Friday, March 6, 2026
10 am–4 pm
$125 for Members/$145 for Non-Members
Prerequisite: Watercolor 1 & 2
Painting on vellum, typically calf skin, is a centuries old technique. Its unique properties permit artists to create highly detailed paintings and can be ideal for nature subjects. Working on its smooth, non-absorbent surface presents opportunities as well as challenges that are different from painting on paper.
This one-day class will introduce students to the materials and processes needed for painting on
vellum. It will begin with a short history and review of work by contemporary botanical artists. Students will be given time for practice exercises before starting on a small painting of fruit. A small piece of calf skin vellum will be provided, as well as fruit for reference. Students should bring a sack lunch, if desired.
Advance registration is required.
Materials List
- Two good quality natural or synthetic pointed round brushes. For example, Winsor and Newton Series 7, size 0 and size 2.
- One flat 1/8” brush. For example, Billy Showell Eradicator size 2.
- Watercolor paints in a small selection of commonly used colors. For example, warm and cool red, yellow, and blue, plus a neutral such as burnt umber.
- Water pot.
- Small white ceramic palette or plate for mixing paint.
- Magnifier for detail work, if needed.
- Pencil and eraser.
Meet Your Instructor
Susan Mintun has been a botanical artist since 2011. She works in watercolor and graphite on paper and vellum. Her approach is detailed and precise, with the goals of capturing the intricacy of each of her subjects, creating a lasting record of the beauty and importance of plants, and inspiring an appreciation of nature in others. She holds degrees in fine art (BFA), business (BSBA) horticulture (AS), and plant science (MA) from Washington University (St. Louis).
