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:  

• Pencils, HB, 2h and 2b.   
• Erasers- white plastic eraser,  and gum (soft pliable)  eraser.  
• Micron Pen - .005mm, .01  
• Watercolor Paper- Hot press watercolor paper, but cold press can also be used - 8x10, 9 x 12  or to 11 x 14 pad.  Students may instead purchase a large full sheet that can be cut down for this introductory class.  Fabriano (extra white)  or Arches are to gold standard but Hahnemuhle and other brands may be substituted.  The preference is 100 percent cotton paper but this is much more expensive so for this class blends are fine.  Hot press is traditional and allows for finer detail.     
• Paper- sketch book or copy paper for drawing
• Watercolor brushes - "size 6, 2, and a "liner".   
• Paper towels or kleenex
• Ruler  

Optional but helpful:

• Magnifying glass or magnifying readers
• Camera: phone is fine but tablets may distort less
• Painters tape or artists tape
• "mixed media" sketchbook that can accept watercolor/gouache or colored pencils for colored sketching, 
• Water containers 
• Dividers 

Basic watercolor set - *not needed for the first class*  We will discuss watercolor paints at the end of the first class so no need to purchase anything ahead of time.  

*If you would like to work in and have  colored pencils, just graphite or gouache that is fine also.  I will bring gouache and colored pencils to one of the later  classes for students to try out.  

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.