Laura Watson Art

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.

Welcome to The Watercolor Garden

Come see inside!

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?

Learn More Here

What Students are Saying About The Watercolor Garden

Evergreens & Berries

Louise La Rocque

I learned a so much about the card making process and Laura's excellent instructions are taking me step by step toward a watercolour painting that I can be p...

I learned a so much about the card making process and Laura's excellent instructions are taking me step by step toward a watercolour painting that I can be proud of.

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Botanicals for Beginners

Cindy Bishop

These mini lessons are very helpful. I now have more confidence to continue.

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Painting Watercolor Holly

Margaret Graham

This course is easy to follow with lots of detailed instruction. I particularly like the concept of the 3 step painting method, helping me organize the road...

This course is easy to follow with lots of detailed instruction. I particularly like the concept of the 3 step painting method, helping me organize the roadmap to the final product.

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Snowdrops

Deb Starnes

I really enjoyed this tutorial. I opted to use a fine liner on this project and although I'm happy with the results, I will try painting it again without u...

I really enjoyed this tutorial. I opted to use a fine liner on this project and although I'm happy with the results, I will try painting it again without using liner the next time.

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how to start a nature sketchbook

Patty McLeod

I've recently taken several courses for nature watercolor paintings...From some very published artists ! This course was so much better. Simple , comprehens...

I've recently taken several courses for nature watercolor paintings...From some very published artists ! This course was so much better. Simple , comprehensive, great techniques, great videos and excellent teachings.

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Rowan Tree Class - Such a fun project

Catherine Smith

What's not to like about painting wonderful red berries and interesting leaves and branches. Laura explains this project very clearly and it is easy to foll...

What's not to like about painting wonderful red berries and interesting leaves and branches. Laura explains this project very clearly and it is easy to follow along with her. Such a satisfying way to spend a couple of hours.

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Try The Watercolor Garden for FREE!

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 Tiger Lily 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.

Start Your Own Nature Journal

Learn the skills you need to create your own nature journal in The Watercolor Garden

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!

Sign Me Up

About Your Instructor

Botanical Artist | Founder Laura Watson

Laura Watson is a botanical artist based on Vancouver Island, Canada. Her lifelong love of plants began in childhood and continues to inspire her detailed watercolor botanical portraits and teaching practice. She holds a Diploma with Distinction in Botanical Painting from the London Art College and a diploma from the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) in the UK. In 2015, Laura was accepted into the Botanical Artists of Canada (BAC). Her work centers on nature journaling, particularly her ongoing Native Plants Feature Series, which documents the native flora of the Pacific Northwest through intricate watercolor and ink illustrations. 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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Not quite ready to join The Watercolor Garden? Sign up here for free, and get direct links to new YouTube videos, plus extra tips and inspiration for your nature journal and botanical paintings.

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