Botanical Watercolour Painting Workshop

Discover the delicate beauty of plants and flowers through the calming art of watercolour painting. This relaxed, hands-on workshop is designed to introduce participants to botanical painting techniques in a supportive and inspiring setting. Working from natural forms, you will learn how to observe shape, colour and detail, then translate these qualities into expressive watercolour studies.

What You Will Learn

·        Simple approaches to drawing botanical shapes with accuracy and confidence

·        How to mix natural colours inspired by leaves, petals and stems

·        Essential watercolour techniques, including washes, layering, blending and dry-brush detail

·        Ways to use light, shade and fine brushwork to bring botanical subjects to life

·        How to develop your own finished botanical-inspired watercolour piece

Who Is It For?

This workshop is suitable for complete beginners, anyone returning to watercolour after a break, or creative people who enjoy working from nature. No previous painting experience is needed—just curiosity, patience and a willingness to experiment.

Materials

All basic materials can be provided, including watercolour paints, brushes, paper and reference inspiration. Participants are also welcome to bring a favourite flower, leaf, sketchbook or watercolour set if they would like to work with their own materials.

By the end of the session, you will have explored the foundations of botanical watercolour painting and created your own artwork to take home. This is a peaceful opportunity to slow down, look closely at the natural world and enjoy the pleasure of painting in good company.

The tutor for this workshop is Emsworth's own Jo Silcock. 

Jo is a painter working in watercolours, acrylics and mixed media. She is influenced by all things nautical and coastal including flora and fauna, especially in the local Emsworth area. Jo paints in many mediums and styles from realism to abstract.  Jo exhibits with the Emsworth artists and the Emsworth Arts Trail. Jo has used Art in a therapeutic way throughout her career in Social care within Education and really believes it is a great form of communication and mindfulness.  Jo now teaches Art to adults and children in the local area which is very rewarding... she believes that Art should be fun and rules can be broken. That is Creativity!

20th September 2026 10-1pm 

Cost is £45 for tuition and refreshments, including cake!

To bring: Watercolour Paints, brushes and paper/canvas - if you wish.  We have some available to purchase in the shop if you don't have any yet.

If you are enjoying your painting journey, these sessions will continue to further develop on your skills.