ArtPlantae Today

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG) in Richmond, VA is home to 2,500 botanical watercolor paintings by cartographer and artist, Alexandre Descubes. While much has been researched by the garden’s research staff, there is still a lot to learn about Descubes and his paintings. The garden is asking for your help. Learn more about this research project and how you may contribute here.

New classes for Fall and Winter have been announced. The information below has been added to the Garden’s listing at Classes Near You > Virginia:

• Plants and Pollinators for Botanical Artists – September 8, 15, 22, 29, 2010; 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Select a plant in the garden and learn about its pollinators. Cost: $175 members, $225 non-members
• Photographing Colors, Textures, and Patterns – 2 Thursday evenings (6-8 pm), 2 Saturday mornings (9-11 am), 1 Tuesday evening (6-8 pm); September 9, 11, 16, 18, 21, 2010. Instructor: Lynda Richardson, nationally recognized nature photographer.
• Nature Journaling – September 11, 2010 – FULL
• Learn to Use Your Digital Camera – 5 meetings, September 23, 25, 30, October 2, 5, 2010. A combination of lectures and field trips. Designed just for you, your camera, and your user’s manual. See details
• An Introduction to Photographing Birds – 5 meetings, October 7, 9, 14, 16, 19, 2010. A combination of lectures and field trips. See details
• Beginning Botanical Art and Illustration – Wednesdays, October 13, 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 2010. Introduction to botanical illustration and plant morphology. Materials will be provided. Students will complete assignments in pen & ink and graphite. Cost: $195 member, $245 non-member
• Anatomy of a Flower for Botanical Artists (Monocots), Part 2 – Wednesday, December 1, 8, 2010; 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Students will create a painting or drawing of a monocot to present to the class in botanical terms. Cost: $96 member, $115 non-members