WIP detail of Cholla (spp.) skeleton collected near Oracle, Arizona. Carbon dust and instant coffee on paper stained with coffee grounds (both instant coffee and coffee grounds fair trade organic coffee).
© 2024, Deborah B Shaw
'Introduction to Carbon Dust and Mixed Media,' a one-day workshop with Deb Shaw
Carbon dust is an old technique (developed in the early 20th century for medical illustration) that's enjoying a renaissance.
Using a combination of carbon pencils and carbon dust applied with brushes, this unique medium produces rich tonal renderings with the value range of charcoal and the precision of watercolor. Carbon dust artworks can develop a full tonal range quickly. At the same time, the medium is incredibly forgiving, allowing the artist to work back and forth to develop details.
Participants will learn how to create carbon dust, and then how to layer with brushes and carbon pencils to create luminous grey scale tones and values. We will explore papers, film and various blending methods. Lastly, we will end the workshop with mixed media applications with watercolor, pastels, and/or colored pencils and will touch on some wacky, fun background applications. If you would like to create a coffee- or tea-stained background to bring to the workshop, click here for a one-page PDF instruction sheet. The background needs to be completely dry, so you'll want to create it well before the workshop date.
Try before you buy! Each participant will receive a “goody bag” with all the specialty materials needed for the day. Be sure to check the materials list (click here to download the PDF) to see what's in the goody bag and the additional materials you may want to bring.)
Bring a sack lunch, or purchase lunch in the Peacock Café (although, be forewarned, lines tend to be long on the weekends). And, as always, carpooling is encouraged!
© 2024, Deborah B Shaw. Work-in-progress of Cholla (spp.) skeleton collected near Oracle, Arizona.
Carbon dust and instant coffee on coffee-stained paper (coffee grounds and instant coffee both fair trade organic.)
Information at a Glance
DATE:
Saturday, September 7, 2024
10:00 am – 3:00 pm Pacific Time (Room opens at 9:15)
Location:
Palm Room
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
301 North Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007
FEES: (includes admission to the Arboretum)
In celebration of our back-in-person workshops, BAGSC is offering a special workshop registration fee for members with workshop supplies included! (See materials list for details about supplies.)
BAGSC Members: $20.00
Non-members: $50.00
Students: $10.00
SCHEDULE: (all Pacific Time)
9:15 am, Room open for set-up. Bring your own coffee or tea (BAGSC will supply a sweet something.)
10:00 am, Workshop begins with demonstrations.
Noon – 1 pm, Lunch. Bring your own or purchase lunch the the Peacock Café (note—weekend lunch lines can be long). The Palm Room will be open and staffed during lunch if you would like to continue working or eat in the room.
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Workshop.
3:00 – 3:30 pm, Clean-up. All help appreciated. :-)
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Carpooling is encouraged.
Download a materials list to see what's in the goody bag and what you may want to bring by clicking here.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROGRAM?
Contact BAGSC Education Committee by clicking here.
PROBLEMS WITH REGISTRATION?
Contact BAGSC Media Committee by clicking here.
About our Presenter
Deborah Shaw (Deb) has a degree in fine art from Pomona College, Claremont Colleges, where she also studied botany and California flora.
She is a member of ASBA, BAGSC, Northern California Society of Botanical Artists, Southwest Society
of Botanical Artists, and the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators. She teaches online and in-person at numerous US and international venues.
Deb’s work has been exhibited internationally and is in permanent collections at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; the botanical collections at The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California; the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery, South Africa; and in private collections. She has received numerous awards for art and design.
She is the recipient of the 2020 ASBA James White Service Award and is a contributor to "Botanical Art Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide…” by Carol Woodin and Robin Jess.
In 2022, Deborah was honored to have two artworks accepted into the Grootbos Florilegium, describing the wonders of the South African Cape Floral Kingdom.