Celebrate the beauty of TBG’s vibrant Iris gardens! Using photo references from last year’s stunning blooms, we’ll explore how to capture the delicate color transitions and graceful shapes of irises through watercolor. You’ll learn techniques for layering transparent washes, mixing botanical hues, and simplifying complex forms into approachable compositions. This class is perfect for anyone who wants to loosen up, play with color, and discover how expressive and enjoyable watercolor painting can be.

Main Concepts: Botanical observation, watercolor techniques, color mixing, simplification, composition & flow, and creative confidence.

List of recommended art materials:

• 2H, 4H, and/or Color pencil w/ eraser, eraser (Streader), kneaded eraser
• Plain paper or sketchbook for drawing warmups
• 5”x7” – 8”x10” Cold press watercolor paper or watercolor sketchbook
• Watercolor – (Any variety of watercolor brand and colors are okay) Specific colors used: Cadmium Yellow Hue, Cadmium yellow Pale, Mauve, Winsor Violet, Indigo Blue, Alizarin (red), Cadmium Red Pale hue
• Paint Brushes: #2 Long Round, #4 long Round, #6 Long Round, & Synthetic inexpensive brush for mixing.
• Assorted Colored Pencils – Prismacolor Verithin 6-12pk works great. Specific colors used: Verithin Prisma Color – Dahlia Pourpre, Violet, Apple Green, Dark Brown.
• Must haves: 2 water cups, drying towel, or paper towel, & Mixing palette
• A few reference photos will be sent out before class begins.

Instructor - Adela Antoinette

Adela Antoinette (She/Her) is a published illustrator, designer, and makeup artist. As a southwest-born desert dweller, Antoinette’s work primarily centers on Sonoran Desert flora but fluctuates within botany through visiting different regions across the states. She specializes in various traditional mediums, including her favorite, watercolo,r in which she has taught in workshops and classes at the Denali Education Center and The Drawing Studio. Her work has been displayed in various galleries in Arizona, Alaska, and California. Antoinette studied illustration and design at the University of Arizona, receiving her degree in Visual Communication. She is a Tucson, Arizona artist currently living in New York City.

Refund & Cancellation Policy

No refund will be issued less than 15 days prior to any Community Class. A $10 cancellation fee will be applied to all refunds. No refunds will be issued for special events. We reserve the right to cancel Community Classes due to insufficient registration, garden closure, or inclement weather, in which case, participants will receive a full refund. People with disabilities should make requests for accommodation as early as possible to allow time to make appropriate arrangements.