Drawing the American Rose (Online Workshop)

Mary Ellen Carsley, scientific and botanical illustrator
Beginners and experienced artists can discover the beauty of roses through drawing! In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of botanical drawing by working with line, shape, and value to create the illusion of form. Mary Ellen will demonstrate tricks for accurate visual measurement, revealing botanical anatomy, and creating balanced compositions. And don’t worry, we will discuss avoiding beginner mistakes and the fear of the blank sketchbook page. We will even take a peek at color basics! Grab your pencils and sketchbook, and let’s spend the morning drawing beautiful roses together!

Please note: This program is offered in support of the USBG’s “America's State Flowers: An America250 Celebration” exhibit.

Intended Audience: All Levels

Saturday, April 18, 2026
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern
Location: Online
FREE: Pre-registration required


Register Here

About the presenters

Mary Ellen Carsley

scientific and botanical illustrator
Mary Ellen Carsley is a scientific and botanical illustrator, as well as an art educator. A former practicing architect, she has illustrated eight books and numerous articles for national and international journals. Her works have been included in the collecti...(read more)