Drawing from Nature & Culture: Stones, Bones, Pods & Pots with Helen Byers – G240134

Join Helen Byers in this exciting new workshop in natural history drawing! Helen’s demonstrations and personalized instruction will guide you in realistic drawing techniques in 3 media: graphite, ink, and charcoal. You’ll be inspired by biological, geological, and botanical specimens, as well as cultural artifacts from the Ghost Ranch Museums. Your goal may not (yet?) be to become a scientific iillustrator, but that’s okay. Either way, your drawing skills will improve!

The first week, we’ll explore the range of effects that may be achieved with each drawing medium and technique. We’ll take a look at classical art and illustration precedents, along with modern ones. The second week, you may choose to focus on mastering one medium and technique, or to explore each of them more. At the end of the second week, we’ll share our work in a group show. 

Some drawing experience helpful, but all levels welcome! Space will be limited to 8.

Skills you will learn and practice:

• mark-making techniques in each medium
• how to go from a sketch to a finish
• measurement techniques for accuracy
• tips & tools for representing texture
• the importance of lighting
• when (or whether) to use photography
• &  more

Helen Byers is an award-winning artist, illustrator, and educator living in New Mexico near Ghost Ranch. Since 2010 her work has focused on botanical and natural science illustration. Since 2005 she has taught annually at the Ranch, where her workshops and retreats have inspired many.

Helen has also taught at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill (MA), Concord Center for the Visual Arts (MA), Tin Mountain Conservation Center (NH), Santa Fe Botanical Garden, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, and privately. She has exhibited nationally and internationally through juried exhibitions of the American Society of Botanical Artists, and elsewhere. She also participates annually in the Abiquiu Studio Tour. 
To learn more about Helen and her work, visit helenbyers.com and facebook.com/helenbyersart.