Description
This workshop series, hosted by noted artist, Willie Schlechter, will span over three days, exploring various techniques and mediums used in traditional botanical illustration. The course will focus on the accurate drawing of plant material, the application of tonal values and the mixing and layering of watercolor paint in order to achieve a realistic depiction of the subject matter. The three workshops naturally progress into the next, although they are not dependent upon the previous.
Botanical illustration requires the artist to work methodically, which makes it a very teachable genre. Using only a few primary colors, the artist is able to create very detailed and accurate paintings through a process of carefully adding numerous layers of transparent colors and adding detail with a dry brush.
Dates: 23rd April, 30th April and 7th May 2022
NB: Book on this page to attend all three workshops only. If you want to attend one or two of the workshops and not all three, please book on the individual workshop pages (Day One, Day Two, Day Three)
23rd of April: Drawing the Line- Building up a Graphite Drawing with Tone.
The first of these three, one-day workshops will focus on the drawing of plant material. Step-by-step practical exercises will guide the participant through different techniques of drawing in order to achieve a final, fairly accurate representation of the subject. These steps will include blind contour drawings, which will improve the participant’s observation of real-life objects; making use of tonal values to achieve form and three-dimensionality; and adding texture and detail to the final drawing through various methods of mark making.
Beginners with some experience in drawing are welcome.
30th of April: Shades of Grey- Working with Neutral Tints in Watercolor.
The second workshop will focus on the monochromatic watercolor painting of plant material. The participant will be guided through different stages of watercolor painting in order to achieve a final, monochromatic painting of the subject. These steps will include an outline drawing of the subject; mixing neutral tints with the three primary colors; various techniques of applying watercolor; adding texture and detail to the final painting with dry brush.
Beginners with some experience in painting are welcome.
7th of May: Layering Colour: Building Layers of Primary Colors in Watercolor.
The last one-day workshop will focus on the painting of plant material using primary colors. Step-by-step practical exercises will guide the participant through different stages of watercolor painting in order to achieve a final, fairly accurate representation of the subject. These steps will include an outline drawing of the subject, color mixing and matching, various techniques of applying watercolor in layers, adding texture and three-dimensionality to the final painting with dry brush and neutral tints.
Beginners with some experience in painting are welcome.
Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm each day
Location: Oranjezicht City Farm, 87 Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht.
Cost: R500 per workshop. 15% Discount for the whole course of three workshops: R1275
Materials are not included in the costs. However, Willie can provide paper and paint at the workshops on request for an additional cost of R100pp payable in cash to Willie for those who would prefer not to buy materials.
Please bring own lunch and refreshments. There is an Ou Meul Restaurant opposite the road if you would like to grab something at lunch/tea time.
N.B. Regret no refunds or date changes
Instructor: Willie Schlechter matriculated from the Lady Grey Arts Academy in 2000 and proceeded to further his studies at the Department of Fine Arts at the University of Stellenbosch. In 2004 he received a BA (Fine Art) degree and subsequently an MPhil VA (Illustration) degree in 2008. At this time, he started teaching Visual Art and Design at Stellenberg High School in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Willie has worked mainly in watercolour within the genre of botanical art, and has received awards at various events, including the Kirstenbosch Botanical biennale, World Orchid Conference, and Botalia, Painted Flora, Lucca. Willie is currently teaching Visual Art at the PJ Olivier Art Centre in Stellenbosch.
