🌿 A Botanical Art Journey in London: February Workshop Recap
There’s something truly magical about gathering like-minded individuals to explore the delicate and intricate world of botanical art. In February, I had the joy of leading a four-day watercolor workshop at the historic Linnean Society of London, a place steeped in botanical history—providing the perfect setting for an immersive, artistic experience.
For those who couldn’t join us, I’ve captured the highlights and key moments in a special video. Watch here:
Day 1: A Warm Welcome & A Glimpse Into Botanical History
As my students arrived from different corners of the world, there was an electric mix of excitement and anticipation. I always strive to ensure that each attendee walks away enriched, and the beginning of a workshop is always filled with both enthusiasm and a few nerves. But as soon as we began, I trusted the process—my teaching, my passion, and, most importantly, the joy of sharing knowledge.
Our first day was all about settling in, getting acquainted, and preparing for the artistic journey ahead. We started by exploring our art supplies and practicing warm-up watercolor exercises. I always emphasize that the key to mastering botanical painting lies in patience, observation, and understanding the medium.
One of the highlights of the day was our excursion within The Linnean Society itself. The curator guided us through a stunning collection of 18th-century botanical paintings. These masterpieces, meticulously crafted centuries ago, provided invaluable insights into traditional botanical art techniques.
I made sure to highlight the delicate, almost translucent quality of the thin paper used back then, demonstrating how any paper can be suitable if handled correctly. It became a perfect teaching moment where I encouraged students to experiment with layering watercolor washes, ensuring that each layer dried properly before adding the next—an essential technique for achieving depth and vibrancy in botanical painting.
The Linnean Society - Tower Room
Day 2: Immersed in the Beauty of Kew Gardens
On the second day, we ventured to one of the world’s most breathtaking botanical havens—Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. Everywhere we looked, there was inspiration waiting to be captured in paint.
We first visited the Orchid Show, a vibrant, immersive experience where we took in the gorgeous array of colors, intricate petal structures, and the natural elegance of orchids. These flowers provided the perfect subject matter for botanical illustrations, allowing us to study shape, light, and contrast.
A truly unforgettable moment was our visit to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery, where we analyzed contemporary botanical paintings in detail. I guided my students through the precision of brushstrokes and techniques used by modern botanical artists.
From there, we explored the Marianne North Gallery, a space that left us all speechless. Her collection, bursting with vibrancy and unique compositions, reminded us of just how boundless our creativity can be. Seeing her work displayed in such an extraordinary setting was a strong inspiration for all of us to push our artistic boundaries.
Days 3 & 4: Deep Dive Into Watercolor Painting
With hearts and minds full of inspiration, the final two days were dedicated entirely to painting. My approach to workshops is not about rushing toward a finished piece, but rather about equipping students with valuable skills, techniques, and confidence that they can carry forward in their artistic journeys.
Over these two days, we:
âś… Explored different watercolor applications
(wet-on-wet, glazing, and fine detailing)
âś… Practiced color mixing to create realistic botanical hues
✅ Focused on different botanical subjects—from leaves and flowers to intricate textures
Tried to show as much as possible different subjects!
Through live demonstrations and one-on-one guidance, I made sure that every student felt empowered to** experiment, refine their techniques, and build confidence in their brushwork**. It was deeply rewarding to witness their progress—the transformation wasn’t just in their technical skills but also in how they observed and connected with nature through art.
By the end of the workshop, it was clear that each attendee left with more than just paintings—they had developed an entirely new way of seeing the world and appreciating the artistic beauty of nature.
This London workshop was truly a special, enriching experience, filled with learning, discovery, and the warmth of sharing art with a like-minded community. I’m endlessly grateful to each student who joined me and contributed to the magic of those four days.
Join Me for the Next Adventure: France Art Retreat 2025! 🇫🇷
If you missed the London workshop or want to continue your creative journey, I’m thrilled to invite you to my exclusive France Art Retreat 2025 in the heart of Provence! 🌿🎨
đź“… August 3-9, 2025
đź“Ť Fontblanche Provencal Estate, Gordes, France
🌿 Limited spots available!
What to expect:
✨ Immersive botanical painting sessions in breathtaking landscapes
🍷 Visits to vineyards and local markets for inspiration
🏡 A stunning estate stay where creativity and relaxation come together
đź”— Learn More & Reserve Your Spot
I can’t wait to create with you again! Happy painting! 🎨💙
With gratitude,
Kristine ✨