advanced

Visitor Center Adult Classroom

Art & Nature Journaling with Mixed Media

Instrcutor: Tina Thieme Brown

Did you know that John Muir, first president of the Sierra Club, was an avid nature journaler? Enjoy a brief walk through the Brookside Gardens woodland trail where you’ll be inspired to create a sketchbook page under the guidance of a professional artist. Discover how color pencils and pen and ink bring your drawings to life. Join us to create a seasonal observation in your sketchbook. The only experience required is a love of nature.  Course fee includes a journal. Students will be given a basic materials list to purchase prior to class.

Course # 63526

Saturday, April 13, 10:00am – 3:30pm

Fee: $70, FOBG: $63; registration required

Prerequisite: None

Level: Beginner

Visitors Center Adult Classroom

Secrets of Working with Colored Pencils on Drafting Film

Instructor: Dorothy DePaulo
Take your colored pencil skills to the next level in this three-day workshop as you explore a variety of techniques of working with this versatile medium on drafting film. The course will cover what types of film to use and which brands of colored pencils work best. Best practices will be demonstrated for transferring your drawings to film and layering colors by working on both sides.  Techniques for erasing and lifting color from the film in addition to blending colors will be covered. You’ll explore how to create depth and special effects through use of multiple layers of film in addition to combining mixed media (pastel or acrylic) with colored pencil.

Course # 63527

Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19; 10:00am to 3:30pm

Fee: $275, FOBG: $248; Certificate Fee: $80; registration required

Prerequisite: Intermediate courses in botanical art & illustration

Level: Intermediate to advanced

Visitor Center Adult Classroom

Exploring Traditional Pen & Ink Techniques with Crow Quill

Instructor: Heeyoung Kim

While convenient mechanical pens or pigment liners are available, learn why master artists like Heeyong Kim find magic and value in using the old style of crow quill pen and ink. Crow quill pens are valued for their ability to create the finest, hair-like lines and detail in addition to being an affordable material. This workshop will explore how to implement the best techniques for stippling and line drawing using crow quill pens. You’ll learn how to achieve various weights of line through pressure and speed and create new effects through volume. Students will be taught how to introduce sepia color to their artwork and work on Bristol board with clean finishes.  We’ll enjoy time in the gardens harvesting fresh plant materials to study.

Course # 63528

Friday, June 14 – Sunday, June 16; 10:00am to 3:30pm

Fee: $275, FOBG: $248; Certificate Fee: $80; registration required

Prerequisite: Intermediate courses in botanical art using pen & ink

Level: Intermediate to advanced

Visitor Center Adult Classroom

Want to learn more?