Painting Atlanta Gardens
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Atlanta, Georgia, is known for its beautiful trees, but it also has some gorgeous gardens. Since Atlanta is my hometown, I've painted here since I was a kid so I can show you some of the best views in the city.

The Atlanta Botanical Gardens is a world class garden, well known for its orchid house, spectacular greenhouses and Chihuly glass art. While we'll be visiting the greenhouses, we're going to paint outside, plein aire, in the spectacular grounds.

We'll be able to choose from some lovely flowers, old growth forests, or a water lily reflecting pool. The skyline of Atlanta is always a possibility as well. I've painted all these subjects and more in previous workshops so I know we'll have trouble choosing which to start with!

Piedmont Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City. Piedmont Park has a striking resemblance to Central Park, with wooded areas, a beautiful lake and long sweeping lawns. However, Piedmont Park is definitely a Southern park, with its own unique feel.

We will start painting around the lake, but I'm sure we will be inspired to paint many different things while we're there!

Workshop Schedule

Hours 9:00 am - 5:00pm

The class is split into two sessions, morning and afternoon. During the morning, I paint.

I will give a lesson geared to the individual class members. Questions are welcome. Since it's a very small class, I can tailor the lesson and painting subject to this class.

After the lesson, I'll paint a demonstration painting.

There's no better way to learn how to do something than see it done, then do it yourself.

Most people bring a sketchpad for notes and an easy to carry chair.

I generally paint through lunch, so we will have a brief pause so you can get lunch in the Garden cafe or your picnic lunch at the park. This way, you can start painting right away.

After lunch, you'll paint!

During this time, I'll go around to each person individually and help them. There will be plenty of time for you to paint and me to help you with each stage.

I do recommend we stay close together so I can help you more.

Don't worry if you're a beginner!

This workshop is ideal for all levels. Since it's small, I can give each person a lot of individual attention and help them with what they need.

Class Supply List

There is no need to buy everything new for a class. This is a list for people starting from scratch or needing to fill some gaps in their art supplies. The only things you'll have trouble not having are 2 stretched sheets of paper a day and a good round brush. For the rest, bring the paints you have and just add the extras that appeal.

Paper

Please bring at least 2 sheets of stretched paper at least 9" x 12" per day.

I recommend Arches Cold or Rough Press Paper, preferably in a block.

I will be using Arches Rough Press paper for my upright demonstration, since it will flow a little less. I recommend Cold Press paper for beginners. Just choose your favorite texture for more advanced students.

If you don't want to bring a block, make certain your paper is already stretched and attached to a board. I use Gatorboard, a heavy foam board, and staples to stretch paper.

If you want to bring a sketchbook, make certain it's heavyweight paper for several washes and you have clips to hold the pages down in the wind.

Brushes

One round brush with a good point, at least a size #12.

Basic brush recommendation is a Blick Squirrel Round, #12.

More advanced artists might prefer an Isabey Red Sable Round, #14.

Paints

All these paints are M. Graham watercolors. I prefer M. Graham because of the high pigment amount and honey medium.

This is a very basic paint list. For my full paint list, please check out my painting materials.

Azo Yellow
Nickel Azo Yellow
Quinacridone Rust
Pyrrol Red
Quinacridone Red
Viridian
Ultramarine Blue

Other Supplies

Water container

Palette

Paper towels for rags

Easel if you use one

Chair

Umbrella to shade you and painting.
I use a very cheap chair umbrella from Dick's Sporting Goods that comes in a nice black. Black, neutral gray or white is preferred since they won't change the painting color.

Please bring a hat and sunscreen. Georgia in the summer is hot and sunny.

Water bottle for drinking and carrying paint water.

Picnic lunch on day we're at Piedmont Park.

No outside food is allowed at Atlanta Botanical Gardens, so we'll eat at their cafe that day.

Disclaimer: Jennifer Branch Gallery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I receive a small rebate for your entire order (starting at 4%) if you choose to purchase through Amazon. Most items can be bought multiple places and I highly recommend local art stores if you have one! Any other recommendation links I receive no compensation for.

If you can, the best place to buy your art supplies is your local art store. That way you can see everything up close. Brushes are especially good to buy in person, or at least hold them before you order less shop worn brushes.

This link to Amazon is just meant to be helpful if you don't have an art store close. In Atlanta, I usually buy my supplies at Blick Art. I often order M. Graham paints and Arches blocks from Amazon.

Workshop is full. For information on future workshops, please contact Jennifer Branch directly at 404-664-5723
or email at order@branchstudio.com.

Cost of workshop includes one day entry fee to Atlanta Botanical Gardens. This workshop is not affiliated in any way with Atlanta Botanical Gardens. It's a gorgeous place to paint, but we will have to respect the rules and not block paths, etc.

Workshop cost does not include lunch, parking, art supplies or other incidentals.

50% ($ 160) of workshop cost is due at signup to reserve your place. The remaining 50% is due at the workshop.

I will email you a PayPal invoice for payment, since I want to keep the class size small and avoid confusion.

We will be walking to painting locations during this workshop. Artists need to be able to walk there and carry their painting equipment.

Filming of the workshop is not permitted, though of course you may take some photos. Jennifer Branch retains all photo publishing rights.

I'm looking forward to painting with you!