California Botanic Garden Tree Techniques: Nature Art | May 16, 2026 10 am-noon

Description

Trees have a lot going on: layers of parts, textures, and shapes. But don’t let that intimidate you!

When you get in close you’ll find that trunks, limbs, and leaves offer incredible opportunities for texture and detail. A single pen stroke can hint at everything from the roughest bark to the most delicate leaf veins. We’ll even have some fun suggesting the dark, distinctive spots of Baudoinia, a real-life fungus that grows on trees near distilleries, feeding on airborne alcohol, giving your trees a wonderfully organic, aged character.

Step back, though, and the whole picture changes. Most of the time we see trees from a distance, where the overall shape takes center stage. At this scale, it’s time to let go of the fine details and focus on the bigger picture, loose scribble lines work beautifully for leaf clusters, and a tree’s color and silhouette can tell you everything about its age, species, and the season it’s in. As trees recede into the background, keep your lines simple and your colors soft and muted.

Join us for a morning of artistic reflection on amazing, beautiful, life-giving trees!

‍Important Note About Materials:
All supplies needed will be provided for you. However, if you have beloved tools or materials of your own, you are always welcome to bring them along — more options only means more creative possibilities!