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Two Days, Two Botanical Art Classes with Lee McCaffree

by Lee McCaffree and Lesley Randall, posted by Deb Shaw


Aristolochia californica, California Pipevine, watercolor by Lee McCaffree, © 2016, all rights reserved. This painting by Lee was part of the "Weird, Wild & Wonderful" exhibition.

Aristolochia californica, California Pipevine, watercolor by Lee McCaffree, © 2016, all rights reserved. This painting by Lee was part of the “Weird, Wild & Wonderful” exhibition.


BAGSC member Lee McCaffree will be teaching two botanical art classes in March: one about how to finish a painting; the other about how to critique a work of art (and self-critique your own).

Both classes will be held at the Los Angeles Arboretum, from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Each of these important subjects will be conducted in a friendly, supportive, congenial atmosphere. Participants can take one class or both!

Cost: One class: BAGSC members, $100.00/non-members, $120.00Both classes: BAGSC members, $200.00/non-members, $240.00

Maximum number of participants (in each class): 15

Saturday, March 19, 2016 A Painting! What Do You See?

We will investigate ways to critique a work of art. Personal experience shapes what we see. By using different techniques to view paintings the observer will have more ways to analyze with objective eyes. We will use many published works as well as class members’ works to practice these methods. Topics will include subject matter, botanical accuracy, painting skills, light source, color, form and compositional structure, balance and space. We will work cooperatively by sharing ideas to make this a positive experience for each artist to learn about their own work. Class time will include individual opportunities for making improvements on work in progress.

Materials list:

  1. Copies of 2 paintings (not yours) that you like

  2. 2 paintings (of yours), unfinished or finished, to share in critiques

  3. Tracing paper

  4. Your usual art supplies for your paintings, any media

Sunday, March 20