Tuesday, November 11 and Wednesday, November 12, 2025
10 am–3 pm
$195 for Members/$240 for Non-Members
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II
Learn how to create striking drawings in graphite that give the perfect illusion of your subject in three dimensions. Using toning and layering techniques to build a full range of values and textures will provide extraordinary richness and complexity to your graphite works.
In this class, led by Elena Maza Borkland, you will learn how to compose and light your subject for maximum effect, gradually building up tonal values to achieve subtle gradations from light to dark. Your graphite drawing may be a detailed study for a future work in color, or it may stand as a finished work of art on its own — the beautiful silvery quality of graphite as a medium is ideal for both.
Materials
- a set of graphite pencils, 4H–6B at least (Fabel Castell, Derwent, Caran d’Ache, and Staedtler Mars offer a variety of sets graded from 9H–9B. Stick to one brand of pencils, as the hardness scale can vary with the brand. You want a set of pencils that is consistent across all grades.)
- graphite mechanical pencil with 0.3mm point
- lead holders 2mm size with a range of 3H–H3 leads (Optional.)
- handheld or battery operated pencil sharpener/lead sharpener
- sandpaper block
- KUM automatic long point handheld pencil sharpener (Optional.)
- erasers: 1 kneadable, 1 vinyl or rubber, 1 Tombow 2.3mm
- 9” x 12” sketchbook
- 9” x 12” tracing vellum (Gateway Deluxe tracing vellum is recommended. Amazon carries it.)
- quality paper for final drawing (Bristol 300 Series Vellum Finish recommended, but you may use others, such as Legion Stonehenge papers, or other brands. Hot-pressed 140# watercolor paper, if you prefer.)
- blending stump
- measuring tool, such as a divider or clear plastic ruler
- silicone-tipped blending tool (Optional.)
- circle template
- erasing shield
- drafting brush to brush away eraser crumbs
Meet Your Instructor
Elena Maza Borkland studied botanical art at Brookside Gardens School of Botanical Art and earned a certificate in 2015. She is currently a full-time artist and teaches botanical art. She maintains a studio, Maza Gallery, in Front Royal, Virginia
