·BOTANICAL and ZOOLOGICAL
ART and ILLUSTRATION PROGRAM |
 |
Como's art classes are held in the beautiful and exotic settings of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory gardens, grounds,
and/or classrooms.
Discover your artistic side while experiencing live plants and/or animals encounters up close!
(depending on the topic)
Register online by clicking on the class code (example: A446-1)
A discounted rate is available for Como Friends.
For more information on Como Friends memberships,
call (651) 487-8229 or click here.
Are you a Como Friends member and want to register online?
Call 651-487-8272 for special instructions.

Summer Workshops 2009
WATERCOLOR "HOW-TO" WORKSHOPS -
In these workshops we will focus on a different aspect of watercolor painting each week. We will start with some basics and move to more specific problems. Some experience with watercolors is helpful, but not required.
Instructor: Catherine Hearding
The Watecolor "How-To" Workshops can be taken separately or as a series. A discounted rate is available if taken if all five sessions are taken. To register for all sessions, call 651-487-8272.
Rate for all five sessions: $200
|
Material List
for all How-To Workshops
Class 1: How-to go Dark - working with value to create more dynamic watercolors.
A460-1
Tuesday
June 2
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$45
|
Class 2: How-to Paint Negative Space - painting shapes instead of objects
A460-2
Tuesday
June 9
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$45
|
Class 3: How-to Paint Trees - working with greens to create realistic trees and foliage
A460-3
Tuesday
June 16
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$45
|
Class 4: How-to Create Illumination - learn to add light to your paintings for atmospheric effect.
A460-4
Tuesday
June 23
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$45
|
Class 5: How-to Paint Water and Reflections - learn techniques to create "believable" water.
A460-5
Tuesday
June 30
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
$45
|

POURING WATERCOLORS - Material List
Learn fun ways of using masking and poured watercolors in this 4- session workshop. Each session, students will work on a different stage of their painting to create luminous colors.
Prerequisite: Color Theory helpful.
Instructor: Catherine Hearding
A461
Mondays
June 8 - 29
(4 Sessions)
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
$155
|

ABSTRACT NATURE - Material List
Have you ever wondered about the patterns present in plants or animals? Discover the relationships of the Golden Mean in plants and animals while creating your own abstract masterworks! Topics included will be mathematical formulas found in nature, methods for building strong compositions and media exploration. Come with an idea and media you would like to explore, or allow the subjects to inspire you! Beginning and advanced artists welcome.
Instuctor: Amy Sands
A462
Saturdays
June 20 and 27
(2 Sessions)
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$175
|

YOU CAN DRAW THE CONSERVATORY - Material List
You may already know that the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is on the National Register of Historic Places, and that it sports the largest glass dome in the region, but did ever think you would dare to draw it-and all its Victorian Style glory? Well, it's easier than you think! Learn to use a "perspective machine" (aka a plexi-glass viewfinder) invented by the 16 century German master Albrecht Durer and later developed by Leonardo da Vinci. Join artist Mary Esch for a day of fun and relaxation in the beautiful surroundings of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Students will work outside under a canopy with a lunch break in the Zobota Café. Basic drawing experience helpful.
Instructor: Mary Esch
A463
Saturday,
June 27
(1 Session)
Rain date: June 28
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
$105
|

COMPOSITION - Material List
Do you want your paintings to look more "arranged?" Learn the basics of composition in this short course.
Find out about using compositional tools to create stronger paintings.
Instructor: Catherine Hearding
A464
Mondays
July 6 and 13
(2 Sessions)
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
$110
|

PERSONAL JOURNALING - Material List
Use watercolor, pen and ink and a variety of other materials to keep a daily accounting of what is happening in your life. Journaling can become a very enjoyable addition to even the busiest life. No previous art experience necessary just a willingness to jump in and give it a try.
Instructor: Sandra Muzzy
A465
Tuesdays
July 7 - 28
(4 Sessions)
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
$155
|

PAINTING A JAPANESE GARDEN - Material List
Take this unique opportunity to paint the Como Ordway Japanese Garden in watercolors! This two night class will let you explore the water features, cloud-pruned trees, antique lanterns and expertly placed rocks of the Japanese Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. A brief history of the garden, watercolor demonstrations and one-on-one instruction will be available. For experienced or novice painters.
Instructor: Mark Granlund
A466
Wednesday & Thursday
July 15 & 16
Rain dates: July 29 & 30
(2 Sessions)
5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
$120
|

PHOTOGRAPHING COMO'S ANIMALS AND OUTDOOR SPACES - Material List
Enjoy the outdoor spaces and animals of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory early Saturday mornings when the sun is rising, the crowds have not yet arrived, the dew is on the flowers, and the animals are awakening. Class is open to all, but students who can control their ISO, shutter speed and aperture will benefit the most.
Instructors: Karl and Wendy Blomseth
A467
Saturdays
July 18 - September 12
(8 Sessions - No class August 22)
8:00 am - 10:30 am
$150
|

NATURE JOURNALING - Material List
Learn to use watercolor, pen and ink and a variety of materials to capture on paper the fleeting beauty of nature. Slow down and enjoy looking at a leaf or a flower close up. See if you can capture its essence. Look at the sky and try “keeping” it on paper. It adds a whole new dimension to enjoying and observing nature. No previous experience required.
Instructor: Sandra Muzzy
A468
Tuesdays
August 4 - 25
(4 Sessions)
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
$155
|

HOMEMADE PIGMENTS -
Material List
Did you know you can make homemade pigments from materials in your own back yard? Are you happiest when your hands are dirty? This is the class for you. Learn how to make pigment and paint from everyday materials in your own back yard. This is a great way to add an authentic feel to painting done on location or even while on vacation in exotic locations. It really captures a little piece of your surroundings. No previous experience necessary but prepare to get messy!
Instructor: Sandra Muzzy
A469
Saturday
August 15
(1 Session)
10:00 am - 4:30 pm
$110
|
| |

BEETLES, BEES, AND BUTTERFLIES - Material List
Discover the amazing diversity of insects and other arthropod life forms while learning to draw them! A review of basic insect anatomy will guide you in deciphering your chosen insect. Understanding perspective on a minute scale will help you draw these intriguing little critters with accurate proportions and shapes, including details such as wing venation. Host plants or other parts of the insect's environment can be included to show the insect's ecology and create an exciting composition. Some drawing experience helpful.
Instructor: Vera Wong
A471
Saturday and Sunday
August 15 and 16
(2 Sessions)
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
$175
|
| |
Thank you for visiting us!