Paint Insects & Butterflies in Gouache

Learn to paint crawly insects and fluttery butterflies in this observation-based gouache class with Caroline Clare Davis. Students will work from real insect specimens provided in class, with photo references also welcome for those who prefer them. We’ll take time to learn the basic parts of insects and gain expert insight from the Gardens’ own entomologist, Zac Smith-Hess, who will share tips for observing and understanding these fascinating creatures. Students will create several small, quick paintings of various specimens before choosing the insect or butterfly they’re most drawn to for their final project. Along the way, we’ll discuss host plants and how to thoughtfully include them in final paintings.