WORKSHOPS

painting plant shadows

As spring days stretch longer and the trees grow lush, come capture this slice of time by painting plant shadows. This workshop is inspired by the beauty of komorebi, the Japanese concept of dappled light filtering through leaves. 

We will warm up in the Living Room with some plant drawing exercises. Then, weather permitting, we will venture out into the Mount Pleasant neighborhood to trace the shadows cast by foliage and flowers. (In the event of rain or overcast light, we will use the Living Room’s indoor plants as our subjects). Using watercolor and ink brush pens, we will layer shadows and negative space drawings to create a special snapshot of the season. 

No prior experience necessary. All materials will be provided, although you are welcome to bring your own paints, dry media, and outdoor seating (e.g., camping chairs). 

“Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.” ― Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, In Praise of Shadows

Ticket price: $35

About your Facilitator

Annie Yi is a writer at the National Gallery of Art and a painter who works in watercolor and mixed media. She has taught a range of creative workshops, from watercolor pet portraits and zinemaking to slow looking at art. What unites these experiences is a delight in beauty and sensory pleasure, the unexpected accidents that emerge in the creative process, and the way creativity connects us to each other.