Tanglewood Hollow
The Illustrated Naturalist Art Class
The Illustrated Naturalist is an 8+ art class series where young artists travel through time, exploring the lives and legacies of famous naturalists like Maria Sibylla Merian, Charles Darwin, and Beatrix Potter. Each 6 week unit dives into a new figure from history, their discoveries, and the art they created to share the wonders of the natural world. We will gather together on Tuesdays at 1pm.
Students will learn about each naturalist's time period, examine original works, and create their own inspired pieces using techniques like watercolor, ink, sketching, and more! While we wont be heading outside, we'll work with books, prints, specimens, plants, and high-quality images to help us see nature through the eyes of these groundbreaking observers.
Our sessions will typically follow this rhythm, with varying activities along the way!
Week One: Meet the Naturalist
Week Two: Explore their Work
Week Three: Technique Lab
Week Four: Composition Creation
Week Five-Six: Final Project Creation
Session 1: 9/9-10/14: MARIA SIBYLLA MERIAN
Session 2: 10/21-12/2: SARAH STONE
Session 3: 12/9-1/20: ERNST HAECKEL
Session 4: 1/27-3/3: CHARLES DARWIN
Session 5: 3/10-4/14: BEATRIX POTTER
Session 6: 4/21-5/26: ANNA ATKINS
WHAT AGE IS IT FOR?
This class is designed for ages 8 and up. It’s best for kids who can focus on art projects for the class duration and enjoy learning about history, nature, and art together.
MY CHILD LOVES ART BUT DOESN'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT NATURALISTS. IS THAT OKAY?
Absolutely! No prior knowledge is needed. We’ll introduce each naturalist’s life, their discoveries, and the time period in an age-appropriate, engaging way before we create art inspired by them.
DO STUDENTS NEED TO HAVE ART EXPERIENCE?
Not at all. The class is structured to work for beginners and more experienced young artists. We’ll demonstrate techniques step by step and encourage each student to explore their own style.
IS THIS A NATURE STUDY CLASS?
This is an art class inspired by naturalists and nature study. While we learn about these famous observers of the natural world and create art in their style, we won't be going outside for observation. Instead, we’ll use high-quality reference images, books, specimens and plants to practice our observation skills indoors.
HOW IS THE CLASS STRUCTURED?
Each 6-week unit focuses on one naturalist. We’ll learn about their life, their time period, and the art techniques they used. Students will practice those techniques and then create their own finished pieces inspired by the naturalist’s work.
WILL MY CHILD BRING HOME FINISHED ART?
Yes! Each unit ends with a completed art piece (or sometimes multiple smaller projects) inspired by the naturalist’s work. We may also create small portfolios, zines, or “field notes” to collect their art and writing.
WHAT MAKES THIS CLASS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ART CLASSES?
We don’t just make art- we travel through time and history to meet incredible naturalists, learn about their discoveries, and see the world through their eyes. It’s part art class, part history lesson, part adventure in observation!
WHAT MATERIALS WILL MY CHILD NEED?
We provide all the materials needed for class. Students just need to bring their curiosity and creativity!