Colored pencil is the perfect medium to capture the intricacies, texture and color of plants and landscapes. If you are a beginner, this class will give you a strong introduction to colored pencil as a fine art medium. If you have experience, you will be able to enhance your technique and compositional skills under Kimberly’s guidance.

Several approaches to layering (including grisaille) will be taught, along with color theory and volume, and focusing on building a strong composition. Demonstrations and exercises will be done each day with time for each student to pursue their own subject matter and focus with help from Kimberly. In addition to work in the studio, there will be opportunities to draw plein air on The Clearing’s grounds. Friendly constructive critiques will be part of the class.

Kimberly Mullarkey has a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of California-Santa Cruz and a master of fine arts degree from Northern Illinois University. She lived in France for six months, where she studied early Northern Renaissance painting. She teaches botanical art at The Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Garden. She also teaches Drawing and Design at the College of DuPage. Her work is included in the Best of Colored Pencil series. She has spoken at many local art leagues about creativity, botanical art and her own work. To fulfill her wanderlust, she leads trips.

Level: Beginner