Join us to learn and discuss ways to expand our mushroom identification skills through observation, drawing, and mushroom structure basics with Molly, an artist and CTMS’s Arts Education lead

The goal of this workshop will be to introduce attendees to the basics of fungal observation and illustration through: 

• Practicing observation skills using our senses and considering animist language and time

• Recognizing usual parts that form mycelium and mushrooms 

• Applying foundational drawing skills to capture observations visually

The 1 hour workshop will include pencil drawing on paper. 

The course will start with basic observation / drawing activities (e.g. contour draw a mushroom provided) The group will discuss basic impressions from observing and contour drawing of the mushroom. Artists will then sniff, taste, make tea from one of the provided mushrooms and draw again. The group will discuss what new impressions they gained from interacting with the mushroom beyond the sense of sight.

Then, we will demonstrate the basics of mushroom parts (stipe, cap, gills vs pores, etc.) and again contour draw a mushroom. Group will discuss the changes from their first two contour drawings to this one.

Lastly, we will discuss the basics of 3d form (hatching, Pointillism, direction of marks) and we’ll create more rendered drawings of mushrooms. The group will discuss progression from their first drawing to last.