Date: Wednesdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 7-9 pm
Location: People's Co-op | 3029 SE 21st Ave.

Tier A Pricing: $199 ($30/hr or above wage earners)
Tier B Pricing: $149 ($16-29/hr wage earners)
Tier C Pricing: $99 ($15/hr or below wage earners)
See our Pricing + Generosity Policy for more information on tiered pricing. 

PUGS is about both learning and community. Register with a friend and get 25% off with the code YOUVEGOTAFRIEND

This workshop is a mix of art and science. We’ll work step-by-step with the 5 basic skills of perception that are needed for drawing, learn ways of working with the voice of the inner critic, practice grounding exercises to be present in the moment and hone observation skills.

We’ll get to know some of the unique and interesting plants of autumn, their roles in the local ecosystem and some of their cultural significance in different times and places.

Whether you draw regularly or are a beginner, you’re invited to slow down to match the pace of the season and notice the shifting colors, textures, and patterns.

Experience drawing as a means of asking, listening, thanking and honoring; drawing as a way to explore the natural world, to see with new eyes what we take for granted; drawing as a way to invite whatever qualities are needed into our lives.

Using simple materials like pencil, charcoal, and walnut ink, we'll explore the colorful fruits, flowers, trees and root medicine of autumn. All art and botany experience levels welcome.

Bring:
• Sketchbook or drawing paper
• No. 2 pencil
• Sharpener
• Eraser

Week 1: Weeds and Wildflowers

Explore the rich textures of late summer with drawing exercises that focus on line and form. We’ll talk about phenology, the timing of natural phenomenon, and how drawing and journaling can help us track and align with the seasons. 

Week 2: Nuts, Seeds and Fruits

Many plants are bearing seeds now in a final burst of energy from the natural world. Draw native and garden-variety crops and discuss how botanical artists frame a composition. Experiment with natural inks such as walnut. 

Week 3: Root Medicine

The fall equinox is a traditional time of harvesting the nourishing underground parts of plants. Celebrate by exploring some of the medicinal plants that are abundant now and learn ways to represent textures and detail in your drawings. 

Week 4: Tree Transformations

Many of the largest plants in our urban environment undergo radical shifts through the seasons as deciduous trees store energy deep underground and shed their leaves for a period of rest. Learn about this cycle and connect with the urban canopy.

Mulysa Melco is an ecological landscape designer, horticulturist, and artist with a lifelong passion for plants and exploring our connection with the land.