Supply list for all vellum classes
Paint colors that I use
Supply list for all vellum classes
Paint colors that I use
Paint list for all vellum classes
Painting Grapes on Vellum in Vienna, Austria
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Learn my approach to painting on vellum in this one-day workshop at the Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna. We will be painting a small cluster of grapes - concentrating on seeing and painting the colors in the grapes, mixing browns for the stems, painting the texture of the stems, and painting the cloudy bloom on the grapes themselves.
This class is designed for students new to vellum (learn how to successfully paint on vellum) as well as for more experienced vellum painters (learn new tricks and techniques and bring your work to the next level). The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, hands-on time for developing skills, and lots of individual attention and feedback.
Painting Spring Flowers on Vellum in France
Clos Mirabel
April 18-25, 2026
(Wednesday is a free day to explore the area on your own)
Limit: 12 students
Cost: $500 (class only - I will invoice you through PayPal)
Learn my approach to painting on vellum during this five-day workshop at the beautiful Clos Mirabel in the south of France. We will begin by doing some exercises on small bits of vellum to learn technique and to get a feel for painting on this surface. Then, we will explore the grounds of Clos Mirabel to choose painting subjects – roses, hellebores, poppies, columbines, fruit trees, iris, and so much more will be blooming this time of the year. If we are lucky, there may even be a few vegetables ready in the kitchen garden.
This class is designed for students new to vellum (learn how to successfully paint on vellum) as well as for more experienced vellum painters (learn new tricks and techniques and bring your work to the next level). The workshop combines demonstrations, discussion of materials and techniques, hands-on time for developing skills, and lots of individual attention and feedback.
You may also choose to do a Hoefnagel-Inspired painting of the treasures you find in the gardens. Experienced vellum painters can use this as a studio class to work on anything they like.
To register for the class, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com. To book and pay for your hotel arrangements please email atelierclosmirabel@gmail.com.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel this class on or before March 16, 2026, your class payment will be
refunded through PayPal minus any PayPal fees. No refunds are possible after March 17, 2026.
2 places
remaining
Online Classes and Lectures
These are instruction-only online classes. You will not be working along, which allows you the opportunity to see everything and not miss a word. Classes are a combination of slide presentations,
pre-recorded videos, live demonstrations, and plenty of time for questions. Most classes are designed for artists at all levels. If they are not, or if there are special requirements, that will be noted in the class description.
Supply list for all classes
Zoom classes will be recorded and will be
available to students for 10 days after each session.
Class has filled
Hoefnagel-Inspired on Vellum
(online class)
Wednesdays, January 15, 22, 29, February 5, 2025
Noon – 2:00pm Central time
Class is two hours, but I will reserve an extra half hour at the end (2:00-2:30)
for questions and review if needed.
Limit: 15 students
Cost: $350 (you will be billed through PayPal)
Taking inspiration from the work of Joris Hoefnagel (Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta) you will learn how to create a painting from your collection of tiny natural treasures - plants, seashells, insects, etc.
This is a demonstration-only Zoom class (you will not be creating work during class), but you will have the opportunity to email scans of your work for feedback between classes. This class is for artists with some experience painting on vellum (if you have not painted on vellum, the Pre-Recorded Painting on Vellum class would be a great way to prepare for this class).
Full payment holds your place in class.
To register, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com
Painting Cast Shadows
(online class)
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Noon – 2:00pm Central time
Class is two hours, but I will reserve an extra half hour at the end (2:00-2:30)
for questions and review if needed.
Limit: 20 students
Cost: $48 (you will be billed through PayPal)
Cast shadows have always been a rather controversial subject in botanical art. Lately though, I have become very interested in shadows and in the drama they can add to a painting. In this class, we will talk about how and when I use shadows, and how I paint shadows, including colors used to make an effective shadow.
This is a demonstration-only Zoom class (you will not be creating work during class).
Full payment holds your place in class.
To register, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com
Berries, Leaves, and Branches on Vellum
(online class)
Wednesdays, June 18, 25, July 9, 16, 2025 (skip week of July 4)
Noon - 2:00 pm Central time
Class is two hours, but I will reserve an extra half hour at the end (2:00-2:30)
for questions and review if needed.
Limit: 15 students
Cost: $350 ( you will be billed through PayPal)
I have always loved painting berries. Join me in learning how to paint raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and gooseberries on vellum. Learn how to improve your leaves – everything from drawing tips to mixing greens. We will also spend time talking about painting branches, mixing browns, and seeing detail.
This is a demonstration-only Zoom class (you will not be creating work during class), but you will have the opportunity to email scans of your work for feedback between classes. This class is for artists with some experience painting on vellum.
Full payment holds your place in class.
To register, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com
Painting Insects on Vellum
(online class)
Wednesdays, August 13, 20, 27, 2025
Noon - 2:00 pm Central time
Class is two hours, but I will reserve an extra half hour at the end (2:00-2:30)
for questions and review if needed.
Limit: 15 students
Cost: $275 ( you will be billed through PayPal)
In this class, students will learn to paint beetles, dragonflies, and butterflies on vellum. We will talk about insect parts, create very detailed drawings, transfer them to vellum, and begin painting. Students will learn how to mix insect colors, experiment with gouache, and create textures such as the shine on a beetle or the velvety softness of a butterfly wing. Students can paint from photos or from dead insects they have found – either a single insect or a grouping of insects.
This is a demonstration-only Zoom class (you will not be creating work during class), but you will have the opportunity to email scans of your work for feedback between classes. This class is for artists with some experience painting on vellum.
Full payment holds your place in class.
To register, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com
Painting on Vellum - The Basics
(pre-recorded online class)
Cost: $40 (you will be billed through PayPal)
This is a 2-hour pre-recorded (not live) class for those who have never painted on vellum, but are interested in learning more about it. This class will prepare you to take my other painting on vellum classes where vellum experience is suggested.
In this demonstration-only Zoom class (you will not be creating work during class), I will discuss what vellum is and how it is made. I will talk about supplies needed for painting on vellum, and you will learn my technique as I demonstrate painting a pear on vellum.
This is a pre-recorded class. I will send you the link and you will be able to watch the class whenever you like (and as many times as you like) for 60 days. I do ask and appreciate that you don’t share the link with anyone. Thank you.
To register, please email me at denisewalserkolar@gmail.com
Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel an online class for any reason, your payment will be refunded (minus any PayPal fees) through PayPal.
No refunds on "Painting on Vellum - The Basics" (pre-recorded online class)