Botanical Art and Illustration Classes
The beauty, movement, and form of a plant can be preserved and interpreted by an artist's inspiration and skill. Would you enjoy being that artist?
See a brief overview of the course, dates, time, and cost. If you would like additional information or to register, click on the course number and title.
No art background is necessary for introductory classes. Classes are open to all, even if you are not working towards a Certificate.
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Summer Core Certificate Classes
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Connie Devendorf, Freelance Artist
Learn the basics of drawing nature in this course designed for true beginners. We will discuss everything from how to hold your pencil to what kind of paper to use. You will have time to work on drawing skills in a no-pressure setting.
Note: This is a prerequisite for Pencil (A110) for those with limited art experience. Please contact the Nature Arts Education Manager for more information at 630-719-5642.
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (15 hours)
5 Mondays, July 1 – July 29; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $160 member (nonmember $188 )
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A110-BOTANICAL ART & ILLUSTRATION: PENCIL
Kimberly Mullarkey, Freelance Artist
As you study and draw the details of living plants, you will learn the techniques of pencil drawing, develop your eye-hand coordination, and learn the structures of the plants you draw. Activities include daily drawing exercises, weekly home assignments, and constructive critiques. Beginners in art or botanical drawing are welcome.
Prerequisite: Begin to Draw (A000)
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Requirement (15 hours)
5 Mondays, July 29 – August 26; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $160 (nonmember $188)
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A152 UNDERPAINTING TECHNIQUES IN PASTEL
Laverne Bohlin, Freelance Artist
Pastel underpaintings and the use of a "mother color" can bring color harmony to your artwork. During this workshop, we will learn how to do various underpainting techniques to bring more color, vibrancy and interest to a pastel painting. Beginners welcome. Some experience with the pastel medium will be helpful.
Prerequisite: Previous pastel experience necessary
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (5 hours)
Saturday, August 24; 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $55 (nonmember $65 )
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134A316-PLANTS IN WATERCOLOR I
Fran Kelly, Freelance Artist
Classic English watercolor technique is often used when color is required for botanical illustrations. Add to your color illustration skills by learning this traditional medium. We will focus on the use of color glazing, specific brush techniques, and accurate rendition of details.
Prerequisite: Botanical Art & Illustration: Pencil (A110)
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Requirement (18 hours)
6 Wednesdays, Sept 11 – Oct 16; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Research Center.
Member $174 (nonmember $205)
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Summer Certificate Electives
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A421-BOTANICAL ART IN GARDEN CATALOGS
Tales and Treasures Supporting Program
Arlene Widrevitz, Freelance Artist & Rare Print Collection Staff, The Morton Arboretum
Spend a summer afternoon learning about the artists and illustrations used in seed and garden catalogs beginning with the first English flower catalog from 1730 produced by Robert Furber. Enjoy a glass of lemonade and fresh fruit and goodies in the May Watts reading garden following the presentation for a lively discussion on the place of the artist in the creation of a catalog.
Prerequisite: None
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (3 hours)
Thursday, June 6; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Sterling Morton Library.
Member $32 (nonmember $38 )
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A022-MAKE MOSAICS FOR THE GARDEN
Lisa Talbort, Mosaic Artist
Learn the whimsical art of broken china (pique assiette) mosaic while making a decorative items for the yard or to display in the home. You will learn the history of this colorful and fun form of mosaic, how to choose materials for outdoor environments, and the use of the proper tools, adhesives, and china cutting techniques. You will complete your project including grouting. Supplies included in registration fee.
Prerequisites: Beginners welcome--no art background is necessary.
Supplies: Supplies included in registration fee.
Research Building.
Section a: Mosaic Bird Bath: Saturday, July 20; 8:00 am. – Noon. Member $180 (nonmember $212)
Section b: Mosaic Terra Cotta Pots: Saturday, July 20; 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Member $49 (nonmember $58)
Section c : Mosaic Bird House: Sunday, July 21; 8:00 am – Noon. Member $95 (nonmember $112)
Section d: Mosaic Wrought Iron Table: Sunday, July 21; 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Member $157 (nonmember $185)
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JoAnne Laudolff, Nature Artist
We will embellish a sketchbook to record your garden in all it's splendor. Learn to keep a record of what worked in the garden and what didn't. We will use your photos, nature prints and pressings to create a journal you can refer to in those winter months ahead.
Prerequisite: No art background necessary
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (5 hours)
Sunday, July 21; 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $60 (nonmember $71 )
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Summer is a magical time at the Arboretum with trees and plants at their peak. Learn about specimens from various collections at the Morton Arboretum, then create images to use in a mandala inspired by them. We will work from specimens and your own reference materials.
Prerequisite: No art background necessary
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (15 hours)
5 Mondays, August 5 – September 9, no class Sept 2; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $160 (nonmember $188)
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134A092-INSECTS IN POLYMER CLAY
Dave Rogers' Big Bugs Program
Karen Johnson, Freelance Illustrator
Are you fascinated by insects? Do you want to study them and capture their unique structure? We will study the coloration and structure of insects ranging from dragonflies to beetles, then using polymer clay we will create a sculpture to display or wear. Polymer clay can be heat set at home using your oven, it is non-toxic. Students will heat set the sculpture at home.
Prerequisite: None
Certificate Information: Art Certificate Elective (9 hours)
3 Thursdays, September 5 – 19; 9:30 – 12:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $110 (nonmember $130 )
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MASTER'S STUDIO SERIES
The Master's Studio Certificate is designed for the advanced student who has completed the core classes in Pencil, Colored Pencil, Watercolor I and Pen & Ink from the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate. Students must submit a portfolio of recent work for review.
Individual growth and development of personal artistic style will be the focus of the Certificate. Instructors will facilitate your learning by giving demonstrations and providing specimens for your class work. Classes will be offered in a wide variety of mediums and techniques, moving beyond traditional scientific illustration. Students will complete 120 hours of coursework to earn a Master's Studio Certificate. Two Visiting Artist workshops may be applied to the Certificate. A portfolio review and art exhibit will complete your Certificate.
Master's Studio classes may count as electives towards the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate or the Master's Studio Certificate but not both. For more information, please contact the Nature Arts Education Manager at 630-719-5642.
Please note: Under-subscribed classes will be cancelled.
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A824-SUMMER FLOWERS IN COLORED PENCIL
Kimberly Mullarkey, Freelance Artist
Summer offers an amazing array of colorful flowers. Learn to capture the colors of summer in this class featuring a color a week. We will work from live specimens featuring a several species in a range of colors.
Prerequisite: Botanical Art & Illustration: Pencil (A110)
Certificate Information: Master's Studio or Art Certificate Elective (15 hours)
5 Wednesdays, July 31 – August 28; 6:30 – 9:30 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $130 (nonmember $153 )
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VISITING ARTIST
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A775 LANDSCAPES IN WATERSOLUBLE OIL
Scott Harding, Freelance Artist
Scott Harding's work is described as "realistic, with an impressionistic touch", and covers a wide range of subject matter. Work with water-soluble oil paint to create a landscape. You will work from sketches and photographs and will complete a painting in this two day workshop.
Scott's work has been featured in numerous galleries and one-man shows, and has won awards in several national competitions. His art is included in many private and corporate collections around the world.
Prerequisite: Watercolor I (A316)
Certificate Information: Master's Studio or Art Certificate Elective (12 hours)
Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Thornhill Education Center.
Member $128 (nonmember $150 )
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