Friday, October 16, 2026
10 am–4 pm
$145 for Members/$175 for Non-Members
Prerequisites: Botanical Drawing I and II, Watercolor
This one-day workshop with instructor Margaret Saylor will focus on the plants of Adkins Arboretum. Participants will receive an introduction to the art of botanical sketchbooking, with special emphasis on the diversity and beauty of native Adkins flora.
You’ll begin by observing and selecting a feature plant using reference images or specimens, followed by the creation of quick thumbnail sketches to explore different shapes, details, and composition ideas. The day includes step-by-step instruction in botanical drawing and annotation techniques, guiding you through the process of rendering accurate and expressive plant studies.
As the session progresses, you’ll compose a polished sketchbook spread that blends illustration, color, and informative notes—a resource to inspire future painting projects. The workshop concludes with a collaborative group discussion and sharing session, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange feedback, gather ideas, and receive encouragement for continuing their botanical art journey with Adkins plants.
Advance registration required.
Materials
- Sketchbook
- Any sketchbook with a good quality paper will do. The field sketchbooks by WonderCabin on Etsy are small and easily transportable. They also offer larger sizes of custom books. For a more economical choice, look at Stillman & Birn’s Zeta series of sketchbooks.
- Graphite
- Any good quality drawing pencils or lead holders with graphite will work well. For quick sketching, Blackwing pencils are recommended.
- Erasers
- SEED Kneaded Eraser EK-NKI orTombow MONO Zero 2/3mm Eraser.
- Paint
- A good, basic like Daniel Smith Watercolor Half Pan Set of 24. It is alsoavailable in a 12 half pan arrangment.
- Brushes
- For highly detailed botanical art, Raphael 8408 (#4) or Da Vinci Series 35 Long Point (#4) Kolinsky sable brushes are recommended.
Meet Your Instructor
Margaret Saylor is a working studio artist who paints fungi and forest plants from her native Berks County, PA. She works primarily in graphite and watercolor, as well as egg tempera. Since 2013, Margaret has been the editor/designer of the American Society of Botanical Artist’s quarterly journal, The Botanical Artist.
