Botany for Artists

As the snow melts and plants begin to emerge, spring offers endless inspiration for artists. Capturing the beauty of plants—whether through detailed botanical studies or expressive, colorful impressions—takes both observation and practice. In this class, you’ll learn the basics of botany as it relates to art and explore how understanding plant structure can strengthen your drawings.

We’ll sketch flowers and plants in a variety of styles, learning how to observe like a botanist while drawing with creativity and expression. Together, we’ll take a visual journey through Minnesota’s spring wildflowers, then expand outward to explore the incredible diversity of plants found around the world. The class will wrap up with a playful challenge: drawing the same flower in as many styles as possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or someone who can’t tell a daylily from a pond lily, this class will help you slow down, look closely, and capture the true essence of plants through drawing.

Instructor will provide the following:

Fresh flowers and plants for live drawings, magnifying classes, extra drawing supplies for students who need them.

Students are asked to bring:

• drawing pad

• pencils

• Recommended but not required: black ink marker/pen; pens, markers, watercolor, pastels, or whatever you would like to use to add color to your drawing.

• Depending on weather and time, there may be a short walk in the woods, so please wear appropriate clothing.

Since your class runs over the lunch hour, you may want to consider bringing a lunch or snack.

Skill Level 

No experience required.

Age Requirement 

Students ages 14 and older are welcome to attend this class. Ages 14-15 must register with another registered adult. Ages 16-17 can register with parent permission by an email to info@marinemillsfolkschool.org.

Location Details

Marine Mills Folk School

550 Pine St.

Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047

Cost Details

Tuition: $60

Materials Fee: $5

Total Cost: $65

NOTE: Be aware we may cancel class if a minimum number of registrations is not reached. We work to balance teachers’ need to plan for a class with students’ busy schedules — not an easy task. Please register as early as possible! If interested, you can find our cancellation policy HERE.