Denver Botanic Gardens’ Certificate Program in Botanical Art and Illustration

PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Guidelines for students wishing to complete the Portfolio Review for aCertificate in Botanical Art and Illustration

After completing all required coursework as outlined in the document attached, Certificatecandidates will prepare and present a portfolio of finished botanical artwork for review by acommittee of instructors for Denver Botanic Gardens’ Botanical Illustration Program.Please follow and check off the guidelines below as you begin to prepare your portfolio. ___ 1. Complete all coursework as outlined on attached page. ___ 2. Request a copy of your transcript from the Program Manager (720-865-3653, Mervi.Hjelmroos-Koski@botanicgardens.org). ___ 3. Contact Botanical Art and Illustration Program Coordinator to request approvalfor participation in Portfolio Review and learn scheduled date of next Review.

Preparing Your PortfolioThe complete portfolio will contain five (5) finished botanical plates as follows:1.Graphite2.Colored Pencil3.Pen and Ink 4.Watermedia

Artists choice

: This can be a plate in any of the media taught within the program or acombination of them.As you select plates to include in your portfolio, remember that the Portfolio Review is anopportunity to present your highest level of work in each medium. Please demonstrate your best efforts in composition, scientific accuracy, artistic ability, and accurate scientific labeling.Though some of your plates may have been started or completed during classes, you areencouraged to include work done independently as well.Your work may be presented framed, unframed, matted, or in a physical portfolio, but none of these are necessary.

Your artwork is the focus of the Review.

Please enjoy the Portfolio Review! It is your chance to show what you have learned in theProgram, and to gain valuable feedback as you move on in your art work.If you have any questions about the Review process, please contact the Program Coordinator,Mervi Hjelmroos-Koski at 720-865-3653 or Mervi.Hjelmroos-koski@botanicgardens.org. If you have questions about a particular medium or if you would like to schedule a time to preview your work with the appropriate instructor, please contact the instructor directly.

Use these checklists to review your work as you prepare for the Portfolio Review.Instructors will use these same points of reference during the Review.All plates:

___ Ground is appropriate and clean, with no smudges, obvious erasures, bent or torn edges. ___ Drawing of all subjects is scientifically accurate. ___ Form development is complete and includes a full range of values from light to dark. ___ Light source is clear and understandable. Highlights are appropriate to the shape andtexture of the plant subject and are consistent throughout the work. ___ Depth overlaps, and atmospheric perspective are clear and effective.

1. Graphite

The completed plate will be executed in graphite, carbon pencil, wash or Ebony pencils,carbon dust or a combination of these media. It must be labeled correctly with the scientificname of the plant, including genus and species. The label may be on the plate or presentedseparately. ___ Tonal areas demonstrate smooth and continuous changes. ___ Line demonstrates appropriate weight and modeling. ___ Detail is accurately rendered and well understood.

2. Colored Pencil

The completed plate will be executed in colored pencil, which may included wax, oil or watercolor pencils. It must be labeled correctly with the scientific name of the plant, includinggenus and species. The label may be on the plate or presented separately. ___ Colors are accurate to the subject and demonstrate effective color layering with smoothapplication and color transitions. ___ Form is well represented in color with accurate hue and tonal changes. ___ Texture accurately represented with appropriate hue and tonal changes.