Join Anastasia Traina for a two-day workshop on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., exploring color in the world of flowers. In this workshop, participants will delve into the fascinating world of color mixing and incorporate the psychology of color. Using watercolor and colored pencils, participants will explore the yellow and red hues, of which yellow is associated with warmth, positivity, and energy, while red is often linked to passion, energy, and intensity. Participants will also explore greens, considering the technical aspects of color mixing, but also the emotional and psychological responses that different shades of green can evoke. In the realm of watercolors, participants will experiment with creating a stunning rainbow grisaille effect. Grisaille involves painting in shades of gray to mimic the appearance of sculpture or drawing. By combining the technical aspects of color mixing with an understanding of color psychology, participants will not only expand artistic skills, but also infuse a deeper layer of meaning and emotion into botanical creations.

Anastasia Traina is a writer and botanical artist. Her illustrations have been published in the children’s book, “BITSY and RAFF,” written by David Caudle, a story which highlights 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.