T1 Romancing Botany

Course Description

An accessible introduction to botanical painting. Learn basic concepts and applications in visual art relating to the exciting close-up study of Western Australian plants. Students will work in a self-directed manner on a species of their choosing. Some drawing and painting experience is required. The lessons have something to offer for beginner and experienced artists. The group of students will be guided by Judy to study our unique flora and create botanical paintings. Participants will learn the basics and techniques of botanical drawing. Through detailed observational tonal sketches, they will establish a good understanding of proportions and textures, and how to make the subject look three-dimensional. Students are encouraged to use a painting medium they are familiar with, but some of the lessons will be dedicated just to traditional botanical painting mediums such as water colours. Students will work in a self-directed manner on a species of their choosing. Some drawing and painting experience is required. About your Tutor: Judy Rogers is an award-winning artist who has gained the attention of art audiences and artists alike with her disarming portraits of family and friends and depictions of overlooked and seemingly mundane domestic subjects. Informed by classical traditions and meticulously constructed, imagery is imbued with an honesty and warmth rarely evident in contemporary figurative painting. The conventions of scale and composition coupled with a comprehensive understanding of traditional techniques are utilised for communicating these usually private shared moments between the sitter and the artist in a refreshing and uncontrived manner. Rogers works in her studio at Tresillian Art Centre and teaches art for adults in the Blend(er) gallery and for students in the Applecross Senior Highschool Gifted and Talented program. Judy Rogers has exhibited extensively locally and nationally. Her work can be found in public and private collections. What to bring: A/3 sketch book, bull clips, B6 pencils, erasers, sharpeners, charcoal fine and thick, putty erasers, fixative spray, a small selection of watercolour pencils, watercolour brush (#8 or #10) Please discuss in the first class with your tutor: painting support, paint colours (any medium), and selection of brushes.