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The First Green: Spring Among the Leaf Litterw/Margaret SaylorSunday, February 28, 202710:00 am -3:00 pm

Late winter looks like nothing is happening until you get down close. Under the brown leaves, the first snowdrops are already pushing through. In this full-day workshop we draw that moment: the layers of litter, the edges and shadows, and the small bit of new growth coming up through it. We start in graphite. Then we add light watercolor on the new growth only, so the color sits where the life is. You'll practice observing the earliest plant growth in its habitat and finish with a sketchbook page of your own. Offered during the exhibition Rooted: Plants in Place. All levels welcome.Subjects to gatherBring a subject of early growth along with some of the leaf litter it grows in. Good choices include:• Snowdrops• Hellebores• Winter aconite• Crocus or Iris reticulata• New shoots of daffodil or other spring bulbs• Branches with swelling buds• Evergreen fern fronds• MossTake them from your own garden or a spot where you have permission, and leave wild plants where they are. Bring more litter than you think you need.Materials• A good quality sketchbook with paper that handles graphite and light watercolor. Use one you already own, or try something new. Options: Luchetti True-Flat Sketchbook, 8" square, hot press (made in limited batches, so order early), or a Stillman & Birn Zeta series sketchbook (hardcover or softcover).• Graphite pencils, 2H, HB, and 2B, with sharpener• Tuffstuff eraser stick and a kneaded eraser• Watercolor set: 2 water vessels, a palette with room to mix, and a round brush, #4 or #6 (DaVinci Maestro Kolinsky or Raphael #4 8408)• Basic palette: Lemon Yellow, Cerulean Blue, French Ultramarine; Quinacridone Gold is a good addition for the dead leaves• Optional: drawing board, battery-powered Ott light, camera or phone• Bring lunch

Instructor

Margaret Saylor