We hebben iets bijzonders. Dit voorjaar starten we met een botanisch tekenen cursus. Op maat gemaakt en gegeven op ons natuurgoed in ontwikkeling door Donea Almir. Deze cursus wordt gegeven in het Engels. Ervaring met tekenen is niet nodig.
Botanical illustration course
A personal journey into the art of plants
We have something special. This spring we start a botanical illustration course. Tailor-made and given by Donea Almir at our nature estate in development, Natuurgoed Ziedewij. This course will be in English. No drawing experience is necessary.
A sensory experience
Meet Donea Almir, a designer and artist from Syria. Donea will take you on a sensory exploration & observation journey. What is growing on the fields this time of the year and what special properties does each plant have? This course is a total experience in observation, sense, drawing and botanical knowledge.
Create an unique botanical journal
Have a taste of Natuurgoed Ziedewij’s own forest garden products, get to know native plants and why they’re of big value for our biodiversity.
In 5 sessions you’ll learn and experience different drawing techniques such as pencil, ink, natural pigments and watercolor. At the end of the course you will have a unique botanical journal entry that reflects personal observation, creative expression, and scientific curiosity. Each journal will be a keepsake connecting nature, memory, and craftsmanship.
We’d love to welcome you for this special journey.
Practical info
Course Length: 5 Sessions (1 session/week)
Session Duration: 4 hours each (middays, 1 PM till 5 PM)
Two groups: Thursday and Saturday
Dates: Thursday – June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June and 3rd July
Saturday – June 7th, 15th, 21st, 28th June, and 5th July (Note: The session on June 15th will be held on a Sunday.)
Group size: 6 to 8 students
Included: all materials, drinks & snack
Cost: € 300
Sign up by email: info@natuurgoedziedewij.nl
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for questions.
1. Introduction & First Encounter with a Plant
Sensory Exploration & Observation
Welcome, course overview, introductions, and sharing motivations.
Taste a product made from a seasonal plant at Ziedewij. Introduction to the plant used in the product.
Observational activities: describe, draw, photograph, use magnifiers.
Make natural impressions: leaf rubbings, fruit pigment stains.
Free writing, color notations, and texture studies.
Drinks & snack
Pencil Drawing Foundations
Introduction to pencil techniques.
2. Outdoor Observation & Studio Work
Garden Fieldwork
Briefing and task explanation.
Outdoor plant selection, observation, use of plant ID apps.
Encourage recipe or product ideas related to the chosen plant.
Drinks & snack
Pencil Shading & Drying Techniques Practice detailed drawing of plant parts and whole form.
Introduction to light, shadow, and textural pencil effects.
3. Ink Illustration & Botanical Research
Ink Technique Introduction
Learn outlining, line weight, and texturing with ink tools. Apply ink to previously drawn pencil sketches.
Drinks & snack
Scientific Notes & Journal Progress
Add botanical context: names, habitat, use, structure. Review dried plant parts. Share recipes or ideas for plant-based uses. Continue journal development using ink.
4. Natural Color & Watercolor Techniques
Natural Pigments & Observation
Extract color from plants (berries, petals, leaves). Make pigment stains and experiment with color.
Drinks & snack
Watercolor Practice Learn basic techniques: layering, blending, wet-on-wet, dry brush. Apply watercolor to drawings with attention to detail.
5. Final Journal Layout & Completion
Planning the Final Spread Learn page composition and visual hierarchy. Plan a two-page layout combining image, text, and observations.
Drinks & snack
Final Work & Sharing Finalize drawings with ink and watercolor. Refine text and layout to complete the botanical journal entry.
Show and celebrate your own, unique botanical journal!
Meet Donea Almir
A designer and artist with a background in architecture. Donea reflects on the impact of construction on natural landscapes. She focused on the wild and ancient beauty of Syria, her home country. Over time, she set a personal mission: to explore, document, and celebrate the landscapes and native flora. One of the ways to preserve plants is through ink drawing, capturing their delicate forms in a timeless and artistic way.
She is founder of Levantalor—a project that honors Syria’s botanical and cultural heritage through art and traditional crafts.
