Watercolour for Beginners
Learn Watercolour from Nature: Discover Botanical Illustration
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If you have a love for nature—especially the quiet beauty of plants—and enjoy noticing the small details in the world around you, this course is a wonderful place to begin.
Watercolour Fundamentals is designed as an introduction to botanical illustration, with a gentle, step-by-step approach that welcomes both absolute beginners and experienced artists looking to build a strong foundation in watercolour techniques.
You don’t need any previous experience with botanical art—or even with painting. All you need is curiosity, a bit of patience, and an interest in learning how to observe and paint the natural world with care.
This course focuses on the essential techniques of watercolour painting, specifically adapted for botanical subjects.
You’ll learn how to:
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Control water and pigment with confidence
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Mix and layer colours
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Use your brush with precision and softness
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Observe plant forms and translate them into simple studies
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Understand basic composition and balance on the page
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Each session includes a blend of theory and hands-on practice. We’ll introduce watercolour terms and concepts clearly, with plenty of visual examples and time for questions. Every lesson builds on the last, helping you move forward at a steady and comfortable pace.
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This course is ideal if you:
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Are completely new to watercolour or returning after a long break
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Have never done detailed drawing but enjoy visual learning
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Are an experienced artist curious about botanical illustration
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Simply want to slow down, observe more closely, and create something beautiful with your hands
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All art concepts will be introduced from the ground up, so there’s no need to worry about keeping up. Each technique is broken down into manageable steps, and the atmosphere in the studio is calm, supportive, and focused on learning rather than rushing.
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Beyond the Classroom
To help reinforce your progress, regular homework exercises will be assigned between sessions. These are designed to fit into daily life while giving you meaningful time to continue practicing on your own. Many students find this part of the course especially rewarding.
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What to Expect in Each Session
Every class follows a clear, supportive structure that helps you grow both as a painter and an observer. Each lesson includes three connected parts:
Visual Concepts
We begin with a focused theme—such as light and shade, volume, or tonal values—that deepens your understanding of how we see and interpret natural forms.
These visual ideas are essential not only for botanical illustration but for all areas of drawing and painting. You’ll be encouraged to observe more closely and think critically about how these concepts appear in the natural world.
Technique & Craft
Next, you’ll be guided through short exercises that bring the day’s theme into practice. These are designed to strengthen your technical skills—such as how to mix colours effectively, control the paint-to-water ratio, and use your brushes with clarity and purpose.
You’ll first see a demonstration from me, and then you'll repeat the process yourself—step by step—gaining hands-on experience that gradually builds your confidence.
‘'Without craftsmanship, inspiration is a mere reed shaken in the wind. ’' Johannes Brahms
A small Artwork to Complete at Home
To finish, we’ll create a small piece that combines what you’ve learned. You’ll work from a reference image that reflects the lesson’s objective, and more experienced artists are welcome to select and sketch their own subject if they prefer.This is your time to bring theory and technique together in a relaxed, creative way—and to see your progress take shape on the page.And of course, throughout the process, we’ll keep the atmosphere light, focused, and enjoyable. Expect a bit of challenge, plenty of support, and a good deal of joy.
