In February, the National Museum of Natural History at BAS (NMNHS-BAS) invites curious residents of Sofia aged 14 and above to botanical scientific illustration workshops with SAFSI (Society of Animal, Floral and Scientific Illustrators). The series of three workshops on scientific botanical illustration will be led by Natalia Stambolova.

At the beginning of each session, participants will meet with a museum botanist who will introduce them to the characteristics of their chosen plant as a botanical subject.

Those who choose to purchase tickets for the first two workshops will receive a code for a 50% discount on the third. It is necessary to have a profile in URBO, through which you will receive the code after purchasing the two tickets.

As always, participants will be provided with professional watercolor paints, high-quality watercolor paper, and all necessary materials – tracing paper, sketch paper, pencils, and more.

During the workshop, together with Natalia, participants will go through all stages of the process: sketching, transferring the sketch using tracing paper, and developing the final illustration in watercolor. Printed step-by-step instructions will be provided for each participant. During the session, they will also watch short videos demonstrating the workflow and techniques used.

For me, botanical drawing is a kind of bridge and meeting point between science and art. During these workshops, participants go through a specific drawing process that requires considerable attention and a degree of patience—something that stands in complete contrast to our fast-paced daily lives. The ultimate goal of these sessions is not for everyone to leave with a perfect illustration. Rather, my aim is to open the door to seeing and experiencing nature in a slightly deeper way, shared illustrator Natalia Stambolova.

Listen to the full conversation HERE.