Botanical Art Program at Adkins Arboretum
Botanical Art brings together fine art and science to depict the form, color, details, life cycle and habit of a plant species. It can include a variety of mediums and styles, and seeks to portray the species with both accuracy and artistry.
Adkins Arboretum offers a program of classes designed to give students the necessary skills and techniques to enjoy participating in this art form. All classes are open to anyone, though some classes require prerequisites. Students who achieve a Certificate of Competency in Botanical Art at Adkins Arboretum are those who have taken the required courses and have completed a final portfolio project.
Botanical Art Program Policy
For over 15 years, the botanical art program has been a key part of Adkins Arboretum’s educational offerings. While we value diverse artistic backgrounds, we must ensure that all students are prepared specifically for the techniques and mediums used in our botanical art curriculum.
To ensure all students begin courses with a similar level of skill, familiarity with various mediums, and a solid understanding of botanical art, our instructors have established specific prerequisites for some classes. The foundational courses Botanical Drawing 1 & 2 are required for most—though not all—continuing courses.
This policy supports both students and instructors, creating the best possible learning environment.
Thank you for your understanding and for checking prerequisites before registering for your desired course.
Upcoming classes available here.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY PROGRAM
The Certificate of Competency in Botanical Art at Adkins Arboretum will offer a comprehensive series of classes in botanical art. Participants will gain the drawing and painting skills required to render accurate, detailed, and artistic depictions of the natural world.
The Certificate recognizes students who have completed the program.
REQUIRED COURSES
The following courses are required to receive a Certificate of Competency in Botanical Art at Adkins Arboretum, preferably taken at the Arboretum.
Courses consist of exercises, critiques, demonstrations, and homework assignments. Botanical Drawing in Graphite I & II are the foundational prerequisite courses.
Each course's supplies list will be available on the program's registration page.
1) Botanical Drawing in Graphite I – prerequisite
2) Botanical Drawing in Graphite II – prerequisite
3) Composition
4) Colored Pencil I: Color Layering
5) Colored Pencil II: Applications
6) Watercolor I: Color Mixing
7) Watercolor II: Botanical Painting
8) Botany Science and Field Sketching for the Artist
9) Final Portfolio: three pieces, framed size between 11"x14" and 16”x 20”
Please note: Certificate students must attend the first and 75% of all classes or the instructor's assessment to receive credit for any course.
For classes with no current session available, please check back when we announce the next season of classes.
ELECTIVE COURSES
Elective courses serve a variety of purposes. They are designed to increase students' knowledge, ability, and experience in botanical art and natural science illustration. Students must complete at least eight electives. The number of elective classes offered in any one year may vary and new courses will be added as the program develops and new teachers and their specialties are available. Guest instructor workshops may be taken as electives. Some electives may be taught using watercolor, colored pencils, or both, depending on the course's instructor. The elective subject matter will focus on the unique biodiversity of the Arboretum throughout the seasons.
Some possible elective offerings include:
Colored Pencil III
Watercolor III
Pen and Ink
Trompe L’oeil
Illuminated Letters
Illustrated Phenology Wheel
Butterflies and Insects
Birds of the Arboretum
Colored Pencil on Toned Paper with Gouache
Mushrooms
Fungi and Lichens of the Arboretum
Nuts, Berries, Pods, and Seeds of the Arboretum
Ferns
Watercolor Pencils for Botanical Art
Nature Journaling
Fish, Amphibians, and Reptiles in Watercolor
Advanced Graphite Using a Full Tonal Range
Bird Nests
Mixed Media using Watercolor and Colored Pencil
Matting, Framing, and Wiring Your Art
PORTFOLIO
The complete portfolio will contain a minimum of three finished botanical pieces featuring species of the Arboretum in any medium taught within the program or a combination of them. Framed pieces should be between the sizes of 11"x14" and 16"x20". The final portfolio will be created at the completion of all required coursework. Students completing the course and the portfolio will be publicly recognized in a Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore exhibit.
Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore
Founded in 2021, the Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore (BALES) is a thriving arts league that meets bi-monthly at Adkins Arboretum.
BALES' intention is to promote botanical art by presenting speakers and educational opportunities to its members.
BALES is dedicated to raising public awareness about botanical art and its profound connection to environmental issues, while also fostering an appreciation for native and other plants.
Its members benefit from staying connected to each other as they develop their skills and share conversations about their artwork, media, and creative processes. Guests are welcome.
Coordinator: Anna Harding
Treasurer: Marie Davis
Recording Secretary: Carol Smith
Program chair: Robin Herman
Exhibit chair: Betty Ward
For more information about BALES, contact Anna Harding at annagrace2@atlanticbb.net.
2025 meetings: 10 am–12 pm at Adkins Arboretum on Wednesdays: February 12, April 9, June 11, August 13, October 8, December 10
Membership dues: $30 year
