On a beautiful May day, few things are more inspiring than the redbuds, hawthorns, and crabapples blooming around the Arboretum’s Thornhill Education Center.
This two-day workshop is designed to let you explore the pastel medium while drawing inspiration from spring’s flowering trees.
Day one will focus on foundational pastel skills and be especially geared toward beginners. We’ll start indoors to become familiar with the medium, then move outdoors to create a focused drawing of a flowering branch.
Day two builds on that foundation and is best suited for participants with some prior drawing or pastel experience. Using photographs and pastels, we’ll work toward capturing the character of an entire tree.
Participants may register for one or both days. However, those interested in day two are encouraged to have some basic experience with pastels before attending.
Supplies are not provided for this class. See What to Know for a detailed list of required materials.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Laverne Bohlin, nature artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A502
Instructor
Laverne Bohlin, nature artist
Laverne Bohlin’s introduction to the pastel medium began as a portrait artist at a large Midwest amusement park. Furthering her studies in fine art, she received a BFA from the University of Michigan. Using pastels and oils, Bohlin paints colorful landscapes in a contemporary impressionist style. She has taught at the College of DuPage, The Morton Arboretum, and The Peninsula School of Art. Since retiring from the design field, she spends her time painting, teaching, and gardening.
What to Know
Please review the required supplies and bring them with you to class.
This program meets indoors and outdoors.
Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
Students may register for one or both workshop days. Those interested in day two are encouraged to have some basic experience with pastels before attending.
Please bring water and lunch to both days of the workshop.
Program Schedule
This program meets during these times; choose your sessions. Pricing is per session.
Day One
Friday, May 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
Day Two
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
