What is botanical painting?
is it the same as scientific illustration or floral painting ?
Botanical painting is a style of painting (most often in watercolor) that aims to
depict plants or parts of plants in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and accurate to how they are found in nature. This is not to be confused with botanical illustration which typically refers to scientifically accurate illustrations of plants, or floral painting which is more impressionistic and not necessarily realistic.
Why should I study botanical painting?
how will botanical painting enrich my life?
Botanical painting invites you to slow down, observe closely, and build a deeper connection with the natural world. Through careful study and practice, you not only sharpen your skills in drawing and watercolor but also develop a greater appreciation for the intricate beauty and diversity of plants. Whether you’re looking to enhance your artistic techniques, document the plants around you, or simply enjoy the meditative process of painting, botanical art offers a rewarding and enriching creative journey.
Join Me in The Watercolor Garden!
become a confident botanical painter.
The Watercolor Garden is my online school that teaches watercolor painters (like you) my 3-step painting method so you can master water control and feel confident about creating botanical paintings you feel proud of in less time!
Are you ready to get results with your watercolors?
Join me in a FREE Online Painting Workshop Today!
Learn a simple approach to become a confident botanical painter. By the end of this class you will be familar with my 3-step painting method and you will have a framework to use to approach all your paintings
Learn how to paint a Wild Rose with me in this one hour on-demand class. This workshop is completly free and does not require any credit card information to sign up. Click the button below to select a session to join. Learn about my 3-step painting method and how to create botanical paintings in LESS time without feeling overwhelmed.
Why start a nature journal practice?
Capture the beauty of nature and grow your artistic skills.
A nature journal practice helps you build a lasting record of the places you explore and the plants, animals, and landscapes you encounter. Over time, your journal becomes a rich resource — a personal field guide full of sketches, notes, and memories that deepen your knowledge and inspire your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, keeping a nature journal strengthens your ability to notice details, track seasonal changes, and tell the story of the natural world through your own eyes.
Ready to start your botanical painting & nature journaling journey?
Enrollment is now open for The Watercolor Garden. Sign up today and become a more confident botanical painter in as little as 30 days.
The Watercolor Garden is now open for enrollment! Whether you want to build a rich, personal record of the natural world or develop your skills in botanical art, becoming a member gives you the tools and guidance to grow. Inside, you'll find full-length courses, step-by-step lessons, and inspiring materials to help you capture plants and seasonal changes of the natural world with confidence and creativity.
Click the button below to explore everything that’s waiting for you inside The Watercolor Garden — and start your journey today!
About Your Instructor
Botanical Artist | Founder Laura Watson
Laura Watson is a botanical artist from Vancouver Island, Canada. Her love for plants started at an early age and carried through in her watercolour botanical portraits and teaching today.
Laura has a diploma with distinction from the London Art College in Botanical Painting, as well as a diploma from the U.K. Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) in Botanical Painting. In 2015 she was accepted into the Botanical Artists of Canada (BAC).
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