Create Your Own Botanical Garden Field Guide

Saturday, November 15
10am-12pm
San Francisco Botanical Garden — Meet at Main Gate

About the Program

Come enjoy the San Francisco Botanical Gardens with intention. In this guided workshop, participants will learn how to observe a plant deeply and transform those observations into a mini illustrated field guide. Through warm-up exercises, sketching prompts, and focused attention, you’ll learn how to turn what you notice into something expressive on the page.

We’ll explore:

• How to choose plants that intrigue you
• The steps of building a field guide page: main sketch, detail study, notes
• Techniques for clear observation, labeling, and design
• Optional use of light color or watercolor for accent (bring you own colored pencils)

No prior drawing experience is needed — all skill levels are welcome. You’ll leave with your own 2–3 page illustrated guide and a deeper connection to the plants around you.

Materials Needed

We will provide small sketchbooks for all participants but please bring the following:

• Pencil(s) & eraser
• Pens, colored pencils or light watercolors  (optional)
• Comfortable shoes, hat, water
• Blanket, mat, or seating cushion (optional)

About the Instructor

Hollis Callas is an illustrator & designer living, working and creating in the Inner Richmond of San Francisco. Her work is inspired by a boundless curiosity for nature and an appreciation of the beautiful subtleties spotted in her daily life. With a focus on flora & fauna, she hopes her work sparks a similar awe and admiration in others, and encourages them to become more thoughtful stewards of the wild things that make our Earth so special.

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Gardens of Golden Gate Park Members may attend this event at a 20% discount. Contact membership@gggp.org to receive the Member Discount Code, then enter the Member Discount Code in the “Promo Code” field when checking out. Discount codes do not apply to the “Pay What You Will” price level.  

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.