Detail, Figs on Japanese Deer Parchment
© 2026, Akiko Enokido
Translucent and Reflected Light in Fruits and Seeds with Akiko Enokido
The rich, luminous, glowing colors found on the insides of fruits and seeds are created through meticulous dry brush work on paper or vellum. Join Akiko Enokido for this rare opportunity for BAGSC members to learn dry brush techniques from a master in this one-day workshop.
Included in the workshop fee, each participant will receive an 8” x 6” piece of a brand new Japanese Deer Parchment. Due to the effects of global warming, declining rural populations, and a decrease in the number of hunters, wild deer populations in Japan have exploded, creating significant environmental and economic problems. Akiko has been working with Mr. Kawada, who is well-versed in the ecology of the wild deer. From his workshop in Ome City, Tokyo, he has been exploring a variety of products to sustainably use Japanese wild deer leather. This new parchment for botanical art is one of the results, created after numerous prototypes. It is thick enough to draw and paint on directly and has a smooth finish.
This will be the first use of Japanese Deer Parchment in a workshop. Dry brush techniques are the same for both paper and vellum. Participants are welcome to bring their favorite hot press paper to use if they prefer.
Pomegranates, watercolor on Japanese Deer Parchment, © 2026, Akiko Enokido
Materials List
Please bring your favorite supplies, including (but not limited to):
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Your palette of favorite watercolor paints.
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Your favorite watercolor brushes, that come to a very sharp point. Please bring at least a #2, #1, and #0 sizes.
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One or two containers for rinse water.
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2H pencil or mechanical pencil.
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White “plastic” eraser and Kneaded eraser.
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Sketch book.
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Tracing paper.
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Desktop task light, battery-operated preferred if possible.
One 8” x 6” deer parchment sheet will be provided to all participants. If you would prefer to paint on paper instead of vellum, please bring your favorite hot press watercolor paper.
BAGSC will provide subject matter for painting.
Information at a Glance
DATE:
Sunday, September 27, 2026
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Pacific Time
Location:
Rancho Senior Center
City of Irvine
3 Ethel Coplen Way
Irvine CA 92612
PARTICIPANTS:
Limited to 20 participants. Registration full? Be sure to put your name on the waiting list.
FEE:
BAGSC Members: $90.00 US
Non-Members: $125.00 US
Questions or problems? Contact the BAGSC Media Committee by clicking here.
SCHEDULE: (all Pacific Time)
10:00 am
Please note: we will not have access to the room until 10:00 am. Participants are welcome to arrive at 10:00 am to set up. We will begin the workshop when everyone has arrived or 10:30 am sharp, whichever comes first!
BAGSC will provide coffee, tea, water and some light snacks. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
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QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS WITH REGISTRATION?
Contact BAGSC Media Committee by clicking here.
About our Presenter
Akiko Enokido is a longtime BAGSC member. Her work has been displayed in the United States and internationally in juried and non-juried exhibitions, including the Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens, Flora Japonica; and ASBA/Horticultural Society of New York
exhibitions. Her work is in the permanent collection at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation; and in private collections. She is the recipient of a Gold Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society London for her paintings of heritage Camellia japonica in watercolor on vellum. Akiko is an active member of the American Society of Botanical Artists, the Botanical Artists Guild of Southern California, and the Japanese Association of Botanical Illustration. She teaches botanical art in the United States and in Japan.
Passion Fruit, watercolor on Japanese Deer Parchment, © 2026, Akiko Enokido