All flowers hold different meanings, often based on the flower type, the time of year in which they bloom, the flower's color, or all of the above, but the same is true of the story that makes them so meaningful to us. This introductory class held Sept. 18 through 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. teaches you essential skills in botanical illustration techniques to help you make realistic drawings of branches, stems, leaves and flowers using graphite and colored pencil in hopes of articulating your floral specimen's singular and brief story. In this class, you will learn that drawing consists of three simple elements: line, shape, and form. Plus, we will explore color theory and colored pencil techniques. Botanical Drawing for all levels, no pre-requisite required.

Anastasia Traina is a writer and botanical artist. Her illustrations were published in the children’s book, BITSY and RAFF written by David Caudle, highlighting the power of friendship and inclusion. She is a member of the American Society of Botanical Art, the Tri-State Botanical Artists of NYBG, the Writer’s Guild of America, and the Dramatists Guild of America. Her most recent exhibition, “Alchemy and Innocents” was on display at the BBG’s Leonhardt Galleries in 2023. Commissioned for the Berkshire Botanical Garden to create Lucy’s Garden, featuring topiary animals and other ‘live’ structures on paper. Donated by Lucy and Nat Day.