Botanical Illustration Weekend Field Workshops
Spring 2005-2009
(Click on the photos to see a larger version.)
In order to help nature enthusiasts and artists alike to better appreciate the ever changing blooming periods in the Mojave Desert, Donald Davidson started to teach in 2005 what has now become an annual event, Botanical Illustration Weekend Field Workshops at the Desert Studies Center at Soda Springs (Zzyzx, California). These college level field courses have been made possible through the cooperation of the extension offices of California State University, San Bernardino and the University of California, Riverside. As an added feature for 2008, a similar course will be offered at Joshua Tree National Park.
2010 SCHEDULE:
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION OF NATIVE DESERT FLORA
More information will be added here when available.
Friday, April 9, 7pm, through Sunday, April 11, 3pm, Desert Studies Center, Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx, CA. This workshop will be as much a course in "art for botanists" as it will be "botany for artists." It will take place during the height of the desert blooming period, so participants can look forward some very exciting plein-aire drawing and watercolor painting! In addition, the basics of line control, proportion, color, focusing/perception skills and plant identification will be reinforced with detailed dissection work in a well equipped lab.Note: This field study is based at the Desert Studies Center (of California State University) located within the Preserve at Soda Springs (Zzyzx), about a three-hour drive from Riverside. The course fee includes two nights' lodging at the Center (dormitory rooms & some couples rooms), and meals starting with breakfast Saturday through lunch on Sunday. Upon enrollment, participants will be sent information about the Center and what to bring with them.
Art X454.5 (1 unit), Fee: $325 / $305 each for couples and family members / $295 each with PINE discount, REG # 094-SCF-F60, (credit & non-credit).
To register, visit www.extension.ucr.edu or call 951-827-4105.
 Beavertail by Anthony Gavin III |
 Encelia farinosa by Sandra |
 Francy drawing cactus on a ridge |
 Encelia farinosa by Anthony Gavin III |
 Heliotrope and Yerba Mansa |
 Yerba Mansa by Julie Draper |
 Dissection of Desert Mistletoe |
 2006 class in the lab |
 Mistletoe by Hira Walker |
 Dissection of Oenothera deltoides |
 Dissection detail of Oenothera deltoides |
 2006 Class Photo |
 Field sketching |
 Cleomella dissection |
 Bigelow's Monkeyflower - Mimulus bigelovi |
 Kennedy Mariposa detail |
 Claret cup |
 Painting rock daisy |
 Big Bend National Park 2007 |
 2006 students in the field |