In the Studio,
Together
I believe learning is a lifelong process. What we often need most is a clear and supportive structure—and a space to grow at our own pace. These courses are offering just that: a calm, engaging environment where you can explore botanical illustration through a thoughtful blend of observation, technique, and personal expression. They are not about talent or perfection but skill, gaining confidence, and finding joy in the process of painting.
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How the Courses Work
Each session follows a two-part structure:
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We begin with a focus topic—a short discussion and demonstration to introduce the day’s technique, subject, or visual concept.
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Then we move into hands-on practice, where you’ll apply those ideas through small exercises,
This rhythm of theory followed by practice helps ground your learning and build fluency over time.
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To support your progress between sessions, homework is a key part of the course. These exercises are carefully designed to reinforce what we've covered in class and give you space to reflect and develop at your own pace. While they won’t be graded, they are highly recommended and strongly encouraged—and most students find them essential to their growth.
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Three Learning Paths
You’re welcome to join any course that suits your interest and schedule. While the courses aren’t strictly sequential, some familiarity with watercolour is recommended before attending the intermediate or advanced-level sessions.
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Fundamentals
These lessons focus on the foundations: how to observe like an artist, how to begin a painting with confidence, and how to use your tools with care and creativity. The emphasis is on building craftsmanship—not chasing results. -
Intermediate
At this level, we begin to explore your own creative direction. You’ll make more of your own artistic choices, with guidance along the way. We’ll talk about composition, colour decisions, and developing your personal approach. -
Mini Advanced Projects
These are short, focused courses designed to keep your practice inspired. Ideal for those with some experience, each project is a small challenge meant to push your skills further—while keeping the joy of painting at the centre.
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What You Can Expect
is a structured and enjoyable environment. Progress happens through regular practice, quiet attention, and steady encouragement—not pressure.
It might not always be easy, but I promise it will be engaging, supportive, and often quite fun.
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Looking forward to painting with you. EGO
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WITH WATERCOLOUR - EXPERIENCED
If you are interested in nature, specifically plants, and also an artist keen on details, Botanical Illustration is the perfect fit for you. This course is designed to develop the skills of watercolour and botanical illustration for the experienced artist. Every session will cover one theoretical subject and one demonstration. The students will have time to try themselves and ask questions. Exercises will be assigned for every session.
Basil - Trout Lily - Apple - Mango - Mushroom - 
Onion -
TESTIMONIALS
Excellent- methodical, organized with content of one flowing into the next. Content excellent with appropriate samples to demonstrate the underlying principle trying to be achieved for the specific lesson.
Mary
Amazing teacher and her critique is invaluable.
Encouraging to students no matter their level.
Transmits love and passion for botanical art to her students
Thank you Esra!
I will miss Thursday's meeting
Marina
Highly recommended! Esra’s watercolour classes are always well-organized, visually appealing, designed to inspire and bring out the best in her students.
Esra loves to challenge her students and provides them with the tools they need to succeed: A clear and well-developed course outline; weekly mailouts detailing class material and upcoming assignments; online classes with informal lectures, colour-mixing and painting demonstrations, supportive reviews of student work. Questions and discussion are encouraged and laughter is plentiful. Who could ask for more?
Kris
Esra is a gifted artist and an exceptional teacher. I was lucky enough to take 2 sessions with Esra in person and one 8 week session online. I was amazed by the organization and quality of activities that she provided. Each lesson included valuable exercises to teach accurate drawing, colour mixing, and then to build on these skills, a final project to complete which reinforced these new skills. Esra provided valuable and thoughtful feedback and her live demonstrations in person and online were very helpful. I was lucky to join Esra’s classes as a new botanical art student and I was incredibly happy with all that I learned. I would highly recommend her classes!
Kim xo
“Esra Ozgun is an excellent teacher. Her 8 week watercolour course is well thought out with challenging projects that build on the concepts discussed each week. Critiques are honest in their criticism but full of encouragement and advice at the same time. I learned a lot in a very pleasant atmosphere and would happily take another course from Esra.”
Looking forward to the next course,
Nancy
It is a pleasure to practise watercolour under your guidance. I have appreciated your teaching method from the start but you are knocking it out of the park now. It is obvious that you spend a great deal of thought and time to plan your classes and perhaps I could say that it shows in the improvement in my painting.
'Esra's lesson plans are guaranteed to help you improve your skills whatever your level'
This was a wonderful set of lessons and I learned an incredible amount. Thanks so much.
Gillian
Thank you Esra for being such a dedicated and inspirational instructor. Your botanical art classes were well organized, structured and designed so that we could apply what we learned in previous classes. You made botanical art fascinating and worth pursuing. I have learned so much from you, kindest regards,
Hélène.
I highly recommend this course for anyone. The teacher Ezra takes you from the first steps to the final details in her logical and intriguing teaching methods. Her demonstrations are excellent and Ezra shows us how to improve the new technique or has a new way for us to look at the subject. Her course material is excellent. Every week she had new projects for us to work on at home. Making it easier for us to get straight to painting. At the end of the course I understood so much more than when I went in. I will take another course even if it is completely repeated I will gain knowledge from this gifted teacher. And amazing artist! Also I have a journal of this course showing the lesson and my result. Very inspiring and happy to have this book of my progress. Thanks to the OSA for offering this course. Part of the fun was venturing to the Ottawa market once a week.
Valerie H