U.S. Botanic Garden invites you to their event

Drawing and Painting Orchids (Online Art Workshop)

About this event

Beginners and experienced artists can both celebrate the glory of one of nature’s most spectacular flowers by learning how to draw and paint orchids! During this 90-minute online workshop, discover fundamental drawing skills, gain confidence in representing the natural world on paper, learn basic watercolor techniques, and pick up a few pro tips to help you capture the beauty and vividness of these enchanting flowers. Online resources for preview before the class and a simple supply list will be provided up on registration.

Suggested Supplies:

  • Watercolor or Multi-Media Pad/ Paper90 lb. Paper 9”x 12” (minimum size, or whatever size you are comfortable working with)
  • 2H pencil
  • 1 small pocket pencil sharpener 
  • 1 “pink pearl” or white plastic eraser
  • Watercolor brushes recommended sizes: #2/#6/#8 rounds and one flat brush at least 1/4" wide
  • Basic Watercolor Set (art student grade will be fine; please avoid "grade school" kits)
  • 1-2 small ceramic or glass jars for water (repurposed jam jars are excellent for this)
  • water-soluble wash pencils either graphite or colored (optional)

Intended Audience: Adult All Levels: Suitable for all learners, this program will provide a variety of content. Program providers will answer both introductory and more advanced questions.

For additional resources and information related to supplies, please visit Mary Ellen's website.

If you're interested in supporting educational programs through a donation to the Friends of the U.S. Botanic Garden, click here.

Hosted by

  • Team member
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    Grace Anderson (she/her) Education Specialist - Science Educator @ United States Botanic Garden

  • Guest speaker
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    Mary Ellen Carsley

    Mary Ellen Carsley is a scientific and botanical illustrator, as well as an art educator. A former practicing architect, she has illustrated eight books and numerous articles for national and international journals.

U.S. Botanic Garden

The U.S. Botanic Garden inspires people to appreciate, study, and conserve plants to enrich society locally and globally.