JULY 24 & 25, 2026
10:00AM - 2:00PM Pacific Time US & Canada
Live and Recorded
Birago’s Botanical 'S' is a two-session Live Zoom paint-along inspired by an illuminated letter 'S' by 14th century illuminator and engraver, Giovanni Pietro da Birago.
Join Medieval Manuscript Artist/Instructor Risa Gettler as she guides participants step by step through painting a luminous, late-medieval-inspired botanical letter filled with gold*, color, vine work, and sophistication.
Participants will learn various shading and highlighting painting techniques.
Two line-art patterns are included with this paint-along, the original and a simplified version.
Pre-session preparation and painting are required; registered participants receive an instructional video on tasks to complete prior to the first session.
On the Monday following the live sessions, a bonus, non-recorded Live Open Studio Salon is available as a relaxed evening session for questions, troubleshooting, and finishing touches for anyone who would like extra time to complete the project.
*Gold will be painted with mica watercolor; gilding is not included in this paint-along.
Participants who wish to use a gilded background should complete the gilding before the first live session.
EARLY BIRDS SAVE $10 with coupon code:
10BIRAGO
This section contains the Pre-Session video, instructions and a the starting the paint-along sample.
We've included several types of formats (JPG, PNG, PDF) for each pattern type for your convenience.
Find the original and a painted sample by Risa Gettler to reference color, value, pattern and placement.
An additional image combining Risa's painting and the original S - MS Cor.10, f. 70r is also available for your educational reference.
This section contains the recorded videos for each session along with a class summary of the chat along with any tips and products mentioned.