Impressions of the Gardens ATC (Students)

Karen E., Joe W., Stephanie K, Ben K. Jennifer H.,
Anne Marie F., Stephanie K, Shannon B, Joe W.

Karen E., Deb S., Julie B., Karen B., Jennifer S., Jennifer S.

Ruth J., Vicki M., Shannon B., Jennifer H., Jennifer He.,
Stephanie K., Patricia L., Lisa J., Megan S.

I teach a 6 week long class at the Denver Botanic Gardens through the Colorado Free University, I think I've mentioned this before.  It is the source of much of my delight in life.  On the last week of class I ask students to bring a botanical trading card that they have made during the class, one for each of the other students, and me of course!  Some used colored pencils, watercolor pencils, watercolor, markers, even photoshop to add some final pizazz. 

This is an adult education course that is held in 6 week increments throughout the year.  Students are (to name a few backgrounds), software engineers, librarians, college students, nurses, doctors, graphic designers, entomologists, grade school teachers, artist with experience and artists just beginning.  We learn to see and create like artists through observation, practice, learning about techniques and materials and the art elements and principles. 

Mainly its a time to relate, relax in the Denver Botanic Gardens, experiment, be in a creative and supportive environment and de-stress in general.  I'm not sure who has the most fun--probably me.  And I fall in love with my students and their art again and again.  Just had to show you what they made and traded!

Lotuses with Watercolor Pencils

Opposite Page with Lotus Detailing
Inktense Watercolor Pencils

Further Page Entry

More Lotuses with Watercolor Pencil

Visual Journal Page

Lotuses with Watercolor Pencil

I've included the whole journal page here--I wanted you to see how I make my botanical artist cards.  I use a card sized template to draw the rectangles on some of my pages.  This size is so great because it keeps me from being daunted by the prospect of filling the whole page with detailed drawing.  I like gradual steps (think Kaizen) and often use small format to try out new techniques as well as give myself the opportunity to complete a piece or multiple pieces in a time limited studio session. 

Love botanicals and have been working to improve my color layering skill. This is a first attempt with layering--usually draw directly with the watercolor pencil and then add water. I think that some of my lines are too dark but like the yellow and green where it is subtle and the buds on the left. Important to take what one can from each drawing--rather than just tossing out a "failed" drawing take the time to see what works and what doesn't and why. Every time I make a painting I learn new things! This time I found that I could lift color with a wet brush. A technique I have used with traditional watercolor but not as much with watercolor pencils. It is all about the color--and I am glad that this drawing will stay in my journal to reference in the future.

Of course I must mention the beautiful lotus.  The lotus reminds us, through the presence of buds, full blossoms and seed pods that there is an endless cycle of life-death-life and all exist in the eternal now.

Impressions of the Gardens Trade

Survivor Orange ATC

Inktense watercolor pencils

This is the latest trading card, made from a journal sketch, for the Impressions of the Gardens class, week 6.  On the last day of class everyone brings artist trading cards made from their art work done during the class.  I've been teaching this class for around 2 years now, through the Colorado Free University, at the Denver Botanical Gardens.  Teaching basic drawing, observation and creativity skills for new and advanced artists.  The class lasts 6 weeks and fun to experience how different each group is.  Also great to experience the 4 seasons at the Gardens.  This sketch is one in a series I want to do with "survivor" growing things--plants and trees who are shaped by their environment and yet bloom where they are planted.  This plant is in "The Orangery" at the Gardens.  I like that this drawing sort of has a Matisse feeling to it.

Pencil and Pen "Embossing"

Pencil Embossed Poppies

Pencil, Office Max brand mellic markers, Target brand gel pens.

Pansey Chain

Metallic markers, pencil, gel pens

Botanical Pattern

Metallic markers, gel pens, Derwent Intense Watercolor pencils

I've found that chipboard, the support I use for my artist cards, can be given and "embossed" look (or is it engraved?) by going over lines repeatedly with gel pens or a pencil. I'm sticking to my botanical theme (the beauty of nature continues to life my heart) but am experiementing with more abstract images.

"Insect" Theme Trade

Botanical Drawings with Office Max Metallic Markers,
Derwent Watercolor Pencils, Target brand gel pens, Pitt marker. Butterfly and
Dragonfly images from K and Company  ephemera pack (at Michaels).

Went to the Denver Make 'Em Trade 'Em Group Trade at Core on Saturday. Added transparent insect images to some of my botanical cards. It's a new idea for me to add pre-made images to my Gardens drawings. Now it makes all my previous botanical cards look boring. I especially like the way the drawing shows through the transparent wings in some of the cards. I got some cool cards too. I'll put some in my next post.

More Blossoms

Mixed media with gel pen, acrylic, Derwent Watercolor Pencils, metallic markers, pitt marker, black.

This card is going to the be the basis of "Insect" cards for the Denver ATC trade group. Have chosen to add butterflies and moths for the theme.

Variations on a Botanical Theme

Pitt Pen, metallic markers, Office Max brand, Derwent Watercolor Pencils.

Love my class at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Last day of the fall session last Saturday. We decided to do a botanical art card trade. I started with a previous botanical art card (with yellow flowers, above) and made 10 more in various color schemes. Fun to do variations and each card, with time and effort, becomes an "original".

November Holly

November Holly

Derwent Intense Watercolor Pencils, Office Depot brand metalic marker.

It's been a while since a posted a new card but back to it as of today. Had a great day today, taught an "Affirmation Card" class: making artist cards with inspirational sayings for Holiday gifts. I did not make an affirmation card myself but made a sketch from the Denver Botanic Gardens into a card while my group was working. I'm going to start making my Botanic Gardens sketches into cards each week. I'll also post some of the affirmation cards I made as examples for this class in the next couple of days.