Opening on May 1 for the 2024 season.
Using watercolor, capture the peace and majestic beauty of our forests. In this class we’ll explore some of the techniques used to build depth, atmosphere, and capture a sense of light. Conducted via Zoom, day one will be include group instruction. Days two and three will be held at the Gardens, and participants will paint plein air, receiving one-on-one instruction and feedback.
Wednesday, July 6-Friday, July 8
Observe nature and get creative as we delve into the ancient—and modern—techniques of paper arts. Over three days, young artists will create prints from plant materials, play with colors, positive and negative space, layering, and patterns, all resulting in unique works of art. Create mesmerizing patterns and designs using a process called paper marbling, a technique dating back to the 12th century. Learn paper-making, recycling old paper into new, and experimenting with thickness and style. Use Gardens-gathered plant material to add finesse to finished products. On the final day, we’ll use this paper to produce pages and covers for handmade sketchbooks, journals, or notebooks!
Please note this class requires participants to show proof of having received all eligible Covid-19 vaccinations, as recommended for their age by the CDC, in order to participate. Because of the dynamic nature of this situation, we ask that you agree to abide by potential future changes in CMBG’s Covid-19 policy designed to address evolving public health recommendations.
Instructor, watercolor artist, and illustrator Erica Qualey is an award-winning member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited nationally and internationally. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
Monday-Wednesday, July 11-13 | Come out and enjoy painting in the best studio ever—the great outdoors! The Gardens offers a plethora of inspiration, and painting with watercolor is such fun once you have a basic understanding of how to work with it—it’s both spontaneous and predictable, all at the same time! Feel more confident after this class, filled with detailed instruction about technique and creating a good composition. Erica’s humor and gentle nature will make you feel at ease and enjoy the process. Class time will be spent on classroom instruction and demonstration and time to work independently, putting new skills to work in the Gardens with plenty of instructor feedback.
We’ll begin by walking through the Gardens to select spring blooms like tulips, daffodils, and azaleas, making them the subject of this watercolor workshop. Once back in the classroom, we’ll work on painting larger-than-life flowers, focusing on observation techniques and learning how to scale, mix colors, apply masking techniques, and create large washes of watercolor. Students will work towards having a finished piece by the end of the day. Whether new to watercolor, or working on refining your skills, this class is appropriate for all skill levels. All art supplies will be included.
Erica Qualey lives in Maine and works as a watercolor artist and illustrator. She is an award-winning member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Teaching students of all ages to draw and paint has become another passion for Erica in recent years. Her youth programming through the Skidompha Library is very popular, and she has also worked with children through visiting artists programs. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
Tuesday-Thursday, May 30-June 1, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Come out and enjoy painting in the best studio ever, the great outdoors! In spring, the Gardens offers joyous inspiration, sparking creativity after a long winter with daffodils, tulips and budding trees. Via both group instruction and putting skills to work in the Gardens, class will focus on watercolor techniques and learning what creates a good composition. Students can expect demonstrations as well as time to work independently, with plenty of instructor feedback. Though open to all levels, students will benefit from having some basic knowledge of painting with watercolor prior to these workshops. While this class is a part of our adult education offerings, it is open to advanced younger students, ages 14 and older.
Wednesday-Friday, June 28-30, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Create a nature-journaling keepsake! During this three-day workshop, students will explore the Gardens and surrounding woodlands, learning how to make journal observations that combine words and imagery. Once back in the classroom, learn lettering techniques using ink and how to add color, detail, lines, and texture using watercolors and colored pencils. We’ll discuss journal page design and layout, and everyone will get to take a journal of completed works home, ready to house more of their nature observations in the future. All materials provided. Parents/Guardians are welcome to take this class alongside their young artist.
Erica Qualey lives in Maine and works as a watercolor artist and illustrator. She is an award-winning member of the New England Watercolor Society and has exhibited nationally and internationally. Teaching students of all ages to draw and paint has become another passion for Erica in recent years. Her youth programming through the Skidompha Library is very popular, and she has also worked with children through visiting artists programs. She was recently awarded a grant from the Maine Arts Association supporting her work as a virtual art educator.
The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research.
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