We will be selecting our plant materials from the garden and glasshouse of Labofem, under the botanical guidance of Fem Güçlütürk.
This three-day botanical illustration workshop with Işık Güner is aimed at introducing the fundamental watercolour techniques used in botanical illustration. You will learn how to draw plants accurately by observing basic botanical shapes and structures, developing your ability to:
see and identify shapes
judge angles with precision
draw in correct proportion
represent three-dimensional form through tonal value
use light and shade to bring your drawing to life
apply watercolour washes and mix colours with confidence
Throughout the workshop, plants and their parts — colours, textures and fine details — will be examined closely. You will have the opportunity to work on different types of leaves and flowers, exploring their intricate structures. The workshop will help you to combine scientific accuracy with an aesthetic vision to create beautiful botanical illustrations.
Dates: 3–5 November 2023
Final application date: 11 August 2023
Time: 10.00–17.00
Location: Garden of Labofem, Gökova
Price: €200
Level: All levels
Participants: Limited to 8
To apply: Fem Güçlütürk - femgucluturk@gmail.com
Programme
2 November — Arrival in Gökova / Dinner (optional)
3 November — Meeting at the studio; collecting specimens from Labofem's Garden; drawing our subjects
4 November — Botanical illustration classes
5 November — Botanical illustration classes; review of final works
Accommodation
The closest accommodation is Ataköy Padok Otel (3 km). Further options including hotels and Airbnb rentals can be found in and around Akçapınar/Akyaka (10–15 km).
Getting There
The region is accessible via Dalaman Airport (approximately 45 minutes) or Milas–Bodrum Airport (approximately 90 minutes). A taxi or rental car is recommended to reach Labofem Garden.
What is included
3-day botanical illustration workshop
Botanical guide
Labofem Garden and Glasshouse visit
Lunches and tea/coffee breaks
What is not included
Travel costs
Accommodation
Breakfasts and dinners
Art materials
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses
Recommended Materials
Drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
Propelling pencil (0.35 mm, with 2H and HB leads)
Divider
Eraser and putty rubber
Sharpener
Ruler (if possible)
Tracing paper
Sketching paper (smooth cartridge paper or pad, 120–160 gsm, A4 or A3)
Watercolour sable brushes (sizes 4, 3 and 2; finer brushes for detail work — Winsor & Newton Series 7 recommended, though any preferred brand is suitable)
Palette
Watercolour pigments (Winsor & Newton Artist's Quality recommended, though any preferred brand is suitable. Suggested colours: Indigo, Payne's Gray, French Ultramarine, Winsor Blue (green shade), Perylene Maroon, Winsor Red, Winsor Purple, Permanent Rose, Cadmium Lemon, Green Gold, Sepia)
Watercolour paper (minimum 300 gsm, hot pressed, 100% cotton recommended, A3 or A4 — cold press papers are not suitable for this course)
Drawing board (if possible)
