Classes

2017:  October through December

Most of my classes take place in the School of Botanical Art and Illustration (SBAI) at Denver Botanic Gardens, where I have been an instructor since 1998.
For a full course schedule of the SBAI, and to see program fees and course prerequisites, please visit Denver Botanic Gardens.

Classes in the BACK TO BASICS series and other workshops are separate from the SBAI. Class locations and registrations differ by workshop.
Colored Pencil Essentials
Online with Craftsy.com
ALWAYS AVAILABLE!
Picture
On line.
Any time.
Your pace.
Always yours to keep.
Learn the basics of colored pencil & how to mix color like a painter.
Special discount - Click below
Coupon Details: Get 50% off the full retail price of select Craftsy classes taught by Susan Rubin. Cannot be combined with any other coupons. Expires September 27, 2017.

BEYOND THE BASICS:
DRAWING CHALLENGES
Drawing workshop with
Susan Rubin & Marjorie Leggitt
Saturday-Monday, November 11-13
Time: 9am-3pm
Location: Art Gym, 1460 Leyden St, Denver

Let’s draw the tough stuff!  After all this practice, there are still things that stump you. That shadow in the inside of your subject seems almost impossible. Those insect wings that reflect light and show substance behind are so hard to capture. From transparency to translucency and all the folds, crinkles, spikes, hair, and reflections and more in between, we’ll meet drawing difficulties head on. Two instructors and three full days will unravel the mysteries of texture and shadow on almost any subject, large or small. Working in graphite pencil, you’ll elevate your drawings from good to great with an arsenal of tips and tricks for your drawing toolbox.
 
Though this workshop is tailored to students who have completed Back to Basics and Beyond Basics, experienced artists are welcome.

Light on Form
Fri-Sun, Dec 8-10 |Time: 9 am–2:30 pm

Take your drawings from flat to fabulous. The secret to portraying light and shadow on your subjects lies in understanding the scientific method of lighting as it applies
to different forms. Beginning with basic geometric shapes, refine your skills in showing light and volume on any subject.The class will work entirely in graphite pencil, but the principles apply to
all other media. As you progress from fruits and vegetables to leaves and flowers to entire plants with complex shapes, you will
overcome the obstacles in creating three-dimensional drawings.

Color Layering for Colored Pencil
Fri-Sun, Oct 6-8 | Time: 9 am–2:30 pm

Colored pencil presents a special challenge: mixing color directly on your drawing! Learn to use a simple color-mixing method adapted to the application of colored pencils.  Learn to determine shadow colors for vibrant results. Practice color matching with a variety of plant material as you create your own extensive color workbook to speed color selection and application for all future colored pencil drawings.

Botanical Illustration in Colored Pencil II
Wed, Nov 15, 22, 29, Dec 6, 13 | Time: 1-4 pm

Joanna Webster
Take your colored pencil skills to the next level and become proficient in this fun, versatile medium. Work through a step-by-
step process to create a preparatory layered drawing. Learn techniques to create
texture, detail and depth to enhance your subject. Experiment with different
surfaces and solvents for blending and shading. Add depth with atmospheric perspective and learn finishing techniques
that will make your drawings pop Individual attention will guide you to create a finished botanical plate.

Practical Botanicals: Indian Textile Patterns and the Arts and Crafts Movement
Thu Oct 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16| Time: 1-4 pm

The turn of the 20th Century saw a revival of interest in nature and a focus on handmade objects. Alongside the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain and the United States, artists and designers in India took a similar path. John Lockwood Kipling, father of famous Rudyard, was a luminary in the arts in British India.  Learn about his illustrations and designs and how the movement evolved, then create your own floral pattern with an Indian flair. Begin with small botanical motifs from your own drawings and learn traditional and contemporary techniques to create a repeating pattern. Apply color to your design and learn how to have it printed as fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper you can use again and again.

OPEN STUDIO
Monday, October 23, 9am- noon

Bring your current project or start something new.  I am there to help with advice or ideas from 10 am-noon.