Study the work of Scottish botanical artist Rory McEwen and other artists to learn the technique of dry brush painting, a method that has been used by botanical artists for centuries.
Students will complete two paintings, one on watercolor paper and one on vellum.
This class is a partner program for the Driehaus Museum’s presentation of Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature, an exhibition exploring the trailblazing career and legacy of Scottish artist Rory McEwen, open May 16, to August 17, 2025.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Suzanne Wegener, botanical artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A640
Instructor
Suzanne Wegener, botanical artist
Suzanne Wegener is a freelance artist specializing in natural history illustration and education in pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, and gouache. She has a degree in scientific illustration and teaches regularly in the Chicago area.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
This is an intermediate/advanced program; foundational knowledge and skills are required.
Paper and watercolors will be provided during class.
Please bring the following supplies to the first class:
- Tracing paper (11×14)
- Any watercolors and brushes you have
- Kneaded eraser
- 2H, HB, and 2B drawing pencils
Program Schedule
This program meets the following four times:
Thursday, August 14, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 21, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 28, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 4, 2025, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Classroom E, Thornhill Education Center (Parking Lot 21), West Side
