| DATE | START | END |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 10/23 | 9:00am | 12:00pm |
| Fri 10/30 | 9:00am | 12:00pm |
| Fri 11/06 | 9:00am | 12:00pm |
| Fri 11/13 | 9:00am | 12:00pm |
Discover the beauty of plants through the timeless art of botanical illustration at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Designed for beginners, this class introduces the fundamentals of observing, sketching, and accurately depicting botanical subjects.
Participants will learn basic drawing techniques, composition, and methods for capturing the distinctive details of flowers, leaves, and stems or seeds while developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world. No prior artistic experience is necessary, just curiosity, creativity, and a love of plants. You will also learn a little about the history of botanical illustration, and some basic botany!
Supplies are not included. Please bring with you the following items.
Supplies
Participants should bring:
- Drawing pencils: HB, 2H and 2B
- White plastic eraser and kneaded eraser
- Micron pens in sizes 005 and 01; starter packs containing multiple sizes are also available
- Hot-press watercolor paper in an 8 x 10, 9 x 12 or 11 x 14-inch pad
- Sketchbook or copy paper for drawing
- Watercolor brushes in sizes 2 and 6, plus a liner brush
- Paper towels or tissues
- Ruler
Hot-press, 100% cotton watercolor paper is traditionally used for botanical illustration because it allows for fine detail. Fabriano Artistico Extra White and Arches are excellent options, but Hahnemühle and other brands—or less-expensive cotton-blend papers—are perfectly suitable for this introductory class. Cold-press paper may also be used.
A basic watercolor set will eventually be helpful but is not needed for the first class. Watercolor paints and recommended options will be discussed during the first session, so there is no need to purchase them in advance.
Optional Supplies
- Magnifying glass or magnifying readers
- Phone or tablet for taking reference photos
- Painter’s tape or artist’s tape
- Mixed-media sketchbook suitable for watercolor, gouache or colored pencils
- Stable water containers, such as mason jars
- Dividers
Students who prefer to work in graphite, colored pencil or gouache are also welcome to do so. The instructor will bring gouache and colored pencils to a later class for participants to try.
This class is open to beginner and intermediate artists, ages 15 and up. Youth under 18 must attend with a registered adult chaperone. No experience required—just come ready to create!
Instructor Bio:
Amy Welch is a retired Physician Associate and now an Austin based botanical artist who focuses mainly on native plants. She is a graduate of the Society of Botanical Artists diplomate program and a member of the Lonestar Botanical Artists Circle of the American Society of Botanical Artists. She has had multiple exhibits in 2026 in the upper midwest and here in Texas. Her most recent works can be seen in the Gallery at the Wildflower Center where she is a regular volunteer.